Hackers v/s terrorists: ISIS calls Anonymous 'idiots' in response to cyber war threats

Video posted by the ‘hacktivist’ group  sparked combative response from the terror group, who gave advice on how to avoid getting hacked, in a message

Paris: In the wake of the deadly attacks in Paris, the Anonymous hacking network declared war on the Islamic State in a Youtube video on Monday, sparking a combative response from the jihadist group’s affiliates.

Cyber war: Anonymous vowed vengeance for attacks in Paris claimed by IS through their video.  Pic for representation/AFP

The “hacktivist” collective vowed vengeance for attacks in Paris claimed by IS.

“Anonymous everywhere in the world is going to hunt you down,” a hooded figure in black, wearing the group’s signature Guy Fawkes mask said in French. It was not possible to verify its authenticity, but the statement and video had the hallmarks of the network, known for mounting cyber attacks against government and corporate websites.

“France was hit in Paris on November 13 by multiple terrorist attacks claimed by you, the Islamic State. We are going to launch the biggest operation ever-mounted against you — get ready for a multitude of cyber attacks. War has been declared,” the figure said in a computer-altered voice.

In an apparent riposte, a message posted on the Twitter address of the messaging service Telegram calls on Islamic State affiliates to secure their Internet communications. “The #Anonymous hackers threatened in new video release that they will carry out a major hack operation on the Islamic State (idiots),” the statement read in part.

The message goes on to provide “instructions” on how to avoid potential hacks: Don't open any links unless sure of the source. Change Internet Protocol addresses “constantly.” And “do not talk to people [you] don’t know on Telegram” or through Twitter direct messaging. The message was then forwarded around to various other ISIS-affiliated Telegram channels.

5,500
The number of IS Twitter accounts that have been taken down by the hacktivist group

1.3million
The number of views received by the video posted by Anonymous on Youtube till yesterday afternoon

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