Hackers Rob US Security Think Tank

'Anonymous': We stole credit cards for charity
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 25, 2011 1:44 PM CST
'Anonymous' Hacking Group: We Stole Credit Cards for Charity From US Security Think Tank
Occupy Wall Street protesters wearing Guy Fawkes masks commonly associated with the hacker group Anonymous.   (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Hackers say they stole credit card numbers from a US security think tank today and began using them to make donations to charity, the AP reports. The hackers are members of the loose-knit movement known as "Anonymous." The victims are members of a highly guarded list of clients of Stratfor, including the US Air Force, US Army, and Miami police. Hackers have posted tweets saying they plan to make $1 million in donations with the card numbers.

"Anonymous" members even posted images of fresh donation receipts to charitable groups. "Not so private and secret anymore?" tweeted one alleged hacker. Anonymous says it's using the numbers easily because Stratfor neglected to encrypt them—a major blunder if true. For its part, Stratfor has shut down its site and is "diligently investigating," it said in an email. Anonymous, which has claimed responsibility for earlier credit card attacks, says it plans to continue striking targets throughout Christmas week. (More Anonymous stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X