Hackers have launched a major cyber attack against the UK as a direct response to airstrikes in Yemen. Anonymous Sudan, the group behind the attack, claims that it was also motivated by Britain’s support for Israel. The targeted internet company, the London Internet Exchange (LINX), suffered infrastructure damage that rendered some services inaccessible.
A Retaliatory Attack with Political Motivations
In a statement on the messaging platform Telegram, Anonymous Sudan stated, “Big attack on UK soon, in response to the air attacks in Yemen and unconditional support of the genocidal Zionist regime in Israel.” The hackers follow a grassroots hacktivist ideology and specifically target countries and organizations involved in “anti-Muslim activity.” The recent attack on LINX comes after the US and the UK conducted airstrikes against Houthi military targets across Yemen.
Cyber Warfare Strikes the London Internet Exchange
The London Internet Exchange (LINX), one of the world’s largest internet exchange points, was hit by the cyber attack. LINX enhances internet speed and reliability for internet providers by enabling direct connection between different networks. Anonymous Sudan claims to have disrupted LINX’s routing infrastructure, resulting in certain services becoming unreachable. The attack represents a significant breach in online security.
A Systematic Pattern of Attacks
This is not the first time that Anonymous Sudan has made headlines. In the past, they have targeted websites associated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency. They are also alleged to have collaborated with pro-Russian attack groups like Killnet. In another instance, they threatened to attack critical banking infrastructure during the war in Ukraine. It’s important to note that Anonymous Sudan is not affiliated with the well-known hacktivist group, Anonymous, which is recognizable for wearing Guy Fawkes masks.
Conclusion
The recent cyber attack on the UK by Anonymous Sudan is a strong demonstration of their ability to disrupt major infrastructures. With political motivations at the forefront, they aim to retaliate against countries and organizations they perceive as engaging in activities that go against their principles. As cyber warfare becomes an increasingly prominent threat, it is essential for governments and organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity measures to protect against such attacks.
Credit: Sky News