hacktivism

American  

[hak-tuh-viz-uhm] / ˈhæk təˌvɪz əm /

Or hactivism

noun

Computers.

1. the practice of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system and carrying out various disruptive actions as a means of achieving political or social goals.

   In this form of hacktivism, the hacker tries to alter or deface a government website.

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Other Word Forms

• hacktivist noun
• hactivist noun

Etymology

Origin of hacktivism

1995–2000; hack ¹ (in the computer sense) + (ac)tivism

Example Sentences

“The sense that Russia is off-limits has somewhat expired, and hacktivism is one of the most accessible forms of striking at an unjust regime or its supporting infrastructure,” said Emma Best, co-founder of Distributed Denial of Secrets, which validated and published the regulator and broadcast troves, among others.

From Washington Post

So far, the attacks have caused disruption and embarrassment, but cyber-experts have become increasingly concerned by the explosion of hacktivism since the invasion.

From BBC

As long as the battlefield is still blanketed in what has been called “the fog of cyberwar,” there is also a possibility that some of the most sophisticated cyber threat actors are operating under cover of hacktivism.

From The Verge

“It is the first time that states have openly called for citizens and volunteers to cyberattack another state,” said Gabriella Coleman, a Harvard anthropology professor who has charted the rise of hacktivism.

From Seattle Times

How blockchain and NFTs and decentralization will lead to new forms of hacktivism.

From Washington Post