FBI warns companies of ISIS-inspired cyber-attack
The FBI warned companies Friday that hackers inspired by Islamic extremists may attempt to conduct a cyber-attack to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, CBS News homeland security correspondent Jeff Pegues reports.
"The FBI is aware of threats regarding cyber-attacks aimed to coincide with the anniversary of September 11th," the agency said in a statement. "While website defacements and the posting of personally identifiable information have become too common, the FBI takes all threats seriously and will investigate as appropriate."
The bureau wants companies to be prepared, Pegues reports. Law enforcement has been working on partnerships with the private sector as a way of increasing vigilance against cyber-attacks.
Friday's warning follows claims of a cyber-attack inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria revealing the personal information of President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. Investigators haven't confirmed whether those claims are valid, but authorities are looking into them, Pegues reports.
Some of the information the hackers claim to have obtained is available through public searches, and the hackers have made the same claims before.
In July, FBI Director James Comey told CBS News that investigators had picked up signs of terrorists having an increasing interest in using hacking as a weapon of attack.