In an interview with the British magazine New Scientist, a hacker revealed his role in attacks on Tunisian networks. “Sabu” is the nom-de-cyber guerre of a ‘hactivist' involved with the hacker syndicate “LulzSec.” LulzSec is a self-described “team of entertainment and security experts that specialize in the production of malicious comedic cybermaterials.” LulzSec pulled off a number of high-profile attacks on computer networks around the world including Fox News, PBS, Sony, and the United States Senate. Sabu cited the hacking of Tunisian government websites as “inspirational,” and proof that hackers could make a difference. In the midst of the Sidi Bouzid uprising, hackers carried out “Operation Tunisia” ostensibly to protect Tunisians' right to information. Sabu describes Tunisians using dial-up connections to connect to networks outside of Tunisia, enabling LulzSec and other “hactivist” groups to gain access to the isolated Tunisian internet system. The Tunisian government was blocking access to several websites, including the local version of Wikileaks, “Tunileaks.” The group attacked Tunisian government networks again on June 27, as many human rights organizations' websites remained blocked. The International Business Times listed among them Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Reporters Without Borders. Reporters without Borders listed the government of deposed president Zine El ABidine Ben Ali as an “enemy of the internet,” alongside more high-profile authoritarian states like China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. The Mediterranean country is now simply “Under Surveillance.” According to the BBC, 3.6 million, or 34 percent, of Tunisians are online. BM
