The French president's bank account has been hacked, with
thieves stealing cash from the account.
Reports say cybercriminals have stolen "small sums" of money
from Nicolas Sarkozy's personal bank account.
Fraudsters are said to have gained access to Sarkozy's online
passwords. Luc Chatel, French secretary of state for consumer
affairs, has confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Chatel also said more needed to be done to tighten the security
of internet banking in France.
The French president is the latest political figure to fall
victim to hackers. Last month, it was reported that US
vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's personal e-mail account
had been compromised. A man has been charged for that incident.
Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said,
"This latest incident highlights the fact that no one is safe and
that everyone should take the necessary precautions to avoid ending
up in the same boat as Sarkozy and so many others."
The French President is said to have reported the theft last
month, but no one has yet been charged with the crime.
Sophos says that
online banking fraud is rising rapidly in both France and the
UK.