China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has uncovered the activities of a hacking group named Anonymous 64, alleging that it is operating as an “internet army” in support of Taiwan’s independence. According to reports, this group has been responsible for a series of cyberattacks aimed at the Chinese mainland, as well as the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Their tactics involve trying to breach public portals, outdoor digital displays, and online television systems to spread false information and disrupt communication channels.
The MSS made public its discoveries on September 23, 2024, disclosing that Anonymous 64 has been operational since June 2023 when it established social media accounts using this moniker. The group has since claimed involvement in more than 70 cyber incidents, targeting a wide range of entities from university websites to electronic billboards to expose vulnerabilities within China’s cybersecurity defenses.
Despite the assertions made by Anonymous 64, investigations by national security agencies have revealed that many of the group’s alleged achievements were exaggerated or fabricated. For instance, on August 2, they targeted a small internet company’s website and falsely claimed to have seized control of the official forums of 40 mainland universities. In reality, several of the sites targeted were fake or inactive.
At the core of these activities lies Taiwan’s Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command, which was set up in June 2017 and underwent restructuring in 2022 to operate under the island’s defense ministry. This command plays a pivotal role in conducting electronic, information, and cyber warfare, with the MSS asserting that it has been engaged in numerous infiltration and sabotage operations against mainland China, with a focus on critical sectors like defense, aerospace, and energy.
Taiwan’s heightened emphasis on cyber warfare is part of a broader strategy to fortify its defenses amidst escalating military and political pressures from China. The MSS contends that Taiwan’s cyber operations pose a significant threat to national security, employing tactics such as data theft and manipulating public opinion to sow discord.
In response to its investigation, the MSS has identified three individuals with purported links to Anonymous 64: Luo Junming, Hong Liqi, and Liao Weilun, all reportedly with military backgrounds within the Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command. Legal actions are being pursued against these individuals to hold them accountable for their involvement in cyberattacks against China.
To combat these cyber operations, the MSS has called for increased vigilance among internet users and system operators in mainland China. The ministry has urged developers to implement robust cybersecurity measures, regularly update systems, and close any existing technical vulnerabilities. It has also stressed the importance of reporting any suspected cyberattacks or disinformation campaigns promptly.
Taiwan has countered the accusations by alleging that Chinese hackers have been conducting disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks against the island. The ongoing struggle in information warfare mirrors the wider geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China, especially as Taiwan upholds its democratic governance against China’s sovereignty claims.
As the situation unfolds, the fallout of these cyberattacks is expected to have enduring repercussions on Taiwan’s security strategy and its relations with China. The utilization of cyber tactics against China by groups like Anonymous 64 signifies a new battleground in the ongoing battle for Taiwan’s sovereignty and identity.
China remains resolute against any actions perceived as endorsing Taiwan’s independence, with the MSS affirming that any attempts by Taiwan to provoke conflict will ultimately be futile, reasserting its dedication to national reunification.