Anonymous hackers not as anonymous as they think

The arrests of 21 individuals Tuesday connected with the Anonymous group and other computer hackers suggest that the suite of digital tools that hackers use to obscure their identities is not foolproof and can be cracked with significant sleuthing.

Questions remain about whether the 14 are relatively novice hackers that were easy to track. But often the greater question in solving an Internet attack is not whether a breakthrough can be made, but rather whether it is worth the time and resources needed.

Often, perpetrators are caught bragging on online forums. Other are caught making elementary mistakes. But finding and nabbing the top hackers takes time and money.