Two universities hit by Anonymous cyber attack

Oxford University confirmed last Thursday that its online security had been compromised earlier in the day by a cyber attack. The group claiming responsibility said it is associated with Anonymous. The attack came a day after the disruption of Cambridge University's network, writes Ben Weitzenkorn for Security News Daily.

Oxford said hackers gained access to a server owned by the physics department and that "a file or two were read", one of which contained a password to a database of already published research, TechWeekEurope reported. Oxford officials acknowledged that the attack was a sign that they need to bolster their network security.

The same attacker compromised the website of a member of Parliament, Peter Hain. The moves are thought to be a part of #OpFreeAssange. Anonymous operatives hacked Cambridge University's network and several British government sites last week in an effort to persuade the government to let WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange leave the country unhampered.
Full report on the NBC News site