Fanfic Foes: Anonymous Sudan Launches Cyber Attack on Writers’ Community

Fanfic writers targeted by Anonymous Sudan in apparent DDoS attack on Ao3

An Attack on a Unique Online Community

The popular fan fiction repository Archive of Our Own (Ao3) has recently reported being under sustained distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. This attack, carried out by a group calling themselves Anonymous Sudan, claims to be motivated by religious and political reasons. However, it is clear that there is a deeper agenda at play.

Ao3 is a non-profit online repository that hosts amateur fiction inspired by popular books, TV series, and films. It is a unique online community that allows writers to explore their creativity and engage with like-minded individuals. While many of the stories on Ao3 explore alternative scenarios in popular fiction, some delve into what is known as slash fiction, which portrays romantic relationships between fictional characters.

The Motivation Behind the Attack

The attack on Ao3 appears to have two primary motivations. First, Anonymous Sudan claims that it is targeting American companies, and Ao3 is registered in the United States. This suggests that the attack on Ao3 is part of their broader campaign against American organizations. However, their motivations go beyond mere political targeting.

The group’s Telegram post explicitly states their opposition to what they term as “degeneracy” on the site. They criticize the presence of “disgusting smuts and other LGBTQ+ and NSFW things” on Ao3. This reveals a deeply conservative mindset and a clear disdain for the creative expression of the LGBTQ+ community and adult content.

The Ramifications of the Attack

The attack on Ao3 not only disrupts the functioning of the website but also undermines the creative freedom of writers in the fan fiction community. By targeting a platform that provides a space for marginalized voices and alternative narratives, Anonymous Sudan is attempting to suppress the expression of LGBTQ+ stories and ideas.

The ransom demand made by Anonymous Sudan further highlights their motive to silence and intimidate. By demanding a payment of $30,000, they aim to extort money from Ao3, leveraging the DDoS attack as a means of coercion. This puts the creators and administrators of Ao3 in a difficult position, as they must decide how to respond to these ransom demands while maintaining the integrity of their platform.

The Response and Resilience of the Ao3 Community

Despite the attack, the volunteers who run Ao3 are working diligently to restore full functionality to the platform. They have acknowledged the distress caused by the disruption and are express their commitment to resolving the issue as quickly as possible. However, due to the nature of the website being run by volunteers, they face limitations in their ability to address server issues promptly. Regardless, their dedication to the Ao3 community is commendable.

It is worth noting that Ao3 has faced attacks before and has proven to be resilient. This online repository has become a sanctuary for fan fiction writers, providing a platform for creative expression and fostering a supportive community. The fact that Ao3 won a prestigious Hugo Award in 2019 speaks volumes about its significance and impact on the literary world.

The Identity and Motivations of Anonymous Sudan

While the group goes by the name Anonymous Sudan, it is highly likely that they have no affiliation with the country. Cybersecurity experts, such as the firm CyberCX, suggest that the name is being used as a smokescreen to hide their true motives. Instead, they speculate that the group could have pro-Russian tendencies.

This speculation raises questions about the broader motivations behind the attacks. Is it simply a case of targeting American companies, or is there a more sinister agenda at play? The attack on Ao3, with its explicit motivation against LGBTQ+ content, suggests a cultural clash between the open and inclusive nature of the platform and the conservative beliefs held by the hackers.

Editorial: Defending Creative Freedom in the Face of Threats

The attack on Ao3 serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect creative freedom and ensure the expression of diverse voices in society. Online platforms like Ao3 provide an outlet for marginalized communities to share their stories and experiences, fostering inclusivity and empathy among users.

It is crucial for organizations and individuals invested in the preservation of creative freedom to stand up against such attacks. This includes not only the volunteers running platforms like Ao3 but also cybersecurity firms, policymakers, and internet users at large. Collaboration and solidarity are vital in resisting attempts to suppress creative expression and maintain an open space for diverse narratives to flourish.

Advice: Staying Resilient in the Face of Attacks

For online communities and platforms facing the constant threat of cyberattacks, it is essential to employ robust cybersecurity measures. This includes regularly updating software, implementing strong encryption and authentication protocols, and having contingency plans in place in case of attacks.

Furthermore, fostering a strong sense of community and support among users can help withstand the impact of attacks. Encouraging users to report any suspicious activity, providing transparent communication during crises, and actively involving the community in finding solutions can help build resilience.

Ultimately, the attack on Ao3 should serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting creative spaces and resisting attempts to curtail freedom of expression. It is only through collective action and a commitment to inclusivity that online platforms can continue to thrive and provide spaces for marginalized voices to be heard.