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Security Operations · Foundational

Hacktivist

A threat actor who attacks to promote a political, social or ideological cause rather than for profit.

Definition

Hacktivists commonly use website defacement, DDoS attacks, doxxing and data leaks to draw attention to their cause. Their sophistication varies widely, from loosely organized collectives using simple tools to skilled groups. Their targets are chosen for symbolic or political value.

Example

A group defacing a government website with protest messages after a policy change is hacktivism.

Exam tip

Hacktivist = ideological motivation; do not confuse with nation-state, which is government-directed.

Don't confuse it with

Related terms