We reported a few weeks ago on Anonymous starting up a new operation that targeted Chinese government Web sites. They defaced several of the Web sites, leaked databases and provided links to Chinese citizens that would show them how to bypass the government’s Internet filter.
From that initial day of hacking, the Anonymous China group has been busy. There have been hacks on an almost constant basis with the last hack and database leak going down yesterday. The attacks aren’t going to stop anytime soon either according to a report from Reuters.
The attacks are part of a bigger plan according to Anonymous hacker “f0ws3r” who told Reuters that the group is hoping to take down the “Great Firewall of China.” A recent tweet from the Anonymous China Twitter feed confirms the group’s plans.
Chinese government sweet dreams ;] Great Firewall – Power: 100% … 90% .. 50% … 20% … Power off. #GFW will be dead soon. #Anonymous
— Anonymous China (@AnonymousChina) April 8, 2012
Interestingly enough, the hacker speaking to Reuters said the Anonymous China group has about 10 to 12 hackers working with them. It’s not surprising, however, to learn that most of them are not based in China. They claim to have “hundreds” of translators helping them hack Chinese Web sites. This is consistent with the hacks that happened a few weeks ago being displayed in English instead of Chinese.
As for what Anonymous China is up to next, the hacker told Reuters that they are planning more attacks, but only doing a few at a time. This is consistent with what you see on the Anonymous China Twitter feed that shows two or three attacks happening over a period of a few days.
As with all stories involving Anonymous, it will continue to develop. We’ll keep you up to date on any new attacks or announcements from the group. It seems they have big plans for China and it will be interesting to see what they do next.