For more than a decade, the name Anonymous has been linked with hacktivism, protest, and digital disruption. By 2025, the movement has evolved into a collection of loosely connected groups and individuals who operate under the same banner but often pursue their own agendas. Instead of one global front, Anonymous now resembles a patchwork of smaller factions that strike when political, social, or ethical issues demand their attention.
This year, several campaigns have stood out. From data leaks to defaced websites, Anonymous has made its presence felt on the global cyber stage once again. Below is a closer look at the most significant Anonymous-linked operations in 2025.
1. A Massive Data Leak Targeting Russia
One of the most talked-about incidents came in April 2025, when Anonymous factions claimed responsibility for releasing around 10 terabytes of data allegedly connected to Russian power brokers, state-linked businesses, and even files referencing political figures in the West.
The hackers framed the dump as a solidarity move with Ukraine, saying the goal was to expose corruption and weaken Moscow’s information control. While analysts found a lot of the files to be unremarkable business records and PDFs, the sheer size of the release made it impossible to ignore. Ukrainian authorities reportedly welcomed the information, suggesting parts of it could prove useful in ongoing investigations.
2. Anonymous Italia’s Anti-Kremlin Defacements
Soon after the leak, Anonymous Italia made headlines by defacing a number of Russian websites. Instead of stealing sensitive data, they altered the homepage visuals to include anti-war slogans and anti-Putin imagery.
Though the impact was more symbolic than technical, these defacements served as a digital protest. For hacktivists, visibility is as important as disruption, and these actions reminded the world that cyber-resistance against Moscow is still alive in 2025.
3. #OpIsrael and Middle Eastern Hacktivist Alliances
By June 2025, Anonymous-style activity expanded beyond Eastern Europe. A new wave of cyberattacks emerged under the familiar hashtag #OpIsrael, a recurring operation tied to pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli hacktivist groups.
This time, the operation involved multiple collectives, including Arabian Ghosts, Mr Hamza, Sylhet Gang, and others. They targeted infrastructure in Israel, the US, and the UK using DDoS floods, phishing attempts, and website defacements.
Although not all of these groups are officially part of Anonymous, they often use its imagery and slogans, blending themselves into the broader hacktivist narrative.
4. Anonymous VNLBN: The Rise of Vietnam’s Hacktivists
While global media focused on Russia and the Middle East, another faction was making waves in Southeast Asia. Anonymous VNLBN became the most active hacktivist collective in Vietnam, responsible for nearly 84% of recorded attacks in early 2025.
Their targets included:
-
Government organizations (49%)
-
Educational institutions (33%)
-
Media and internet service companies (about 8%)
Unlike symbolic website defacements, this campaign appeared methodical, with the group launching more than 150 cyberattacks in just four months. Analysts believe Anonymous VNLBN is seeking to challenge domestic policies while also drawing international attention to Vietnam’s digital landscape.
5. The Anonymous 71: A Bangladeshi Faction Steps Forward
Another unexpected branch calling itself The Anonymous 71 appeared in April 2025. The group defaced a website tied to an Indian aerospace company, inserting its own messages.
The name itself is significant—it references Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, showing that the hacktivists wanted their identity to be tied to national pride and history rather than global politics. The attack was more about sending a message than exposing sensitive data, but it added to the growing diversity of Anonymous-linked activism worldwide.
What Makes 2025 Different for Anonymous?
Decentralization
Anonymous has never had a central leader, but in 2025 the movement is even more fragmented. Independent groups now carry out operations under the Anonymous brand, making it harder to predict their next moves or trace their origins.
Regional Focus
Earlier Anonymous campaigns were global in scope, but now many operations are localized. Vietnam’s Anonymous VNLBN, for example, focuses primarily on domestic institutions, while The Anonymous 71 roots its identity in Bangladeshi history.
Symbolism Over Impact
Large-scale, high-value hacks are rarer. Instead, symbolic acts—such as defacements or politically themed leaks—take center stage. These actions may not cripple infrastructure, but they spread powerful messages that can shape public perception.
Quick Overview of 2025 Anonymous-Linked Operations
| Timeframe | Group/Operation | Target(s) | Type of Attack | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Anonymous (Global) | Russia | 10 TB Data Leak | Support Ukraine, expose corruption |
| April 2025 | Anonymous Italia | Russian Websites | Website Defacements | Anti-war protest |
| June 2025 | #OpIsrael & Allies | Israel, US, UK | DDoS, phishing, defacements | Political pressure |
| Jan–Apr 25 | Anonymous VNLBN | Vietnam institutions | Series of DDoS/disruptions | Domestic activism |
| April 2025 | The Anonymous 71 | Indian aerospace site | Defacement | Nationalist messaging |
Final Thoughts
The Anonymous of 2025 looks different from the Anonymous that captured headlines a decade ago. Instead of one unified movement launching global campaigns, we now see scattered factions carrying out their own missions while borrowing the Anonymous name, style, and philosophy.
These campaigns may not always result in devastating data breaches, but they highlight the enduring role of hacktivism in modern politics. For supporters, Anonymous remains a digital voice for the voiceless. For critics, it’s a chaotic and sometimes irresponsible force. Either way, Anonymous continues to prove that in the information age, a mask, a slogan, and a message can still send shockwaves far beyond a single website or database.
