Several high-profile media websites have been affected by a hack that claims to have come from the Syrian Electronic Army, a group of\u00a0computer hackers\u00a0supervised by the\u00a0Syrian\u00a0Assad\u00a0regime. Some users accessing the affected sites have been met with a \u00a0popup message that says \u201cyou have been hacked by the Syrian Electronic Army\u201d before being redirected to an image of a crest, representative of the group.<\/p>\n
Media reports indicate that the hackers have exploited an ad or content delivery network (CDN), and in most reported cases via the Gigya comments system.<\/p>\n
A number of global websites, said to include the Chicago Tribune, CNBC, PC World, Forbes, the Independent, OK magazine, and the Telegraph, have reportedly been affected by the same issue.<\/p>\n
A part of our website run by a third-party was compromised earlier today. We’ve removed the component. No Telegraph user data was affected.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 27, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n
We are aware of the issue with our site & hope it will pass soon. It’s not affecting all users http:\/\/t.co\/MnZ9Tn4baO<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/reMRVWqclJ<\/a> \u2014 The Independent (@Independent) November 27, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n
Despite updates from affected sites, users remain confused about the implications for them:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Does the @Telegraph<\/a> website have malware? Was reading an article, then a popup appeared that said “You have been hacked by the Syrian Army” \u2014 Nick Hamilton (@nickhhh) November 27, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n