Looks like fireworks weren't the only thing set off on July 4.

The Associated Press learned that a widespread computer attack was launched on Independence Day -- and that it knocked out the Web sites of several government agencies -- including those charged with fighting cyber crime.

Among the agencies affected were The Treasury Department, Secret Service, Federal Trade Commission and the Transportation Department Web sites.

The sites were downed at various times over the long holiday weekend -- and the disruptions continued into this week.

There have been similar cyber attacks on South Korea government sites as well as on private Web sites.

Authorities overseas believe the attacks are linked.