Anonymous 64, an emerging hacker collective from Taiwan, has rapidly gained notoriety for a series of cyberattacks targeting critical systems in China. The Ministry of State Security (MSS) of China claims that the group has breached online platforms to disseminate anti-China propaganda across websites, public displays, and television networks.
According to the MSS, the group’s objective is to upload content that undermines the mainland’s political system and key policies.
Who is Anonymous 64?
The Taiwanese hacker group first attracted attention through social media, where it shared anti-China content. Using its ‘X’ account, the group showcased images and screenshots of its operations.
Recently, the MSS characterized Anonymous 64 as an “internet army” backed by “Taiwan independence” forces, stating that it has consistently launched cyberattacks against targets in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
In a notable video, a group member appeared wearing the iconic Guy Fawkes mask, a symbol associated with the global cyber activist movement.
Since its formation in mid-2023, Anonymous 64 has released various videos, including those comparing President Xi Jinping to an emperor and commemorating sensitive political anniversaries like the Tiananmen Square protests.
China claims the group is affiliated with Taiwan’s military cyber unit and has accused it of targeting essential infrastructure in China since the start of the year.
Allegations and Rebuttals
The MSS alleges that Anonymous 64 has infiltrated major online platforms, including university websites, to spread politically charged content, asserting that these actions form part of a broader cyber warfare strategy aimed at destabilizing China.
However, Taiwan’s defense ministry has denied any official ties to the group, labeling China’s accusations as unfounded.
Taiwan’s Cyber Defense and Telecommunications Command emphasized that its Cyber War Unit is focused solely on national cyber defense, asserting that the group operates independently of the government.
Taiwan has previously experienced cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing its democracy.
China’s security ministry has reported that many of the websites allegedly accessed by Anonymous 64 were either fake or had minimal traffic, suggesting that the group’s claimed infiltrations were exaggerated. They have opened an investigation into three members of Taiwan’s cyber warfare unit and urged citizens to report any anti-China activities.
Future Implications
Experts like Paul Triolo highlight the potential implications of these developments for Taiwan’s role in global cyber dynamics. As tensions rise, Taiwan’s significance in cyberspace is likely to increase, making it a critical player in the ongoing tech cold war with China.
