14 DAY TRIAL // The notorious Anonymous hacktivist collective has defaced the website of India's National Informatics Centre (NIC) in support of the anti-corruption movement led by political activist Baba Ramdev.
The attack was part of Operation India, a new Anonymous operation launched after a violent government crackdown on anti-corruption protesters.
"Over fifty years ago, Indian Freedom Fighters laid down their lives for our freedom. In the end, what was it all for? Today our politicians ride slip-shod over our laws, corruption is rampant.
"If the brutal way Baba Ramdev's hunger strike was crushed is anything to go by, it would seem that India is now on its way to becoming an undemocratic 'democracy'.
"Finally, steps were taken to correct this. The Lokpal Bill was created. And what happens? False tapes turn out to discredit those who support this bill, supporters of Baba Ramdev are mercilessly and brutally attacked," Anonymous' Operation India manifesto reads.
The hack against the National Informatics Center (NIC) is a very strong statement, because the organization is responsible for the computer network infrastructure of the central and local governments, as well as other administrative bodies.
It also hosts all official websites and offers cyber security guidance to government departments. The fact that the top information security agency in the country has fallen victim to hackers is not at all encouraging for the government's cyber agenda.
"NIC took 3 mins. This time we talk to the government - On NIC Homepage and Sub-Domains. There is no use securing. There is no use of spending on forensic. Get this message clear Mr. Prime Minister and others. We do not like to talk much and YES! IT is our world. Expect Us," the message left on NIC's website read.
The hacktivist group vowed not to stop the attacks until their demands are met. These include the removal of all forms of corruption, official support for Baba Ramdev, Anna Hazare and other political and social activists, an apology for the violent crackdown on protests, the requirement of basic qualifications for members of parliament, lauching an investigation into the offshore accounts of Indian politicians and adopting severe punishments for corrupt officials.
