Anonymous hacks Universal Music, Viacom

Anonymous is reported to have hacked into the Universal Music and Viacom servers. According to the Wall Street Journal [sub. req.], the group has released a cache of files that it claims represents the passwords and other user data stolen from a Universal Music affiliated site, as well as those from Viacom networks. The group is also thought to have absorbed members from the recently dissolved LulzSec, ‘Antisec’ group.

LulzSec has been responsible for numerous data thefts in the past two months, which has included among them, a CIA affiliate site and Sony Pictures. Anonymous recently came to the fore when it threatened attacks on Sony’s sites in retaliation for the company moving to have law enforcement agencies prosecute George Hotz (GeoHot) for hacking the PS3 console.

While Anonymous denied perpetrating the data breach of Sony’s PlayStation Network, a splinter group associated with Anonymous is thought to have carried that attack which compromised the data of over 77 million users.

The LulzSec, before its claimed dissolution, and the Anonymous entities are comprised of loosely affiliated hackers and operate in deeply buried underground cyber networks. Law enforcement agencies have made arrests in relation to activities carried out by the groups, but have so far failed to stop them completely as its members are often spread across different countries as well.

By Electronista Staff