The decision by computer hacking group LulzSec on Saturday to fold operations may be helping another online group, Anonymous, which stepped up attacks over the weekend.
Members of LulzSec appear to have rallied around Anonymous with both the group and some LulzSec members claiming they were now with Anonymous.
Anonymous claimed over the weekend that it has released information from the website of the Cyberterrorism Defense Initiative, a national counter-cyberterrorism training program funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security among others.
It also said it had found a “chest of 40 Terabytes internal data” from an undisclosed company, but was not sure how to put up all the data on the web.
LulzSec said Saturday it had ended its campaign of cyberassaults on government and corporate websites and that it was time for it to “sail into the distance.” It did not give a specific reason for its sudden decision.
Anonymous said in a message on Twitter on Sunday that it could confirm that all LulzSec members have reported aboard. A LulzSec member Sabu confirmed on Twitter that its members were now part of Anonymous.
There is speculation that the LulzSec, known for its brash comments, had decided to disband after the arrest in the U.K. last week of Ryan Cleary, who is alleged to have been involved with the group.
LulzSec may however have been the victim of attacks from rival hackers it has been squabbling with such as Jester and Web Ninja. A person disclosed over the weekend information on LulzSec and some of its alleged members.
John Ribeiro covers outsourcing and general technology breaking news from India for The IDG News Service. Follow John on Twitter at @Johnribeiro. John’s e-mail address is john_ribeiro@idg.com