Attacks on video game sites and networks by the hacking group Lizard Squad has prompted a backlash from someone claiming to be from the hacking collective Anonymous.
Speaking in a video posted to YouTube that keeps to the usual format of Anonymous, the author criticised Lizard Squad for the use of distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to disrupt gaming networks on PlayStation and Xbox, warning of a reprisal.
"What you are doing is wrong. You are taking away the fun and enjoyment of children as well as adults," the video said. "You have no real reason for taking down their servers. Your only goal is to see how far you can get without getting caught.
"Quit while you are ahead because the FBI is watching you and they will find you and Anonymous will help and support them."
A tweet from Lizard Squad’s official account said "Hacked by Anonymous", but it was unclear if the message was a mocking response to the video, which would be in keeping with the character of the group.
Unlike other hacking groups, Anonymous membership is supposed to be a mantle that anybody can take up for any purpose, from pranking video game communities to aiding political protest in the Middle East and the Maghreb.
However the group has tended towards radical politics and a distrust of government, and does not have a history of collusion with authorities other than in the case of Hector Xavier "Sabu" Monsegur, who betrayed his former colleagues in Anonymous spinoff LulzSec after being caught by the FBI.
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Yet responding to Lizard Squad activity this past summer YourAnonNews, a Twitter account associated with Anonymous, appeared to rule out any activity against the hackers, who at the time were targeting video game networks as they have done in the past week.
"Those who are asking us to "stop" @LizardSquad – Yes, you – the people who don’t know our history," it said. "Do some research. Thanks."
