BEIJING: China’s national security ministry has called on internet users to be alert to potential cyber attacks from a Taiwanese hacking group known as Anonymous 64.
The group has reportedly targeted mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, prompting officials to encourage the public to report instances of what they describe as “anti-propaganda sabotage.”
According to the ministry, Anonymous 64—identified as part of Taiwan’s cyber warfare division—has been active since early 2023, aiming to disseminate content that undermines the mainland’s political system and major policies. This includes attempts to broadcast critical messages on websites, outdoor screens, and television networks.
The ministry highlighted that Taiwan frequently accuses Chinese entities of spreading disinformation and conducting cyber attacks against the island. In contrast, China asserts its sovereignty over Taiwan and has intensified military and political pressure in recent years.
Anonymous 64 recently claimed responsibility for broadcasting videos that liken Chinese President Xi Jinping to an emperor. Their efforts coincide with the anniversaries of the protests against Beijing’s strict COVID-19 measures and the Tiananmen Square demonstrations of 1989. A member of the group, donning the iconic Guy Fawkes mask from V for Vendetta, made a statement in one of the videos.
While the group’s presence on social media has gained attention, it remains unclear whether Anonymous 64 is connected to the larger international hacking collective. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has not provided an immediate response to these allegations.
In a recent blog post, the Chinese national security ministry stated that many of the websites claimed to be hacked by Anonymous 64 were either fabricated or had minimal traffic. They characterized the group’s assertions of infiltrating numerous academic and media sites as manipulated images. The ministry also revealed it has initiated an investigation into three individuals allegedly linked to Taiwan’s cyber warfare unit.
In light of these developments, the ministry urged Netizens to refrain from believing or spreading rumors and to report any cyber attacks or anti-propaganda activities to national security authorities.
