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

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 • Mar. 19, 2022

“A lot of hackers don’t politically agree on anything. So your hacktivism, to get a lot of support, has to be very nonpartisan. But ‘lulz’ don’t need politics.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 8, 2021

The ideological heyday of hacktivism, Green said, was roughly a decade ago, when groups such as Anonymous and LulzSec won attention for their digital assaults on the Church of Scientology and the FBI.

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2021

And the U.S. government’s response shows that officials regard the return of hacktivism with alarm.

From Reuters • Mar. 25, 2021

“Mr. Robot” returns for a second season of hacktivism, along with a new recap show.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2016