Impersonating Anonymous: Is It State Sponsored Terrorism?
February 13, 2012 11:20 by Simon PloskerThis article is republished courtesy of Andre Oboler and originally appeared on the Jerusalem Post Blogs.
Since its earliest days the “Internet gathering” known as Anonymous has declared “we are legion”. After attacks on PayPal, Amazon, Sony, various banks and US Government websites, as in Roman times, the power of the legion is again feared.
According to some, Anonymous’ latest target is Israel, with a threat to systematically remove Israel from the Internet. The evidence, however, suggests this is far more likely an impersonation. Though only circumstantial, the evidence suggests the possibility of Iranian sponsorship. If so, this would mark the first effort by a state, or perhaps its proxies, to infiltrate and manipulate Anonymous into pursuing a government’s agenda. If that effort backfires, I for one wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end.
The allegations of an attack appear to emanate from a YouTube Video title “Anonymous Message to the State of Israel” released by TheAnonPress. In the video the computer generated voice declares “For too long we have tolerated your crimes against humanity and allowed your sins to go unpunished… You are unworthy to exist in your current form”. The anonymous voice goes on to speak of a “crusade against your reign of terror” which will start with a systematic removal of Israel from the Internet.
You may also like: Gabi Evron on Cyber Warfare
While the introduction clip to the video is indeed a work of art, the message shows a fundamental lack of understanding about Anonymous. The blind hate that drips from this video is far more reminiscent of a speech in the United Nations… by President Ahmadinejad. Indeed, the video declares “We will not allow you to attack a sovereign country based upon a campaign of lies”, a reference to Iran and its nuclear weapons program. The video was released in the lead up to the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, where Ahmadinejad made an announcement of “big new” Iranian nuclear developments.
jeb stuart
4:49 pm
Feb 13, 2012
I don’t think this takes into consideration the number of pro-Palestinian anti-semitic student groups active on campuses today and if not a main force in cyber attacks are probably jumping on the pile to prove what good Muslims they are; or to make their bones supporting the cause of Palestine demontsrating a hatred of Zionism and ultimately all Jews and all non-Muslims in the region.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
12 
0
Andre Oboler
11:10 am
Feb 14, 2012
Hi Jeb,
It has been taken into account. There is an #OpFreePalestine which is where most of the activity you are speaking about occurs. That campaign, however, has different goals from this latest video. The #OpFreePalestine campaign, while very anti-Israel, almost looks sane when compared to this video and it’s demand for total destruction. An added issue is Iran’s support of Syria; #OpFreePalestine gets a lot of criticism from within the “gathering”, #OpSyria by contrast has wide support. Support for Iran, which is pretty explicit in this latest video is something even the anti-Israel student hanger-ons of Anonymous will and do largely reject.
If there is interest I may do a more detailed analysis of #OpFreePalestine, #OpSyria, and this latest video. The type of message, demand, and use (or absence) of racism would I think be interesting at least to members of the wider Anonymous collective. Despite being decentralized, there are core values to Anonymous. They are broad, but it is possible to take action that goes directly against those values. When that happens, it is possible for those who care about the “brand” to take action to correct any misconceptions in the media and to warn off members who are undermining the wider effort.
Regards,
Andre
Agree or Disagree:
3 
0
Is impersonating ‘Anonymous’ state sponsored terrorism? A: Sometimes yes it is. | Vlad Tepes
8:21 pm
Feb 13, 2012
[...] Honest Reporting: [...]
Agree or Disagree:
1 
2
Anonymous
3:36 am
Feb 14, 2012
We are impersonated more than you think. The best way to remain anonymous is for everyone not knowing who we are.
Agree or Disagree:
0 
0
Bill Kelly
7:57 am
Feb 14, 2012
I hope that anonymous has no idea that saying, “we are legion” sounds like a reference to what the demoniac said to Jesus. I would prefer to believe that it is only a reference to the Roman Army legions. I hope I ‘m not being naive. Would anyone in their right mind want to be identified with that? I t must be a coincidence. Perhaps they can confirm this. But they may not feel the need to. It stood out to me, though my knowledge of that period of history is limited.
At least it appears we have confirmation that they had nothing to do with this obvious fake.
Agree or Disagree:
0 
0
DefF
11:32 pm
Feb 14, 2012
Yeah, you are being naive. It is more likely a reference to the line in the film, “The Exorcist”. It has become a cliche in popular culture. What is more menacing then some demon possession as a foe online? Not sure they have thought it out much more than that and couldn’t really care about what it means. Nor do I honestly. The more significant concern is that younger people who romanticize a hacker may become swayed by this position against Israel. Israel has become something popular to hate. It’s being made into the new South Africa. I remember when I was moved to action and opinion when some of my favorite performers made the song “Sun City” about South African Apartheid. That was a great cause, but it seems the lessons learned from mobilizing people using cultural heros is in full effect against Israel. I don’t want some young hacker lover to be influenced by people claiming to be these guys, and then be further influenced to participate in something silly online.
Agree or Disagree:
1 
0
Bill Kelly
1:21 am
Feb 15, 2012
Honestly, I already knew that it was a reference to something demonic, and the ” The exorcist” took it from the bible , and it’s the same principle. I just didn’t want to publicly accuse them in case I was wrong. But it is important because it shows their character. It’s nice that they haven’t come after Israel, but they often use strong arm tactics and blackmail. And no I don’t laud what all these governments whose private info they reveal are doing. But their are innocent people hurt, and also how would they like it if I used private info on them, as I’m sure they have some skeletons in their closets. Would they want someone doing this to them to make inroads for their personal world views. I’m sure that I don’t always agree with their objectives .I’m not fond of putting my well being in the hands of either these hypocritical governments or them. But actually my well being is not in their hands, it is in God’s. Which is why I don’t fear them, and have little respect for their tactics that seem to imply that we should be afraid of them, or suffer the consequences. As to Israel, yes we need to represent the truth to the world, especially to the young and impressionable, so that they can know what is truly going on. What is whispered in the ear, will be shouted from the rooftops, and God will use sinful people to bring about his will and His judgments at times. But we don’t need our young people emulating terrorist Muslims, or people who are not entirely above board and ethical in their methods. Using their slogan lifted from the demoniac in the Bible shows their immaturity and lack of character. But the experience it was lifted from in the Bible had a good ending. The legion of demons were cast out, and the man who was so afflicted, was at peace and in in his sound mind.
Agree or Disagree:
0 
0
Justin Casey
8:43 am
Feb 15, 2012
In the last two years some iranian based server companies have appeared offering services aimed at piracy groups in the hope of befriending and recruiting top tier programmers and coders who know remote the skills to conduct remote xploit attacks…. Unfortunately piracy groups just don`t like Iranians…. A guy i knew had a private FTP and when he was going to lease from them, half his traders said they wished to be wiped from the db for good…. Anonymous is made up of trolls and people sick of the way the internet has become corporate and politically correct….. The net was meant to be free and without guidelines…. On a lighter note……
When Muslim parents have to use the, “Open wide, here comes the airplane!” technique, do they just smash it in their face and make explosive noises?
Agree or Disagree:
0 
1
Impersonating Anonymous: Is It State Sponsored Terrorism? | The Conservative Papers
10:52 pm
Feb 21, 2012
[...] Continued on Page 2 VN:F [1.9.14_1148]calculating…Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)Source material can be found at this site.topsyWidgetPreload({ "url": "http%3A%2F%2Fconservativepapers.com%2Fnews%2F2012%2F02%2F21%2Fimpersonating-anonymous-is-it-state-sponsored-terrorism%2F", "style": "big", "title": "Impersonating Anonymous: Is It State Sponsored Terrorism? #Freedom #HonestReporting #Internet #Iran #Islam #Israel #Jihad #Nuclear Weapons #Palestinians #Terrorism" }); [Translate] [...]
Agree or Disagree:
0 
0