Could the KGB Infiltrate LulzSec?

Barence writes "Foreign powers could try to infiltrate hacktivist networks in order to manipulate their actions, according to a security expert who advises governments and businesses on internet issues. Likening the emergence of the hacktivist movement to the arrival of militant groups such as the Red Brigade during the 1970s, government advisor and chair of the International E-crime Congress, Simon Moores, said that hacker groups could eventually be swayed by outside influences. 'If you have a LulzSec or an Anonymous that is perhaps being manipulated by a foreign actor, it takes us back to the days of the Stasi and the KGB, which were manipulating [anti-nuclear campaign group] CND quite easily from Moscow,' he said."

Comments

Not this shit again.

[Alex Belits]

Seriously!

Outdated Headline

[eldavojohn]

Could the KGB Infiltrate LulzSec?

No, because it was dissolved in 1991. Could the SVR, FSB or GRU infiltrate LulzSec? Sure, why not? I'm sure anyone could infiltrate the group as long as you're willing to play their game.

Re:Outdated Headline

[Threni]

He means `can we get some Cold War eta funding to go on a wild goose chase, please'.

Re:Outdated Headline

[captainpanic]

He means `can we get some Cold War eta funding to go on a wild goose chase, please'.

This.

But instead of hunting for the hackers, I'd be more comfortable if they secured some of the vital systems... Some stuff just shouldn't be connected to the internet.

great fear tactic

[alphatel]

Meanwhile Russia can shutdown the US power grid, successfully leached Nuclear secrets in the 50's and owns most of US Steel manufacturing. Yet some shitty hacker outfit called Lulzsec is "easily manipulated. Har! Is it Pirate Day already?

Re:great fear tactic

[vlm]

Meanwhile Russia can shutdown the US power grid, successfully leached Nuclear secrets in the 50's and owns most of US Steel manufacturing. Yet some shitty hacker outfit called Lulzsec is "easily manipulated. Har! Is it Pirate Day already?

Whoever will take more of my money and more of my civil rights will surely save me.

Yet Another Lack of Understanding

[GameboyRMH]

Law enforcement just can't grasp the concept of Anonymous' lack of a solid hierarchy. Sure they could infiltrate Anonymous, and they'd have as much influence as any other one participant, which is very little. Now if they can flood Anonymous with enough sockpuppets to make up, say, more than 50% of the participants, then they'd have some meaningful influence.

Re:What about?

[arth1]

So could the CIA, NSA, FBI or any of the 20 or 30 Intelligence/enforcement agencies in the US government.

Yes, LulzSec is clearly commandeered by the Amtrak Police.
Geohot, on the other hand, is likely under the influence of the Forest Rangers.

Why this hits /. front page, I have no idea. Whenever someone is doing something controversial, there will always be opponents who will speculate that they're useful idiots, or otherwise try to paint them in a worse light than they already are. I'd be interested in the real source of this one; my bet is you'll find a tinfoil hat reactionary.

So that's the next play?

[Just Some Guy]

"They're evil hackers!" didn't seem to stick. The public laughed off "they're terrorists!" Now the powers that be are hoping "they're communists!" will sway public sentiment? That's so... cold war. Who's afraid of the KGB these days?

I'm surprised they didn't go straight for "they sell kiddie porn". That would achieve the desired bloodlust a lot more quickly.