The Plain Dealer: PNC, other banks hit with cyber attacks

By Cindy Heflin Associate news director

Posted on Fri, Jan 4, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.

PNC and other banks sporadically have been hit by so-called denial-of-service computer attacks that have at times made it difficult for customers to log into their accounts, The Plain Dealer reported.

Among the banks reportedly affected in recent weeks are PNC, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and SunTrust Bank, the Cleveland newspaper reported.

Federal regulators last month warned banks nationwide about another round of DOS attacks after a group known as Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Cyber Fighters posted a statement on Dec. 10 that it planned such attacks. The group is the same one that hit the nation's largest banks in September and October — attacking a different bank every day and going in order according to their size.

PNC sent an email to customers about the attacks, The Associated Press reported. PNC said it has been working to block the attacks and maintain online and mobile access for “the vast majority” of customers, AP reported.