Last month we heard that @LulzSec, the group responsible for many of the hacking attacks on a large number of sites, including Sony, had ended their hacking campaign.
Now it seems that LulzSec is back, and their latest target is Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, which has come under massive criticism over the last month for the phone hacking scandal that saw Murdoch close down his most popular UK newspaper the News of the World. LulzSec decided to hack one of Murdoch’s other publications, The Sun, as well as his News International website.
As you can see in the photo above, LulzSec posted a fake story saying that Rupert Murdoch had been found dead. They then re-directed the Sun to the @LulzSec Twitter account. Additionally, they leaked phone numbers of a number of the Sun and News International editors and also leaked the login information for Rebekah Brooks’ email address.
The Timing of the Attack
LulzSec decided to perform their hacking of The Sun and News International the day before Rupert Murdoch and others involved in the phone hacking scandal were due to appear before MPs here in the UK. This timing was likely chosen to maximize the impact and embarrassment for Murdoch and his associates. The phone hacking scandal had already caused significant damage to Murdoch’s reputation and business interests, and the LulzSec attack added another layer of public scrutiny and outrage.
The Broader Implications
The actions of LulzSec raise important questions about cybersecurity and the vulnerabilities of even the most prominent media organizations. Despite the resources at their disposal, News International was unable to prevent this high-profile breach. This incident serves as a stark reminder that no organization is immune to cyber-attacks, and it underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Moreover, the hack also highlights the role of hacktivism in modern society. LulzSec’s actions were not just about causing chaos; they were a form of protest against what they saw as unethical behavior by Murdoch’s media empire. By targeting News International, LulzSec aimed to draw attention to the broader issues of media ethics and accountability.
The hack also had immediate practical consequences. For instance, the leaked phone numbers and email login information could have led to further breaches of privacy and security for the individuals involved. This kind of collateral damage raises ethical questions about the methods used by hacktivist groups like LulzSec.
In the aftermath of the attack, News International had to scramble to regain control of their websites and secure their systems. This would have involved not just technical fixes but also public relations efforts to reassure the public and their stakeholders that they were taking the necessary steps to prevent future breaches.
The return of LulzSec and their attack on Rupert Murdoch’s media empire serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing challenges in the realm of cybersecurity. It also highlights the complex interplay between technology, ethics, and accountability in today’s digital age.
Source: LulzSec, The Guardian
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