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

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.

From BBC

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

From 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.

From 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.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is unusual for hackers to claim they are "Russian hacktivists" with an ethical agenda - most cyber criminals, including those in Russia, aim to make money by extorting their victims.

From BBC