Anonymous posted a video showing the DDoS attack against the United States Telecom Association (USTA), an attack that the telecom trade organization confirmed on Monday.
“As an industry in the business of facilitating communications, we respect the right of those calling themselves ‘Anonymous’ to express their views and engage in lawful political advocacy. But by launching a cyber attack in an effort to coerce, intimidate and stifle speech, members of Anonymous are acting contrary to the very freedoms and Internet norms that they espouse. Ironically, by their actions Anonymous hacktivists underscore the importance of speedy action on the bipartisan Rogers-Ruppersberger legislation [CISPA] to ensure that the Internet remains an open and safe forum for all”, commented Walter McCormick Jr., USTA president and chief executive officer.
Anonymous also claimed to have taken down the website of TechAmerica, a high-tech trade association. The TechAmerica website was still down on Tuesday at noon ET.
Anonymous said it would attack supporters of the legislation in its Operation Defense (CISPA) video.
According to the sponsors of CISPA, the bill would help US businesses protect themselves from hackers looking to steal intellectual property by enabling firms to share cyber threat information with others in the private sector and the government.
However, a number of privacy groups have come out against CISPA, arguing that it would give government and industry broad surveillance powers over private communication and the internet.