The world of cyber warfare is as complex and shadowy as the motivations that drive its actors. In recent years, a new player has emerged in the global cyber landscape: SN_BlackMeta, a hacktivist group known for their high-profile cyberattacks under the guise of pro-Palestinian activism. However, a deeper look into their activities, affiliations, and the patterns of their operations raises a strong suspicion that SN_BlackMeta might be more than it claims—a sophisticated alliance between Russia and Iran aimed at destabilizing Western entities, suppressing uncomfortable truths, and pursuing geopolitical interests.

Who Is SN_BlackMeta?
SN_BlackMeta first gained notoriety in late 2023, presenting itself as a pro-Palestinian hacktivist group dedicated to fighting perceived injustices in the Middle East. They have carried out numerous attacks, most notably the breach of the Internet Archive in October 2024, which led to the exposure of personal information from 31 million users. This attack, and others like it, serve as evidence that SN_BlackMeta’s motivations extend beyond mere activism. Their use of sophisticated cyber tools, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) campaigns and data breaches, indicates the work of an organized, well-funded entity—perhaps even a state-backed one.

Affiliations and Evolution
The activities and methodologies of SN_BlackMeta show significant overlap with other groups, particularly Anonymous Sudan and Killnet. Analysts suggest that SN_BlackMeta might be a rebranded or evolved version of these groups, reflecting a tactical shift in operations. The group’s actions and targets align closely with those of Anonymous Sudan, which similarly used DDoS attacks to protest Western actions. Additionally, there is a significant link to Killnet, a known pro-Russian hacktivist group notorious for conducting cyber attacks on NATO nations. This overlap indicates that SN_BlackMeta is not just a new player but part of a larger, continuously evolving cyber operation network—mutating identities to adapt to changing geopolitical landscapes and maximize impact.

Anti-Muslim Targets
In addition to targeting Western and pro-Israel entities, SN_BlackMeta has also been known to attack websites and organizations they perceive as anti-Muslim. These targets include various think tanks, media outlets, and advocacy groups that publish content deemed hostile or derogatory towards Muslim communities. Such attacks align with their stated ideological stance of defending Muslim interests and combating narratives they perceive as discriminatory or harmful. By targeting these entities, SN_BlackMeta aims to disrupt and silence voices that propagate anti-Muslim rhetoric, further cementing their position as defenders of Muslim causes.

Languages and Geopolitical Ties
A notable aspect of SN_BlackMeta’s operations is their use of both Russian and Arabic languages. The presence of Russian language in their communications and activity patterns that align with Russian time zones suggest Russian involvement or at least support. The use of Arabic language, on the other hand, underscores the group’s claim to be pro-Palestinian, aligning them ideologically with Middle Eastern sympathies.

The languages used reflect the dual influence at play—the Russian influence being one of logistical and technical support, while the Arabic influence provides ideological backing. These bilingual communications make SN_BlackMeta appear as an organic, grassroots hacktivist entity, but the reality points to a sophisticated collaboration aimed at serving multiple geopolitical interests.

Funding Sources
The operations of SN_BlackMeta are not cheap—employing services like InfraShutdown, a DDoS-for-hire platform, and conducting attacks that require significant resources and expertise. The funding of such sophisticated operations is likely derived from multiple sources:

• State Support: Both Russia and Iran have a vested interest in destabilizing Western entities. Russia’s involvement is strongly suggested by SN_BlackMeta’s use of Russian infrastructure, and the timing of attacks aligns with broader Russian geopolitical moves. Iran, a known supporter of Palestinian causes, may also be providing support in line with their anti-Israel and anti-U.S. interests.
• Cryptocurrency and Ransom Payments: Like many cybercriminal groups, SN_BlackMeta likely uses cryptocurrencies to facilitate funding, making transactions hard to trace. This is a common method to finance cyber activities while keeping the origin of funds obscured.
• Sympathetic Backers: There may also be ideologically motivated donations from sympathizers, particularly from those in the Middle East who support Palestinian causes and oppose Western influence in the region.

The funding dynamics resemble those of Hezbollah, whose recent attacks on Israel were funded largely through Iran, showcasing a parallel where state-backed funding blurs into hacktivist action under the guise of grassroots support.

The Real Motivation: Information Suppression
The attack on the Internet Archive in October 2024, which led to the breach of user data and disruption of services, is a glaring example of SN_BlackMeta’s intent. The Internet Archive is a repository of knowledge, preserving information that might be uncomfortable for certain political entities. Taking down such a resource is not only a way to cause chaos but also serves as a deliberate attempt to control the narrative. By crippling the Archive, SN_BlackMeta ensured that access to historical records and inconvenient truths—particularly those painting Palestine in a negative light—was disrupted. This action points to a deeper agenda than mere retaliation; it is an effort to shape perceptions by limiting public access to unbiased information.

Conclusion
In conclusion, SN_BlackMeta presents itself as a pro-Palestinian hacktivist group, but a closer examination reveals strong links to Russian and Iranian geopolitical interests. The overlapping ties with Anonymous Sudan and Killnet suggest that SN_BlackMeta is more likely a rebranding of existing entities, continuing a campaign of cyber warfare under new banners. The group’s use of Russian and Arabic languages, combined with its sophisticated operational funding, points towards state-sponsored collaboration, with Russia and Iran using this group as a proxy for their agendas.

The attack on the Internet Archive serves as a stark reminder that this group’s real motivation may be far more calculated—not merely protest but suppression of information that does not fit their narrative. In a digital age where information is power, the attempt to silence archives of knowledge is the most telling action of all, revealing SN_BlackMeta as a tool for the powerful, hidden behind a facade of hacktivist idealism.