hacktivist

/ ˈhæktɪvɪst /

noun

1. informal,  a person who breaks into a computer system in order to pursue a political or social aim

Other Word Forms

• hacktivism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hacktivist¹

C21: blend of _hacker and _activist

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Russia is a "capable and irresponsible threat actor in cyberspace", with pro-Moscow "hacktivist" groups operating outside formal state control seeking to target Western nations and organisations.

Read more on Barron's

We approached "hacktivist" group Anonymous, whose members are trying to combat the trade in child abuse images on X. One of them told us the situation was as bad as ever.

Read more on BBC

Cyber Partisans describes itsself as "a highly organised hacktivist collective that is fighting for the liberation of Belarus from dictatorial rule".

Read more on BBC

The report, made public by the hacktivist group Guacamaya, said a drug lord from another group had hired 10 Colombians, paying them a weekly salary of around $600.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The self-proclaimed hacktivists told CNN that they were able to penetrate Disney’s system thanks to “a man with Slack access who had cookies.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times