Ethical Hacking News
Spanish authorities have arrested four suspected members of the hacktivist group Anonymous Fénix over their alleged involvement in a series of DDoS attacks on public institutions following the 2024 DANA floods, which left an estimated 230 people dead in Spain. The arrests bring to light the intricate web of cyberattacks that unfolded following one of Europe's most devastating natural disasters.
Spanish authorities have arrested four suspected members of the hacktivist group Anonymous Fénix over alleged involvement in DDoS attacks on public institutions. The arrests were made following the 2024 DANA floods, which left an estimated 230 people dead and widespread destruction. Anonymous Fénix carried out a series of successful DDoS attacks on government websites and public institutions, falsely attributing them to the authorities' incompetence. The group used AI-augmented tools to overwhelm public institutions with sheer volume, rendering them inaccessible to the general public. The arrests serve as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by hacktivists and rogue actors in the digital realm.
In a significant development, Spanish authorities have arrested four suspected members of the self-proclaimed hacktivist group, Anonymous Fénix, over their alleged involvement in a series of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on public institutions in the aftermath of the 2024 DANA floods. The arrests bring to light the intricate web of cyberattacks that unfolded following one of Europe's most devastating natural disasters.
The 2024 DANA floods, which ravaged various regions across Spain, including Valencia, Albacete, and Málaga, left an estimated 230 people dead, with over 229 fatalities reported in the city of Valencia alone. The calamity was further exacerbated by a severe storm that struck the region, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
As reports emerged detailing the scale of the disaster, some Spaniards began to question the government's preparedness for such a crisis. In light of this, Anonymous Fénix, an offshoot of the global hacktivist collective Anonymous, emerged with its own account on the platform X. Founded in 2023, the group initially utilized X and Telegram platforms to repost news about the DANA floods and recruit new members.
However, it was soon apparent that the true scope of Anonymous Fénix's operation went beyond mere social media posts and hacktivist posturing. According to reports by Spanish newspaper El País, the group managed to carry out a series of successful DDoS attacks on government websites and public institutions, which they falsely attributed to the authorities' alleged incompetence in handling the disaster.
Guardia Civil officers arrested two of Anonymous Fénix's "most active members" last week in Ibiza and Móstoles, Madrid. Following this arrest, officials also seized the group's X profile and YouTube account, as well as closed down its Telegram channel. Furthermore, a court order allowed for the seizure of the group's digital assets, including computers, phones, and other equipment.
The arrested suspects are believed to have carried out the DDoS attacks using AI-augmented tools. According to law enforcement officials, these sophisticated cyberattacks were designed to overwhelm public institutions with sheer volume, rendering them inaccessible to the general public.
While the extent of Anonymous Fénix's operations remains unclear, the arrests serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats posed by hacktivists and rogue actors in the digital realm. As authorities work to unravel the web of cyberattacks carried out by this group, they also underscore the importance of effective cybersecurity measures in protecting public institutions from such attacks.
The case highlights the complex interplay between technology, politics, and human behavior that often underlies hacktivist activities. In this instance, Anonymous Fénix's alleged role in fomenting public discontent through its DDoS campaign against government agencies underscores the fluid boundaries between activism and cybercrime.
As investigators continue to scrutinize the digital trail left behind by Anonymous Fénix, they also seek to identify any potential links with other groups or actors involved in similar activities. This comprehensive approach will be essential in disentangling the tangled web of motivations, identities, and tactics employed by this group and its alleged associates.
Ultimately, the arrests serve as a stark reminder that, even in the digital age, hacktivism can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and society at large. As authorities grapple with the fallout from Anonymous Fénix's activities, they also underscore the need for continued vigilance in combating cybercrime and protecting public institutions from such attacks.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Suspected-Anonymous-Members-Detained-Over-Post-Flood-DDoS-Campaign-in-Spain-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/02/23/anonymous_arrests_spain/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/suspected-anonymous-members-detained-in-spain-over-post-flood-ddos-blitz/ar-AA1WTEzw
https://thecyberexpress.com/spanish-police-arrests-noname-attacks/
Published: Mon Feb 23 06:45:57 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
