Since 2003, Anonymous has grown as a decentralized organization called “hacktivists” who use computer attacks to obtain confidential information that may be of public interest or to promote various protests.
Project Chanology was one of the first projects that made Anonymous internationally recognized. In a protest against the Church of Scientology, on February 14, 2008 they posted a video of the organization interviewing Tom Cruise. The group responded by asking YouTube to download the video as it was an illegal use of copyrighted material. Anonymous considered this a block to freedom of expression so they began a series of attacks against the websites of the religious group, also making prank calls and sending black faxes.
Anonymous’s operation was very well received by citizens not only of the United States, but of the world, who took to the streets to protest against the Church of Scientology and the Religious Technology Center for several months of 2008, arguing that economically exploited its members.
Attacks by Anonymous that raised their fame
▸HBGary Federal
Aaron Barr, chief executive of HBGary Federal, a security agency, had said that he had infiltrated Anonymous and would reveal important information about the group.
Almost immediately, hacking members began attacking the firm’s website, and took control of the company’s emails, revealing that they had a plan against WikiLeaks, which included putting pressure on a journalist to get started. to remove their support. They also took control of the man’s Twitter account and published his alleged home address and social security number. In the end, HBGary didn’t reveal anything about the group.
▸Operation DarkNet
One of its best acts was in October 2011 when the group began DDoS attacks on 40 sites hosting child pornography, publishing the names of 1,500 people who frequented those sites, and offered the authorities to conduct investigations on those people.
▸Operation Tunisia
After learning about documents leaked by WikiLeaks related to acts of corruption in Tunisia, Anonymous attacked several official government pages. The entry of hackers ignited activism and protests, generating a serious political crisis.
▸Pro-Taiwan
In February 2020, the group hacked the website of the United Nations, integrating a page for Taiwan, a country that has not had a representative since 1971. This within a context in which Taiwan seeks international recognition, as an independent country. from China.
Other interesting reads:
Wikileaks – One of the biggest data breache
Hacktivism – Why the name and what it is
