Navy website hacked into

The Royal Navy website has been taken offline after it was "compromised" by a hacker, the Ministry of Defence said.

A navy spokesman said no "malicious damage" had been caused by the cyber attack, which was being investigated by security teams.

A hacker operating under the name TinKode claimed to have compromised the site on Friday. He was also reported to have posted user names and website data on the internet.

Visitors to the navy website yesterday found the message: "Unfortunately the Royal Navy website is undergoing essential maintenance. Please visit again shortly."

A Royal Navy spokesman said: "We can confirm that there was a compromise of the RN web over the weekend."