hacktivist

British  

/ ˈhæktɪvɪst /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• hacktivism noun

Etymology

Origin of hacktivist

C21: blend of _hacker and _activist

Example Sentences

Cybersecurity experts believe attacks conducted by Iranian state-backed factors and affiliated hacktivist groups could continue, likely targeting critical service providers in the energy, telecommunications, military, and finance sectors across the U.S. and its allies.

From Barron's

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

From BBC

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

Earlier this year, a Russian-linked “hacktivist” tried to disrupt operations at several Texas utilities.

From Seattle Times