Chinese Government Websites Hacked by "Anonymous" Collective

The hacker collective known as "Anonymous," which has claimed responsibility for numerous high profile hacks of corporate and government websites across the world has now turned its attention to the Chinese government. According to various reports, a large number of local Chinese government sites have been been compromised in recent days. In addition, the Wall Street Journal reports that "several dozen websites belonging to Chinese companies and other groups" have also been targeted. A full listing of compromised sites, which was posted at Pastebin, numbers 485.

The websites were defaced with a message saying that they had been hacked by Anonymous. “Dear Chinese government, you are not infallible, today websites are hacked, tomorrow it will be your vile regime that will fall,” the message read in English. “So expect us because we do not forgive, never. What you are doing today to your Great People, tomorrow will be inflicted to you. With no mercy.” The hacker group claimed responsibility for the messages on Twitter on March 30.

In addition to threats against the Chinese government, the messages used to deface the websites also addressed the Chinese people. “Each of you suffers from the tyranny of that regime which knows nothing about you. We are with you,” the message said. Also provided was a link to a tips page detailing methods that Chinese internet users can use to circumvent China's Internet censorship.