Hackers Attack Lebanese Security Agencies, Banks

Local Editor

Lebanese security agencies and a range of public and private institutions were subjected to a hacking operation, a source confirmed Friday.

The data breach was reported by Al-Akhbar newspaper, saying that the issue was discovered around two weeks ago after an internet providing company reported an attempt to breach its data.

The unnamed company, according to the report, presented a complaint to the Public Prosecution office. The case was referred to the Internal Security Forces’ Information Branch, which led to the arrest of the perpetrator along with an accomplice.

“The two carried out a series of breaches of some official and unofficial websites, banks and even public and security institutions,” the source said according to The Daily Star, confirming that the suspects were arrested.

In its report, Al-Akhbar said that the hacking led to the collection of security and other kinds of data.

“Investigations then expanded and it turned out that the two detainees were carrying out electronic attacks aimed at stealing information and data from private companies, public institutions and security agencies,” the daily wrote, adding that others have also been arrested during the past couple of days.

“Those close to the case said that it was one of the biggest hacking operations in Lebanon’s history in which the suspects managed to steal information ... and sell it to other parties that are being identified,” Al-Akbar said.

But the source could not confirm this claim, saying that investigations are looking into the extent of the breaches and whether the hackers were indeed able to collect classified information.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team