Aspate of cyber attackshas affected Ukraines digital systems since Russias invasion began.
It soon became clear Russias boots on the ground approach would be supplemented by a parallel cyber offensive.
Last week Ukrainecalled on its citizensto take to their keyboards and defend the country against Russias cyber threat.
Who is Anonymous?
Anonymous is a global activist community that has beenoperating since at least 2008.
It brings a potential for significant cyber disruption in the context of Russias invasion of Ukraine.
Anonymouss activities are oftenaligned to major events, and the group claims to have an anti-oppression agenda.
The collective has no defined structure or leadership.
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What are they threatening to do?
On February 16, Anonymous TV posted a video message with a series of recommendations and threats.
Several Russiangovernment websites and media outletshave since been targeted, with Anonymous taking credit on itsTwitter channel.
In such attacks, the attacker knocks targeted websites offline by flooding them with bot traffic.
Emails fromBelarusian weapons manufacturer Tetraedrand data from theRussian Nuclear Institutehave also reportedly been accessed.
Its too early to determine how useful these data may be.
Most of the stolen information will be in Russian,which means translatorswill be needed to help examine it.
Its hard to be certain that Anonymous did carry out the cyberattacks for which it has claimed responsibility.
The movement is founded on anonymity, and there are no viable means of verification.
But the tactics, targets, and theatrics on show are consistent with previous attacks claimed by the group.
Anonymous is all about being perceived as having an impact.
Will it make a difference?
Its unlikely the cyberattacks claimed by Anonymous will have a significant impact on Russias intent or military tactics.
This could help counter Russias domesticpropaganda machine, and present a more balanced view of events.
Cyber attacks will likely continue to escalate on both sides, involving both state and non-state actors.
The volunteers are being organized throughTelegram channels and other encrypted apps.
But despite reports of some 175,000 joining the cyber armys Telegram channel, its impact so far remains unclear.
