Hacktivism is a term that first surfaced in the mid-90s, coined by Jason Sack and later popularized by Omega, a member of the Cult of the Dead Cow (cDc). This term combines “hacking” and “activism[2],” embodying the use of coding and programming skills to advocate for social change. Its definition varies, with some including cyberterrorism, while others focus on its role as a tool for social change. Hacktivists, who often work anonymously, employ various strategies such as Doxing, DoS attacks, and website[3] defacement. The impact of hacktivism is significant, with the ability to influence political landscapes and affect businesses. Famous examples of hacktivism include networks like Anonymous and WikiLeaks[1], and tools like PGP encryption software. Despite its controversial nature, hacktivism represents a new form of activism in the digital age.
Internet activism, hacktivism, or hactivism (a portmanteau or hack and activism), is the use of computer-based techniques such as hacking as a form of civil disobedience to promote a political agenda or social change. With roots in hacker culture and hacker ethics, its ends are often related to free speech, human rights, or freedom of information movements.
Hacktivist activities span many political ideals and issues. Freenet, a peer-to-peer platform for censorship-resistant communication, is a prime example of translating political thought and freedom of speech into code. Hacking as a form of activism can be carried out through a network of activists, such as Anonymous and WikiLeaks, or through a singular activist, working in collaboration toward common goals without an overarching authority figure.
"Hacktivism" is a controversial term with several meanings. The word was coined to characterize electronic direct action as working toward social change by combining programming skills with critical thinking. But just as hack can sometimes mean cyber crime, hacktivism can be used to mean activism that is malicious, destructive, and undermining the security of the Internet as a technical, economic, and political platform. In comparison to previous forms of social activism, hacktivism has had unprecedented success, bringing in more participants, using more tools, and having more influence in that it has the ability to alter elections, begin conflicts, and take down businesses.
According to the United States 2020-2022 Counterintelligence Strategy, in addition to state adversaries and transnational criminal organizations, "ideologically motivated entities such as hacktivists, leaktivists, and public disclosure organizations, also pose significant threats".
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