A Taiwanese hacking group named Anonymous 64 has been conducting cyberattacks on targets in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, China’s national security ministry reported on Monday. The ministry encourages citizens to report instances of “anti-propaganda sabotage.”
Anonymous 64, identified by the ministry as part of Taiwan’s cyber warfare unit, has been attempting to disseminate content that criticises the mainland’s political structure and policies. These efforts have targeted websites, outdoor screens, and network TV stations since the start of this year.
Taiwan often accuses Chinese groups of spreading online disinformation or launching cyberattacks against the island. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has increased military and political pressure on Taiwan over the past five years.
China has accused the Taiwanese hacking group Anonymous 64 of cyberattacks against mainland targets, urging netizens to report “anti-propaganda sabotage.” https://t.co/A928xthSS5
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) September 23, 2024
The hacking group’s X account, established in June 2023, posted screenshots of efforts to broadcast videos comparing Chinese President Xi Jinping to an emperor. The videos also marked the second anniversary of protests against Beijing’s stringent COVID-19 measures and commemorated the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations. One video featured a member of Anonymous 64 wearing the iconic Guy Fawkes mask, reminiscent of the graphic novel and film V for Vendetta.
Neither the X account nor the national security ministry’s blog post clarified if Anonymous 64 is connected to the international hacking collective known as Anonymous. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council did not provide an immediate comment. Reuters could not verify the group’s location or confirm if they executed the alleged cyberattacks.
The national security ministry’s investigation revealed that many websites Anonymous 64 claimed to have breached were either non-existent or had minimal traffic. Posts showing the group infiltrating various university and media websites were found to be photoshopped. The ministry shared screenshots of the group’s X account with significant redactions and announced a case against three members of Taiwan’s cyber warfare unit.
The ministry urged netizens to avoid spreading rumours and to promptly report any cyberattacks or anti-propaganda activities to national security authorities.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Hindustan Times: China urges netizens to be vigilant against Taiwanese cyberattacks, escalating tensions amid increasing threats of death penalties for pro-independence advocates. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Anonymous 64?
A Taiwanese hacking group targeting mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
What has Anonymous 64 been accused of?
Uploading content denigrating China’s political system and policies.
When was Anonymous 64 set up?
What type of videos has Anonymous 64 broadcast?
Videos likening Xi Jinping to an emperor and commemorating protests.
What did China’s national security ministry find about Anonymous 64’s claims?
Many accessed websites were fake or had little traffic.
