france Network hacked by group claiming IS ties

Associated Press

PARIS

Hackers claiming allegiance to the Islamic State group simultaneously blacked out 11 channels of a French global TV network and took over its website and social media accounts Thursday, in what appeared to be the most-ambitious media attack so far by the extremist group.

Anti-terror prosecutors opened an investigation into the attack that began late Wednesday and blocked TV5 Monde from functioning part of the day Thursday. Operations were fully re-established Thursday evening.

France’s interior minister, while counseling caution until investigators find hard evidence, said the attack likely was a terrorist act. “Numerous elements converge to suggest the cause of this attack is, indeed, a terrorist act,” Bernard Cazeneuve said at a news conference.

France is “absolutely determined to catch those who want to strike at its heart,” the minister said.

The hackers briefly cut transmission of 11 channels belonging to TV5 Monde and took over its websites and social media accounts. The channel’s director, Yves Bigot, said the attack continued into Thursday. However, the station was able to broadcast its 6 p.m. live show, “64 Minutes.”