China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has identified a hacking group known as Anonymous 64, claiming it is an “internet army” backed by forces advocating for Taiwan’s independence.
This group has reportedly conducted a series of cyberattacks targeting the Chinese mainland, as well as the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Their tactics include attempting to infiltrate public portals, outdoor digital displays, and online television systems to disseminate disinformation and disrupt communication channels.
The MSS revealed its findings on September 23, 2024, detailing that Anonymous 64 has been active since June 2023 when it registered social media accounts under this name. The group has since claimed responsibility for over 70 cyber incidents.
Their targets include everything from university websites to electronic billboards, with the intent of portraying vulnerabilities within the mainland’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The Emergence of Anonymous 64
Despite the claims made by Anonymous 64, investigations by national security agencies have indicated that many of these so-called “successes” were exaggerated or fabricated. For example, on August 2, the group targeted a small internet company’s website associated with various universities. They falsely proclaimed that they had taken control of the official forums of 40 universities on the mainland. In reality, many of the targeted sites were either counterfeit or inactive.
Central to these activities is Taiwan’s Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command, which was established in June 2017 and restructured in 2022 to operate under the island’s defense ministry. This unit functions as the primary agency responsible for conducting electronic, information, and cyber warfare. The MSS contends that the command has been involved in numerous infiltration and sabotage operations against mainland China, aiming to compromise critical sectors such as defense, aerospace, and energy.
The command’s strategic focus on cyber warfare is part of a broader effort by Taiwan to bolster its defenses amid increasing military and political pressure from China. The MSS claims that Taiwan’s cyber operations represent a significant threat to national security, engaging in tactics that include data theft and the manipulation of public opinion to create discord.
The Reaction from China
Following its investigation, the MSS has named three individuals allegedly connected to Anonymous 64: Luo Junming, Hong Liqi, and Liao Weilun. All are reported to have military backgrounds within the Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command. The ministry is currently pursuing legal actions against these individuals, aiming to hold them accountable for their involvement in cyberattacks targeting China.
In response to these cyber operations, the MSS has called for vigilance among internet users and system operators in mainland China. The ministry has urged developers to implement robust cybersecurity measures, update systems regularly, and close any existing technical vulnerabilities. It also emphasized the importance of reporting any suspected cyberattacks or disinformation campaigns.
The MSS has stated, “We urge netizens not to believe or spread rumors and to promptly report any cyberattacks or disinformation activities to national security agencies.” This call for action underscores the rising concern in China regarding the potential impact of Taiwanese hackers and their cyber operations.
Taiwan’s Perspective
Amid these accusations, Taiwan has frequently countered by alleging that Chinese hackers have been engaging in disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks against the island. The struggle over information warfare reflects the broader geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China, particularly as Taiwan asserts its democratic governance against China’s claims of sovereignty.
Taiwan’s government remains steadfast in its defense of its cybersecurity capabilities and the necessity of remaining vigilant against external threats. The recent activities of Anonymous 64, while a point of contention, also highlight the lengths to which Taiwan is willing to go to support its narrative of independence and resilience in the face of external pressure.
As the situation evolves, the implications of these cyberattacks will likely have lasting effects on both Taiwan’s security strategy and its relationship with China. The use of cyberattacks on China by groups like Anonymous 64 signifies a new front in the ongoing struggle for Taiwan’s sovereignty and identity.
China has positioned itself firmly against any actions it perceives as promoting Taiwan’s independence. The MSS has declared that any attempts by Taiwan to incite confrontation will ultimately fail, reaffirming its commitment to national reunification.
