Anonymous claims it hacked NATO Web site, tells FBI ‘we’re back’

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

The group calling itself Anonymous claimed credit Thursday for hacking into NATO servers and stealing 1 gigabyte of sensitive information as part of its campaign to harass and humiliate prominent targets.

The group has attempted to post online some documents collected in the incident and vows to post more soon, but it also said it has decided to withhold some others because posting them would be “irresponsible.” NATO did not confirm the group’s account.

“NATO is aware that a hackers group has released what it claims to be NATO classified documents on the Internet,” Damien Arnaud, a spokesman for the trans-Atlantic military alliance, said in an e-mail. “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.”

Groups calling themselves “hacktivists” — which target Web sites and servers in pursuit of political agendas — have joined the list of cyber threats identified by government and corporate security officials.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/nato-web-site-hacked-by-anonymous/2011/07/21/gIQACLFCSI_story.html

[chalky]

1. What does "attempted to post online" mean?

Did they put them up on Craigslist? Have a website but forgot to pay their bill?

These "hacktivist" stories fascinate me. I think it's because I can't decide whether they're sincere in their message or if they're just grandstanding juvenile delinquents who get off on seeing their gang name in print.

At this point, I'm leaning toward the latter.

[Tunkamerica]

2. I'm sure many groups through the years have enjoyed that description

[JDPriestly]

4. I agree. I would not like to have them hack into my personal stuff.

It's one thing if a whistleblower publishes documents or information as a matter of conscience knowing that he is taking a risk of a prison sentence for something he believes in. That is his or her decision.

We assume that person has weighed the importance of the whistleblowing against the value of the life and time he or she will lose due to the crime.

But, the hackers are not whistleblowers. They just seem to think that hacking is a sport -- a contest.

They appear to me to be immature people who need more challenge -- more productive ways to work for change. They may mean well, but what they are doing, could, it seems to me, be very dangerous for everyone.

Maybe I am wrong about this. I might be persuaded to think otherwise on the topic, but this is what I think based on what I have observed.

[MADem]

3. I wonder which "NATO" entity they hacked? Turkey? Italy? Somewhere else?.

I mean, "NATO" isn't all under one roof.

I'm betting the IT folks at their assorted facilities are sweating the load about now.

[BNJMN]

5. Brass ones. Also, don't assume only Turkey or India could be hacked read this...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/03/pentagon-leaves-hundreds-_n_704880.html


http://www.businessinsider.com/pentagon-admits-24000-files-were-hacked-declares-cyberspace-a-theater-of-war-2011-7

It can happen here.
And has. Probably more times than anyone would care to hear about.