The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of the People’s Republic of China has reported cyber attacks in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau carried out by a Taiwanese hacker group called Anonymous 64, RIA Novosti reports. According to the ministry, the aim is to take control of Internet portals and electronic billboards in order to publish content discrediting the mainland’s political system.
“This year, a hacker group called Anonymous 64 has repeatedly carried out cyber attacks in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau in an attempt to seize control of Internet portals, outdoor electronic displays and online television, and then illegally upload and publish content that defames mainland China’s political system and major public policy issues, distorts facts and spreads rumors,” — the agency quotes the department’s statement as saying.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, an in-depth investigation has determined that Anonymous 64 are not just ordinary hackers, but a cyber army supported by Taiwanese independence forces.
“Anonymous 64 is actually a Taiwanese government Internet research center that engages in cognitive cyber warfare and media warfare.” – the statement continues.
It should be noted that this group has posted more than 70 discussion threads on social media since its inception, using the so-called cyberwar results to attract attention and traffic. It has been established that the main targets of the attacks are Internet-connected devices such as outdoor electronic displays, vending machines and online television, as well as media portals, airlines, schools and universities, where hackers try to create the illusion that network security protection in mainland China is unreliable.
It is reported that the Ministry of Defense of the People’s Republic of China took immediate and effective measures to eliminate potential threats and negative consequences.
“The national security authorities of the People’s Republic of China remind relevant developers of audio and video systems, Internet portals, operation and maintenance departments and Internet users to comply with preventive cybersecurity measures, timely update systems, eliminate technical vulnerabilities, improve password security, strengthen controls, as well as prevent various types of cyber attacks.” – the department added.
The MOB urged Internet users not to believe or spread rumours, and to immediately report cyber attacks and sabotage to state security agencies when they detect them.
