Hackers have attacked the Russian presidential website, sites of Central Bank and some of the news and TV channels in the country, following Russia's actions in Crimea, preceding the referendum on 16 March. However, the websites are now up and running for most users, reported RT News.
"A serious DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack is currently underway, not only on the Kremlin site, but also a number of other web portals," said Kremlin's press service to Russian news agency ITAR-TASS. "Every possible measure is being taken to bring the site back online," said the press service. "At present the site is working for most users".
The attack on the Russian presidential site was termed a "powerful cyber-attack", by a Kremlin spokesperson.
Kremlin has gathered its specialists to stamp out any interruptions arising out of the series of cyber attacks. Apart from this, Kremlin has also ordered an investigation into the source of the attack.
There was also confirmation from Central Bank of Russia that their website was targeted by the hackers. The bank issued a statement saying that it is taking steps to "restore the website" and "prevent further attacks".
Russian Media Websites Attacked
Several Russian state TV channels have also been under attack by hackers. The websites were down due to a DDoS attack.
The websites of Channel One TV and All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK) were attacked. Though many believe that these attacks were related to the media coverage of the events unravelling in Ukraine, a hacker group - Anonymous Caucasus - claiming responsibility for the attack on the website of Channel One TV, tweeted the attack had "nothing to do with Ukraine, or all current events in this country, and we are not waiting for anyone."
This group was responsible for attacking news outlet LifeNews and labeling it "lapdogs of [Russian security service] FSB" earlier this week.
A DDoS attack floods the server with communications requests, knocking out the website.
