Paris--French television network TV5Monde was forced to broadcast only pre-recorded programmes Thursday after an "unprecedented" hack by self-proclaimed Islamic State militants, who also hijacked its websites and social networks.
The Paris-based company, whose programmes are broadcast in more than 200 countries worldwide, was the target of a cyberattack that is "unprecedented for us and unprecedented in the history of television," TV5Monde boss Yves Bigot told AFP.
"Since 5:00am (0300 GMT), we have only been able to put out a single programme on all our channels. For the moment, we are unable to produce our own programmes," Bigot added.
"When you work in television... and you find out that your 11 channels are down, of course that's one of the most dreadful things that can happen to you," he said.
The hackers took control of the station and its social media operations late Wednesday, blacking out the TV channels and posting documents on its Facebook page purporting to be the identity cards and CVs of relatives of French soldiers involved in anti-IS operations, along with threats against the troops.
"Soldiers of France, stay away from the Islamic State! You have the chance to save your families, take advantage of it," read one message on TV5Monde's Facebook page.
"The CyberCaliphate continues its cyberjihad against the enemies of Islamic State," the message added.
The defence ministry in Paris said it was working to verify whether the documents were genuine.
TV5Monde regained control of its social networks by 2:00 am Thursday but television broadcasts were likely to take hours, if not days, to return to normal. The attack would have required weeks of preparation, Bigot added.
Its website was still offline at 2:00 pm.
AFP
