The people of Vienna, at least many in the central parts of the Austrian capital, were awakened during the night of Wednesday.

The bells of the mighty St. Stephen's Cathedral began to ring shortly after two in the morning, and did not fall silent until just over 20 minutes later when a pastor managed to stop the ringing.

According to the Diocese of Vienna, the fact that the bells started ringing is due to a hacker attack, writes the APA news agency.

By bypassing a firewall at a clock manufacturer in Innsbruck, the hackers were able to set new times for the bells in Vienna.

The diocese has now changed its internet routines and installed new protections – and apologized to all of Vienna for the disturbed night's sleep.

Source: TT