Anonymous flies in the face of arrests with NATO hack
By David Howells
22/07/2011
Despite a series of high profile arrests, Anonymous has proven it is still in operation with a symbolic attack on the NATO website.
The 'hacktivist' group has claimed it gained access to NATO servers and reportedly stole 1 gigabyte worth of "sensitive" information.
Anonymous has long claimed that its hacks are protestations and aim to highlight lacklustre security and not penalise any organisation beyond the realms of common decency.
It has stuck to its word with the newest hack as despite stealing the information, the group says it will not publish all of the material as some is so sensitive it would be "irresponsible" of them to publish it.
The hack to the NATO computers has shown just how dedicated hackers like this can be and that without implementing full IT systems management software, any person or organisation - regardless of how large or small - can be putting themselves at risk.
In a press release printed on latimes.com, Anonymous - thought to be aided by fellow hacking group Lulzsec - explained how it is "not scared" and that the arrests of some of its members are "meaningless to us as you cannot arrest an idea."
Responding to the attack, NATO spokesperson Damien Arnaud told washingtonpost.com: "NATO is aware that a hackers group has released what it claims to be NATO classified documents on the internet.
"NATO security experts are investigating these claims. We strongly condemn any leak of classified documents which can potentially endanger the security of NATO allies, armed forces and citizens."
