Hacker Group Explains Why It Hijacked Digital Billboards In Malaysia To Display Adult Content

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A group of hackers has explained the reason behind its cyberattacks on digital billboards in several parts of the world, including Kluang, Johor, where adult content was displayed on LED screens across the town

The group, which called itself 'Leakers', said its attacks had reached Egypt, Iraq, Brazil, China, and Malaysia.

Speaking to The Cairo Report, a representative of the syndicate said its members had exploited a vulnerability in the software used to transmit content to LED displays.

However, they did not specifically intend to target billboards in Egypt.

The representative claimed the compromised software had several security vulnerabilities, some of which could be exploited through the system's own pages and interfaces.

They claimed that members located their targets through automated scanning rather than deliberately selecting particular companies or countries before hijacking the billboards.

The syndicate reportedly identified thousands of exposed systems in approximately two hours.

In its first public statement, the syndicate said the attack was intended to highlight security vulnerabilities, not extort money or deploy ransomware

"Companies charge millions to build infrastructure across multiple countries and leave LED screens and billboard networks wide open on the Internet without basic protection.

"We are not here to preach, ask for donations, or act like some ransomware crew. the goal is simple, expose this garbage and prove that anyone with two brain cells can take over screens across your country in real time.

"Mainstream media loves pretending it was some highly sophisticated state-sponsored cyber attack, but the truth is your infrastructure is embarrassing no matter where you are on the map," read the statement.

Yesterday, 29 October, the Kluang Municipal Council (MPK) confirmed that its digital billboards were compromised in a cyberattack, resulting in adult content being displayed in public

In a statement last night, MPK said investigations are underway in collaboration with the vendor to identify the cause of the attack, carry out recovery measures, and strengthen the system's security.

"MPK apologises for any inconvenience and concern caused among the Kluang community following this incident.

"MPK views this matter seriously, strongly condemns the incident, and will take legal action against any party attempting to bring down and tarnish the good name and image of MPK," it said.

Speaking to the New Straits Times, Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairperson Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the council switched off the LED screens after being notified of the incident.

"For your information, the MPK LED system was hacked and MPK took immediate action by shutting down all LED screens," he said.

Photos shared on Threads show multiple LED screens in Kluang displaying lewd content at around 8pm last night

One dashcam photo shows the lewd content being displayed on a billboard as cars pass by.

Another photo shows a car and an individual in front of a billboard while the content was being displayed.