UK fears pro-WikiLeaks attacks on government websites

LONDON: Britain says government websites are at risk of cyber attack from pro-WikiLeaks hackers.

Prime Minister David Cameron's office said Monday that national security adviser Peter Ricketts has warned departments they could be targeted by online “hacktivists.”

It follows attacks on companies including MasterCard and PayPal, which have cut ties to the WikiLeaks site.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is scheduled to appear at a British court on Tuesday for an extradition hearing. He is wanted in Sweden on sex crime allegations.

Authorities fear the hearing could prompt attacks on British websites.

Cameron's office said it is concerned about government websites used to file tax returns or to claim benefits, which store sensitive personal information.