The Knesset website crashed this morning after hackers, apparently using computers located in Saudi Arabia, penetrated NetVision’s firewall.
Kesset sources told “Globes” that some files were corrupted as a result of the attack, and the staff responsible for the website are working to fix the problem and return the site to operation by the end of the day.
The attacks on the Knesset and other government websites were carried out by sending masses of e-mail. Industry experts said that the crashes were caused by the use of obsolescent e-mail servers.
This is the first time that the Knesset website has crashed. Like many other government websites, the Knesset site is stored on NetVision’s server. The Knesset stated that responsibility for the site’s security totally lies with the company, and that discussion will be held regarding the necessary actions needed to prevent a recurrence.
Chairman of the Knesset Internet and IT Committee MK Michael Eitan (Likud) said yesterday that claims that attacks initiated by Israeli surfers against the Hizballah website led to a counter-attack, were “idiotic”.
Following the escalation in the e-attacks on the official IDF website, it was decided to obtain the assistance of the US communications provider AT&T, which will store a parallel copy of the NetVision server, in order to reduce the pressure on the site.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 26 October 2000