While I’m no expert, this comment most accurately captures my suspicion: it is just a flag flown by various groups at various times as a sort of digital cover.

While I’m no expert, this comment most accurately captures my suspicion: it is just a flag flown by various groups at various times as a sort of digital cover. In these times, it could be said that anyone clicking one of those links to DDoS a Russian state website is “Anonymous”. Still others may be governmental entities (CIA has been suggested) flying the anonymous flag to cover separate attacks. In other times, it could be a group taking down Xbox LIVE for “lolz”.