Italy foreign ministry reports 'attempted hack' of website

ROME — Italy's foreign ministry says it has filed a formal complaint with prosecutors over an apparent hacking of its website.

In a statement yesterday, the foreign ministry said its technical experts were providing prosecutors with all necessary assistance.

Italian daily Repubblica said hacking group Anonymous Italia had posted expense accounts, contracts and other Foreign Ministry documentation online that appeared authentic. The aim, Repubblica said, was to show the ministry's high costs.

The ministry defended its expenses as justified and said they were regularly monitored.