OPEC Web site hacked

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By Daniel Sieberg
CNN.com Technology Editor

(CNN) -- Computer technicians at OPEC are tightening security measures after its official Web site was hacked.

On the first page of the Web site the following message appears at the bottom of the screen:

"I think I speak for everyone out there (the entire planet), when I say you guys need to get your collective asses in gear with the price of crude," the message attributed to "fluxnyne" states. It goes on to call for more focus on helping poverty-stricken countries.

The page then finishes loading the animated opening and automatically continues to the next OPEC page, which has various menu options.

In response to rising prices, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries recently agreed to increase its daily production of oil by 800,000 barrels a day.

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Farouq Muhammed, director of OPEC's public relations and information department, said the defaced site was discovered by staff early Wednesday morning.

But Muhammed said it was unclear whether the attack was politically motivated or simply a prank.

"These [attacks] can happen to anybody," said Muhammed during a telephone interview from Vienna. "It could have been either for fun or mischief or to vent their anger. In spite of all the talk about foolproof mechanisms people can still break in."

Muhammed said OPEC officials are investigating the source of the hack.

As of 8:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday, the hacker's message had not been removed. A short time later the OPEC site was inaccessible.

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