China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) recently exposed the hacker group “Anonymous 64,” which it claims is supported by Taiwan’s independence forces. The group has been accused of conducting various cyberattacks against mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Macao. These attacks include targeting portals, outdoor screens, and online television platforms with the aim of spreading disinformation and disrupting public communications. The MSS identified three individuals associated with these activities and has initiated legal investigations against them.
The hacker group is said to operate under the “Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command,” a division of Taiwan’s defense department. This command, established in 2017 and restructured in 2022, is responsible for Taiwan’s cyber operations against mainland China. The command’s operations focus on electronic warfare, cyberattacks, and information warfare, with a particular emphasis on stealing sensitive data and intelligence from China’s defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. Additionally, they are known to manipulate public opinion by using internet trolls to exacerbate conflicts and create divisions.
Although “Anonymous 64” has posted more than 70 updates on social media, many of their claimed cyberattacks have been debunked. The group has falsely exaggerated the success of its operations, with several of its claimed targets, such as university forums and media websites, being found to be counterfeit or already compromised. One notable example includes their claim of controlling the forums of 40 universities, which was later revealed to be inaccurate. The MSS has stressed the need for heightened cybersecurity awareness, urging developers and users to implement stronger protective measures to prevent such attacks.
In its release, the MSS emphasized that Taiwan’s pursuit of independence is ultimately doomed to fail, asserting that reunification with the mainland is an inevitable historical trend. The ministry vowed to continue its efforts against the “Taiwan independence” separatists, including fighting cyberattacks linked to such movements. The MSS also urged internet users to report any cyberattacks or disinformation to the appropriate authorities, warning that rumors and false claims from groups like Anonymous 64 should be ignored.
Reference:
