Islamic groups attack western networks

Islamic hackers are escalating their attacks on websites run by western governments and large companies.

London-based computer security firm mi2g said that 16,559 attacks were carried out in October, the worst month for digital attacks since its records began in 1995.

However, mi2g explained that the amount of damage caused by the attacks was limited because the targets hit a much lower level than before.

The main pro-Islamic hackers are USG, which has members in Egypt, Morocco and eastern Europe. It was responsible for 1,513 attacks in October.

The next largest was Pakistan-based FBH, which carried out 588 attacks during the period.

A mi2G spokesman told the BBC that more Islamic hacking groups are beginning to rally under a common anti-US, UK, Australia, India and Israeli agenda.

The attacks are mainly used to deface sites and place messages opposing war with Iraq.

But there are concerns that similar techniques could be used to hack into military security systems or control systems for nuclear power stations and water storage.