hacktivism

noun

hack·​tiv·​ism ˈhak-ti-ˌvi-zəm 

: computer hacking (as by infiltration and disruption of a network or website) done to further the goals of political or social activism

Some even speculate that the recent break-in to Microsoft's source code—a serious breach of security—was not industrial espionage but hacktivism.

—The San Francisco Chronicle

… instruments such as information warfare, cultural manipulation and social media hacktivism being used to achieve foreign policy goals without the use of direct force.

—Dominic Nicholls

hacktivist

ˈhak-ti-vist 

noun

plural hacktivists

In May, in the wake of NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia, hacktivists defaced several government Web sites with anti-war graffiti.

—Vanity Fair

hacktivist adjective

Expect hacktivist groups to support revolutions abroad, but also to assist protest movements here at home.

—Amy Goodman

Examples of hacktivism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With cyber threats ranging from espionage to hacktivism, the need for advanced defenses was clear. —Brian Gumbel, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

This is a podcast about hackers, breaches, shadow government activity, hacktivism, cybercrime, and all the things that dwell on the hidden parts of the network. —David Pierce, The Verge, 1 Sep. 2024

Amid the chaos of any erupting kinetic war, hacktivism often fuels disinformation, misinformation, and panic. —Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2023

Some caution that hacktivism could lead to unintended escalations or endanger intelligence operations. —Lily Hay Newman, Wired, 3 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

blend of hack entry 1 and activism

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hacktivism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism