Hackers claiming to be from hacktivist group “Anonymous” once again wracked the nation by launching fresh cyber attacks against 10 government agencies, local dailies and private firms on Monday, less than a week after similar attacks on the websites of Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential residence, government offices and political parties.

The websites of local newspapers Yeongnam Ilbo and Gyeongnam Ilbo; Cyber Dokdo, a government-run promotion website for the easternmost islets of Dokdo; and the continuing studies center at Korean Bible University came under attack, according to the state-run cyber security watchdog Korean Internet and Security Agency and the private cyber security firm Inca Internet.

The front pages of their websites were filled or adulterated with messages allegedly left by Anonymous hackers through a hacking tactic called “defacing,” according to Inca Internet.

“Multiple Web-hosting firms have also been hacked,” said a KISA official. “It is concerning that the damage to Web-hosting providers could spread to their customers.”

A government-sponsored competition to nurture security experts in celebration of “Information Security Month” on the day was also halted due to unknown reasons four hours into the event, at around 1 p.m.

Government officials are investigating the exact cause of the interruption.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)