France TV Cyberattack Probe Focusing On Russian Hackers

Reports say French investigators suspect a cyberattack on the television network TV5 Monde has been carried out by Russian-based hackers.

In April, hackers claiming to be affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) militant group shut down the network's transmission and posted jihadist propaganda messages on the station's website.

Judicial authorities were quoted as saying on June 9 that the police investigation is focusing on "a group of Russian hackers" known by the names APT28 or Pawn Storm.

L'Express magazine reported that the group previously tried to hack the White House and targeted the computer systems of NATO members, Russian dissidents, and Ukrainian activists.

TV5 Monde was forced to broadcast prerecorded programs after the hack, which it described as "unprecedented in the history of television."

Network authorities regained control over their systems after 18 hours.

Based on reporting by AFP and dpa