An Interview With An Anonymous Member
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Barnes Web Security Expert
SPYDIRBYTE, an Anonymous member, defends DDoS attacks, revealing his background in hacking, activism, and his role in disrupting dark web crimes.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- SPYDIRBYTE is an Anonymous member known for malware and DDoS attacks.
- He defends DDoS attacks as central to Anonymous’ operations.
- He played a key role in Operation Darknet and Operation Anti-Sec.
In the world of hackers, the name SPYDIRBYTE stands out. Known for his exploits as a member of the Anonymous collective, SPYDIRBYTE has left a trail of digital chaos, wielding malware and DDoS attacks as tools of activism and rebellion.
While many associate malware with basic website disruptions, SPYDIRBYTE views these attacks as a potent weapon against corrupt powers, transforming the digital landscape into a battleground for justice.
During a recent interview with Cyber News (CN), SPYDIRBYTE discussed the power of DDoS attacks, revealing that these actions are often far more than just digital mischief.
“Nowadays people say DDoSing is [for a “SKID”] move, but every single Operation of Anonymous always has been DDoS … Most of our victories is from DDoS and website defacement or getting into a database,” he explained to CN, emphasizing how such attacks can disrupt more than just websites—they can destabilize systems and raise awareness on critical issues.
The conversation turned to SPYDIRBYTE’s personal journey, one shaped by adversity and defiance. Raised in an abusive environment with a distant father and a cruel stepmother, he faced significant challenges from an early age.
“A lot has happened to me as a child… Tired of the judgment, tired of the abuse, tired of the government, tired of not being free…” he recalled, to CN.
“As an Anonymous member, you’re free… You can be anyone you want to be and not be judged for it because them people don’t know who you are,” he added.
He described how his troubled upbringing led him into a rebellious life, which included gang involvement and eventually hacking.
“[I] dropped out of school… Ran away from home… Live home to home to home [and] moved to different states, living the real hacker/Anonymous life,” he said to CN.
His introduction to hacking began on the chaotic 4chan IRC channels in 2009, where trolling and doxxing were common practices.
From there, SPYDIRBYTE’s skills grew as he learned from other hackers, developing malware and taking part in major Anonymous operations. One of his first acts of defiance was a hack against LolitaCity, a dark web site linked to child abuse, as part of Operation Darknet, as reported by CN.
“We had it completely shut down in 2013,” he said to CN. This was just the beginning—his campaigns targeted everything from child exploitation websites to government institutions.
In 2013, he participated in Operation Anti-Sec, which included high-profile attacks on government websites. “I shut down the CIA website for four days,” he said to CN, referring to one of his more memorable feats.
His actions resonated with those who saw the internet as a battleground for freedom and justice. For SPYDIRBYTE, these attacks were a form of resistance against corrupt governments and institutions, as reported by CN.
Over time, his knowledge expanded, and he became proficient in crafting his own malware.
“I started writing my own malware after using a tool called DarkComet, which was a RAT Tool which RAT means Remote Access Trojan where hackers can control other people’s computers, spy through the camera, collect anything we want,” he explained to CN.
His expertise led to significant cyberattacks, including the use of botnets to launch large-scale DDoS assaults on entities like InfoWars. Despite his controversial methods, SPYDIRBYTE remains steadfast in his belief that the end justifies the means.
“Everything the movement stands for is fighting for justice and freedom,” he said to CN, noting his dedication to anonymity and his commitment to aiding those he sees as victims.
He also expressed a desire to mentor the next generation of hacktivists, helping to ensure the survival and evolution of the Anonymous movement, as noted by CM. For SPYDIRBYTE, hacking is not just a crime—it’s an act of defiance, a form of activism, and a way to fight for freedom in a digital age.
“I don’t need to be recognized for what I do for the people… 90% of these people don’t know sh*t about what happens in the background of anything,” he said to CN, leaving a stark reminder of the invisible battles fought in the digital world.
As the interview concluded, SPYDIRBYTE shared a quote from Edward Snowden: “I can’t in good conscience allow the US government to destroy privacy, internet freedom, and basic liberties for people around the world with this massive surveillance machine they’re secretly building.”
For him, this sentiment encapsulates the essence of hacktivism—a fight for the freedom of the internet and the rights of the people.
Image by Mpho Mojapelo, from Unsplash
Ransomware Gang Targets NHS Children’s Hospital
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Ransomware gang INC Ransom claims Alder Hey breach, exposing patient data; hospital assures services unaffected, works with NCA investigation.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- INC Ransom claims responsibility for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Liverpool Heart data breach.
- Allegedly stolen data includes patient records, donor information, and financial documents since 2018.
- Alder Hey is among Europe’s largest children’s hospitals and a leader in pediatric care.
A ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a data breach involving Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, as reported by The Register .
The incident marks the second alleged intrusion on NHS systems in England this week, following a cyberattack on the nearby Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, noted The Register.
The two incidents are reportedly unrelated, though their geographic proximity has raised concerns. INC Ransom, a group known for a similar attack on NHS Scotland earlier this year, claims to have stolen sensitive data from Alder Hey and Liverpool Heart and Chest, says The Register.
The stolen information allegedly includes patient names, addresses, medical records, donor information, and financial documents, with records dating back to 2018. The group has reportedly shared samples of the data online to pressure the hospitals into meeting its demands, says The Register.
The escalating threat aligns with warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO), which recently described ransomware as a “life-or-death crisis” for healthcare systems .
In a Security Council meeting, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that such attacks cripple hospital functionality, endanger lives, and cost billions annually.
In a statement, Alder Hey confirmed it is aware of data being shared online and is working with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and other partners to verify its authenticity.
“We are taking this issue very seriously,” the hospital said , adding that its systems are being secured in line with law enforcement advice.
This incident comes amid an ongoing cyberattack on the Wirral NHS Trust, believed to be perpetrated by a rival group, RansomHub. While the Wirral attack has caused significant disruption, Alder Hey has assured the public that its operations remain stable, as reported by The Register.
Ransomware attacks on NHS organizations are not uncommon, but two incidents in the same region within a week are unusual, noted The Register.
Alder Hey, one of Europe’s largest and most prominent children’s hospitals, is a leader in medical research and pediatric care, making it a high-profile target.
The NCA has yet to comment on the investigation, and Alder Hey has urged patients and donors to remain vigilant as authorities work to assess the full impact of the breach.
