A GROUP of computer hackers suspected of seizing control of a British military communications satellite using a home computer, triggering a "frenetic" security alert, has been traced to the south of England.

A security source said that, up to a month ago, the hackers found a "cute way" into the control system for one of the Ministry of Defence's Skynet satellites and "changed the characteristics of channels used to convey military communications, satellite television and telephone calls".

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