Fact Check: "Anonymous Sudan is hacking X at the time"
What We Know
The claim that "Anonymous Sudan is hacking X" is supported by multiple reports detailing the group's recent activities. According to a BBC report, Anonymous Sudan executed a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack on X (formerly Twitter) on August 29, 2023, which resulted in the platform being offline for over two hours across multiple countries. The group aimed to pressure Elon Musk into launching Starlink services in Sudan, stating their intent to raise awareness about the civil unrest in their country. The attack affected thousands of users, with nearly 20,000 outage reports logged on Downdetector during the incident.
Additionally, a recent indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that two Sudanese nationals were charged with operating Anonymous Sudan, which is responsible for tens of thousands of cyberattacks globally, including on critical infrastructure and corporate networks in the United States (Department of Justice). This indictment highlights the group's ongoing cybercriminal activities and their capability to execute significant attacks.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, including government indictments and reputable news organizations. The Department of Justice provides a formal legal context, indicating that the group has been actively involved in cyberattacks that have caused substantial disruptions and damages. The indictment specifically mentions that the group has been responsible for over 35,000 DDoS attacks, which aligns with the activities reported by the BBC.
The BBC's coverage of the DDoS attack on X is particularly relevant as it provides firsthand accounts from members of Anonymous Sudan, detailing their motivations and methods. The group's spokesperson, known as "Crush," claimed that their actions were intended to draw attention to the plight of Sudanese people and to pressure for better internet services (BBC). While there are claims that the group may have connections to pro-Kremlin activities, the evidence presented by the group itself suggests a focus on Sudanese issues rather than foreign agendas.
However, it is important to note that some skepticism exists regarding the group's true affiliations and capabilities. Some cybersecurity experts have speculated about potential ties to Russian cyber operations, although the group has denied these allegations (Times of Israel). This skepticism does not detract from the verifiable fact that Anonymous Sudan has been actively conducting cyberattacks, including the one on X.
Conclusion
The claim that "Anonymous Sudan is hacking X at the time" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, including government indictments and news reports, confirms that Anonymous Sudan has executed significant cyberattacks, including a recent attack on X. The group's activities are well-documented, and their motivations have been articulated through direct communications with the media.
