LulzSec definition
LulzSec (Lulz Security) refers to a hacktivist group known for its high-profile cyber attacks on the CIA, PBS, Fox, Sony, and the UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). The hacktivist group performed DDoS attacks, data breaches, and website defacements, often releasing stolen data to the public.
See also: Anonymous hackers, Hacktivism
History of LulzSec
A group of hackers associated with Anonymous formed LulzSec in May 2011. Their early activities focused on exploiting security vulnerabilities for amusement and to highlight poor security practices. Then, after just 50 days, the group announced that their goals have been achieved and LulzSec is going to be disbanded. In their final message, they released a compilation of stolen data and stated that they had had their fun and it was time to move on.
In upcoming months, several key members of LulzSec were arrested and prosecuted. Sabu (Hector Xavier Monsegur) was arrested in June 2011 and subsequently cooperated with the FBI, providing information that led to the arrests of at least five more hackers such as Topiary (Jake Davis), Kayla (Ryan Ackroyd), Tflow (Mustafa Al-Bassam), and others.
LulzSec’s activities had a significant impact on the cybersecurity landscape. Their high-profile attacks exposed serious vulnerabilities in major organizations and brought greater public awareness to hacktivism.
