Hackers claim PM choked on hashbrown breakfast

There are questions today about the government's 'online security' after hackers got into the Conservative party's homepage and posted a bogus story saying the prime minister had been taken to hospital in Toronto after a breakfast incident.

Power Play: Keith Murphy, Defence Intelligence

The CEO of Defence Intelligence says the hacking prank on the Conservative website was akin to vandalism, and explains that there has been no confidential information lost.

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This screen grab shows the hacked version of the Conservative Party of Canada Site, Tuesday, June 7, 2011.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Jun. 7 2011 8:27 PM ET

The Prime Minister's Office said Stephen Harper was in good health and on the job as usual Tuesday morning, not in hospital recovering from a hashbrown choking incident as hackers claimed in a false statement posted on the Conservative Party website.

The statement, which was removed from the site by about 8:30 a.m., said Harper was taken to Toronto General Hospital on Tuesday morning after his wife called 911.

"He was eating breakfast with his kids when a piece of hash-brown lodged in his throat, blocking air from reaching his lungs," the statement said.

"A member of his security team happened to be nearby, and immediately began to apply first-aid."

The PMO has not issued a direct response to the post, but media inquiries were referred to a tweet from Harper's communications director Dimitri Soudas. Soudas tweeted at 8:35 a.m. ET that Harper had taken his daughter Rachel to school, and was on his way to work at Parliament Hill.

Andrew MacDougall, a PMO spokesperson, told The Canadian Press in an email that Harper was "fit as a fiddle."

As of 10:30 a.m. the Twitter link on the Conservative website's contact page still featured a link to an account called @LulzRaft.

By Tuesday afternoon, however, it appeared as though the security breach had spread.

A tweet posted on Monday from @LulzRaft said "We're not trying to cause some nationwide twitter panic or anything...just some #lulz!" Lulz is web-speak for laughs.

A later tweet from @LulzRaft also purported to link to a list of passwords for website, as well. The Conservative website was also offline.

Initially the choking statement appeared to have fooled newly elected Conservative MP Chris Alexander, who tweeted a link to the statement with the words "Prime Minister Rushed to Hospital After Breakfast incident."

Alexander -- Canada's former ambassador to Afghanistan -- later told CTV he hadn't posted any tweets Tuesday morning, however, and his site had been hacked. He later corrected that statement, explaining that his Twitter account is linked to the Conservative website, suggesting it automatically generates tweets to new releases.

The strangely worded news release triggered a flurry of response on the social networking site Twitter, as journalists questioned whether the statement was true.

The news release said staff were "cautiously assuming" that Harper would "completely recover" but suggested his short-term schedule would be disrupted.

"From the looks of things, Harper will miss many of his planned meetings over the next few days," the news release said.

"He had just arrived home last night from his planned trip to the Richelieu flood zone in Quebec. We are awaiting any further word of his condition from the doctors and staff of TGH, and wish the best to him and his family."

Comments are now closed for this story

robin hood
said

Lulz Security describes itself as a group which attacks weakly-protected websites for fun and sport.

mark
said

Someone on my facebook page was ecstatic at this 'prank'; another stated on election night that they were praying for harper to have a heart attack. What is with the pathological hatred from you anti-Harper folks? It's not okay to wish for harm to come to people you disagree with!!! Some of you obviously never learned some very important lessons in kindergarten...

MARG MM
said

Jay....."try opening your minds to all possibilities"......funny coming from someone that hasn't opened his/her mind to the fact that the Conservatives won the election and are now the majority Government. Try opening YOUR mind to all possibilities, it has been very closed regarding PM Harper and the Conservatives, up to and even since the election.

Ken
said

Pretty stupid stunt. I'm a Liberal, but it's people like Jay who come off calling people ignorant, and saying they have little brain power just because they have a different opinion than him who make me sick to my stomach. It's that high and mighty attitude that make the left look like arrogant jerks.

JB inOntario
said

I'm relieved he is ok.

Jay
said

It's interesting and rather intriguing to read how everyone is so quick to assume the blame should fall on the opposition parties or a supporter thereof. Do any of you know for a fact that the hacker was even partisan, let alone liberal? For all we know it was one of Harper's own aides who decided to hack their website on their own or under his orders in a petty attempt to make him look like a victim so that he could gain more public sympathy and support that he doesn't deserve. Have you ignorant fools seriously never even fathomed let alone heard of a false flag attack? Try opening your minds to all possibilities regardless of how unlikely or improbable they may seem. It's really not that inconceivable to think that a government as deceptive and secretive as the conservatives might slander itself to demonize their competition further. They were found in contempt or Parliament for the first time in Canadian history, so it's obvious they're capable of doing anything! Wake up and stop making assumptions before any of the facts are laid out in front of you. Hopefully some of you assumptive readers can learn a valuable lesson after using what little brain power you're still able to harness for actual thought processes.

KC-bby
said

@MarkinTO - you said: "This is a news story and should get reported on, but FRONT PAGE news? TOP STORY NEWS?" - you know, every story has a poster that asks that very question. "This is news?" - dude, unbelievably, the world isn't created to cater to your needs and interests and besides, when you click the mouse it consumes about .000005% of your energy. I know, I know....that's still sucking up energy but you just have to live with it. And will EVERYBODY stop asking that bloody question with every story? You are so bloody narcissistic!!

Paul
said

Who cares????? Yeesh, get a real news story and stop acting like spoiled 2 year olds.

M in Manitoba
said

Typical childish left wing mentality. Seriously, when are you lefties ever going to grow up and become intelligent and productive members of society? Choking on a hash brown? Really? CTV, please quit giving these unruly children attention they don't deserve. It's very unprofessional and just plain tedious.

javajim in nb
said

The tweet must have been posted by some stunned American, doesn't know that Canada's capital is not Toronto. Just a stupid prank by a stupid person, let it die, please. Small things amuse small minds, I guess.

Curt
said

People throw around variations of the word hack way too much. Until a technical investigation is complete, the correct terminology is "compromised", not "hacked". Hacking means technical knowledge was needed to gain entry to the site. It wouldn't apply if the prankster simply guessed an easy password.

Justin
said

So the CPC can't even secure their own website, a simple task at that.How are they going to manage to keep Canada safe?Honestly, it was well deserved, if someone manages to break in to your website you deserve what you got.

Centerist
said

Its pretty obvious that this was some independent hacker trying to get some lulz without a political message. Its pretty dim for people to take this as an 'official' attack by supporters of the left and the Liberals. Just relax its not an assassination attempt. Its pretty sad that everything has to turn into such a petty argument that just further polarizes Canadian politics. The hacker probably won't face any punishment because guaranteed he either has a proxy or isn't even in Canada so it really isn't worth getting so worked up about.

John
said

A couple of stupid protests that rally the base, but cause people sitting on the fence to jump off onto the other side.

I'd tell people to wise up, but that would be a waste of my time.

Gilles
said

Nicole " Smart enough to hack a website but not smart enough to realize the PM lives in Ottawa and Toronto General Hospital is in Toronto, which is 5 hours away " That's funnier than the hash brown story itself. By the way hackers use hacking programs and those programs don't do the thinking.

Reece
said

"Fit as a fiddle." - excuse me, but that reminds me of the story of the Pide Piper of Hamelin where a man lead a bunch of naive people into a cave and sealing them in - ultimately all died. Kinda reminds me of the recent election. I'd be very careful which cliches to use in the future - personally I wouldnt use any cliches since it's primarily used by dumb people.

Redneck Albertan
said

Most "hackers" that I have had the displeasure of knowing (I operate a security business, so they do cross my path from time to time) are smarmy twits with no lives; kind of like some partisans on this board. Hackers aren't going away, so the best thing the CPC can do is upgrade their security. That might be taking place right now, as I cannot even access their web site as I type this.

Allan Eizinas
said

I was under the impression that most of that material on the Conservative web site has been put there by hackers. No one in his/her right mind would believe anything on that site.

Jettle
said

As much as I dislike and mistrust Stephen Harper, this was wrong. People should not resort to such antics.

All ears
said

Oh Ruby! Don't take your hate to town!Whine all you want, but we have a stable Government making sensible decisions for at least four years and your party lost! That being said, you live in Canada and Stephen Harper is our Prime minister, you should have more respect, it's no wonder that most voters were sick of your baseless hate. Even the Americans had it figured out (source Wikileaks) and thought that Iggy was a pompous ass.

It's what it is
said

Someone hacked into the Conservative website... big deal. In spite of the loyal Conservative belief system that because Harper managed to squeak himself out a majority government we should all bow to his every word, respect every decision, and offer nothing but praise and restrict our comments to positive statements only, it isn't going to happen. It isn't going to happen anymore than the lot of you Conservatives could hold back on your endlessly humorous and most childish comments that you still can't resist spurting out, even with your party in a majority position. They don't make a pill big enough to calm your egos, so instead, swallow the fact that your leader doesn't have the following in this country that you mistakenly believe he either does have or thinks he deserves. It's just not there on both counts. Time to put aside your sore winner anger and look at your glass as being the half full glass that it is... ok half plus an eensie-weensie bit more. Smiles and Chuckles to you!

James
said

Wow. Conservative lovers need to get a sense of humour. I can't believe how uptight you all are... oh wait, you're a Conservative supporter, so I guess I can.

Len Legacy in rural ON
said

Somebody hacked the CPC website and said the PM chocked ? Really ?........That's the work of a sick mind. And commentors here are making waistline jokes ? That's sick too. Online commenting must be the great equallizer, because it sure does empower the malicious and feable minded with a voice and shield of anonimity to cower behind.

robertmcconnell
said

man canadians just can't take a joke any more

Jim Lad
said

I am growing increasingly tired of those who cannot accept the results of the election.Perhaps it's time that the media stopped giving them so much exposure.

PBW
said

Most posters seem to be ignoring the rather nasty reality of this news article, namely that a crime has been committed. I have not the slightest doubt that they would be demanding answers from the government in the event that their own website were attacked in the same way. There have been several very serious hacks in the last few weeks, where personal information and even credit card information was stolen. This event seems to have been a joke - but it does point out that people do not take web security seriously enough. Those posters laughing should consider: when did they last change their passwords? Are those passwords weak, or strong? When did they last change the encryption key on their home network? Instead of laughing, just think about the serious aspects of this crime; YOU could be next, and it probably will NOT be funny.

Chris
said

Yup... all I see is left wing temper tantrums as my honourable friend the Prof. has stated. Look, stop with your rhetoric BS and just relax already. There's nothing you can say or do to deter the government from its mandate. You want to debate issues, great. But debate the issues without stomping your feet, flailing your arms about, and the wah wah wah tactics. NO MORE CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE... FROM EITHER SIDE OF THE SPECTRUM!!!

Mad as hell?
said

The difference isn't so much political, as it's between people who take action and people who simply sit and take it.

don.h
said

ha ha ha more crap from the rump party supporters. atleast you are still good for a laugh.

The Democracy
said

It is reasons such as this I will never ever vote for the neo-fascist NDP or Green party. Only cowards resort to tactics where it is easy to run and hide after acting like a little child that did something wrong. But of course why would any of us expect less from those two parties filled with communists, haters, oppressors, and fear mongers whose sole purpose is to cause chaos, pain and suffering to the rest of Canada. Don't try denying this I'm from Guelph and I know your kind all too well running around during events like the G20 lighting Police cars on fire and getting arrested.The more these NDP and Greenie children sling mud the more resilient the rest of us free Canadians will become in the Conservative government, Prime Minister Harper offers me freedom of choice, the freedom to work, live and travel wherever I please and protects those freedoms. Coward Mr. Layton and Coward Ms. May offer me restriction on income, restriction on food, restriction on travel, restriction on living. They can take their socialist fascist ways to China, here in Canada we believe in democracy and the Conservatives are the only ones who are offering it.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Personally, I happen to relish all the childish antics from the Camp of Sore Losers. What these frustrated types are effectively doing is demonstrating their political mentality, and confirming their lack of qualifications to both intelligently critique and govern. Fueling their compulsive and impulsive exhibitions is anger (not a sense of humor), pure and simple. They're "mad" that their party didn't win the federal election. What we're witnessing is merely a steady series of left-wing temper tantrums. It amuses me to no end, as, ultimately, it demeans their own silly "cause" and bolsters the credibility of PM Harper and his Conservatives.

weyoutwest
said

Comparing Miss Depage's protest to a hacker's actions is ludicrous, at best. One had the courage to openly (in a democracy) express her view. She put her name and job on the line to make a statement she felt was important to her and her generation. The other hides anonymously behind a key board. Wow!!!, such courage. NO COMPARISION ....PERIOD!!

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

Jim - Saanich North. You need to lighten up. mostly kids that do hacking. I don't think that 17 yr olds are that politically motivated. They just like attention and what better target than the prime minister.

Fraser
said

What is truly laughable is the pettiness and small character of a person who has the need to attain attention by hacking a website. Guess they got what they truly wanted and that was their 15 minutes (and then some) of fame. No story here.

Derek
said

to Nicole.........exactly.

Dan D
said

To bad the hacker didn't have the common sense to realize Stephen Harper lives in Ottawa and not Toronto. Rushed to the Toronto General Hospital? Common... there is your cue right there.

Bree
said

LOL eating junk food ... well that explains the ever expanding waistline of SH!

MarkinTO
said

This is a news story and should get reported on, but FRONT PAGE news? TOP STORY NEWS? I really don't think so. More like, CTV wants to resonate with the Anti-Harper crowd.

Jim in Ontario
said

We need to tone down the rhetoric, the election is over.

Steve
said

Are we sure it wasn't "a website in China"?

Stop Harper, by Hash Brown
said

Liberal strategists are still hard at work, despite the election being over. What do you call someone choking on a hash brown? A hacker! Perhaps next election Liberals might try promoting their own policies, rather than a Stop Harper by any means campaign, it's truly pathetic.

Ruby
said

Spare us the phony outrage, all you humorless harper lovers. Especially the appalling comments about the hacker needing "jail time".You are a sad lot.

happy raj
said

Sad they have nothing more to do with their time.Sad that the media seems to want to follow it Will we find the hackers and also give them 15 minutes of shallow fame

Peter in MB
said

Why is it that people that say they stand up for the rule of democracy will not accept the same rule of democracy when their party looses? What a bunch of cry babies!!!

Jon
said

@ Jim - North Saanich, BC

Unfortunately there seems to be a double standard when it comes to a number of people on the left. It's more a "do what I say, not what I do" kind of thing.

These types of actions speak volumes to the characters of the people committing them.

Ruby
said

Seriously, the people who need to get a life are the ones using words like "sad" and "what is the world coming to"....boo hoo.Ask yourselves, who lowered the bar in the first place? Who put the puffin on their website, and all the other puerile things the conservatives did over five years to attack the opposition relentlessly, even insinuating Dion did not have a real family, or that Ignatieff's wife was not a real Canadian?You guys should direct your "sadness" in the appropriate direction-----your own party. You are total hypocrites.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Political nerds not clever enough to take advantage of the "opportunity" and hack-post something plausible or funny. Par for the anti-Harper, anti-Conservative course. (I trust that you weren't behind this, Michael Ignatieff.)

Peter Nguyen
said

I laughed at the comment on the prime minister`s health by Andrew MacDougall, a PMO spokesperson, `fit as a fiddle`.

Ruby
said

To all you faux-outraged con lovers, did you come out with the same degree of righteous indignation when the cons, when Stephane Dion was in opposition, put a pooping puffin over Dion's head on their own website?Hmmm?

Jim - North Saanich, BC
said

I don't know why it is that those that disagree with Prime Minister Harper and the conservative movement in Canada feel that they can express their dislike by any means of their choosing, even means contrary to the law not to mention common sense and civil decency. The Liberals under Jean Chretien won a larger majority in 1997 with a smaller plurality than did the Conservatives in this past election. I did not see demonstrations by Senate pages nor was there hacking of Liberal web sites and the list goes on. I can just imagine the outrage had the shoe been on the other foot and conservative supporters had engaged in such behaviour post the 1997 election.

I say to those who wish to disagree with the present government, work hard in finding candidates who support your beliefs, see to it they are well funded and work for their election four years hence. I also say to these people is that if these recent exhibitions exemplify your respect for democracy then we are indeed in a sad state and I for one do not wish to be governed by this level of outright stupidity and contempt for the democratic process. Work to change things in a constructive, not a destructive manner.

Scott Johnson
said

Sad to see a populous who feel that those who choose public service are deserving of what ever the fools and dimwits decide they want to exact upon them. As well, there are plenty more misguided cowards that will sit on the sidelines cheering them on in need of entertainment for thier collective simple mindset. Not certain if I am ashamed of those in the fray, or the mass media that have nothing more pressing to write about.

Mark J.
said

The "Stop Harper' girl and these hackers have something in common: They're extremely immature and can't accept losing. Liberal-minded people preach tolerance, but from what I've seen, they are the least tolerant of all. Unless they get exactly what they want, they pout and stomp their feet. Actions like these are today's equivalent of a child having a tantrum.

scott nova scotia
said

I choked on my food as well when I found out Harper got a majority.

Joel Bain
said

Is this democracy? If this is what the Conservatives' opponents think it is, then no thanks, I'm not interested. Just making me likely to vote Conservative again in the future. Thanks for playing.

Nicole
said

Smart enough to hack a website but not smart enough to realize the PM lives in Ottawa and Toronto General Hospital is in Toronto, which is 5 hours away? If you're going to go through the trouble of hacking a website and posting fake news at least make the story feasible.

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

so why do hackers do what they do. Is it because they can. I guess the more visible the target the bigger the high for them.

Carl
said

If this is the level of maturity and intelligence we can expect from opponents of the Conservative government, Harper will remain Prime Minister as long as he chooses.

Joe C
said

Right, whether you love Mr. Harper or hate him, I hope we all agree that whoever did this needs to face prison time.

PianistInBC
said

I find it funny that some people are appalled by this. Did you ever think it may have been some 17 year old kid who was too young to vote and therefore had no say that did this? If you're in the public eye you're going to be attacked no matter what. Harper is a grown man, I think he can laugh it off. I burst out laughing when I saw it though not gonna lie.

Lisa
said

I'm sorry, but that's hilarious! The PM choking ona hashbrown! Ha! Ha! How undignified!

B.J.
said

When people have to make up garbage its very sad. The person(s) needs to get a real job or get a life. So sad to see what the world is coming to.

Mr. Sarcastic
said

Yeah, democracy is terrible isn't it?

christian
said

Hackers like these and the parliamentary page should be arrested for criminal acts. People are upset that the Liberal agenda is no longer popular in this country and luckily sanity has finally prevailed. Now we just need to get rid of the Ontario Liberals and things will finally be great again for this country.

Ken - Calgary
said

How terribly disappointing.

TEA from Sask
said

What a childish act...haven't people got better things to do?

Jon in London
said

Maybe it was the same hacker that went after Anthony Weiner. Oh, no, Weiner was just lying. Hope the PM is okay though.....

Kenny
said

Between the "Stop Harper" girl and now this, looks like the CPC isn't going to get a break for the next 4.5 years.

It's what it is
said

Unfortunately, Canadians are compelled to choke on the slop he'll be feeding us for the next four years.

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