Je Suis IS: French network TV5Monde hit by pro-Islamic State hackers

One of France’s largest TV stations, TV5Monde, says it has been the victim of a cyberattack by people connected with the Islamic State group. Broadcasts were brought to a halt and the company’s websites and social networks were hijacked with the words “Cybercaliphate” and “Je suIS IS” plastered over the front. The international TV network, broadcast in more than 200 countries worldwide and based in Paris, was off air for three hours overnight, director general Yves Bigot said. Systems had been “severely damaged” by the “unprecedented attack”, Mr Bigot explained.

Soldiers of France, stay away from the Islamic State! You have the chance to save your families, take advantage of it. The CyberCaliphate continues its cyberjihad against the enemies of Islamic State.

Message posted by IS hackers

The hackers posted documents on the company’s Facebook page claiming they were identity cards and CVs of relatives of French soldiers involved in anti-IS operations. The hackers also posted threats against the troops. Mr Bigot said TV broadcasts were likely to take hours, if not days, to get back to normal. He said: “We are no longer able to broadcast any of our channels. Our websites and social media sites are no longer under our control and are all displaying claims of responsibility by Islamic State." The hackers also accused President Francois Hollande of committing "an unforgivable mistake” by getting involved in “a war that serves no purpose”.

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