Hacktivism is the act of getting unauthorised access to a computer system and then using that access to carry out different disruptive actions in order to achieve political or social aims. Hacktivism, on the other hand, is the act of breaking into a website or computer network in order to spread a social or political message.
A hacktivist is a person who participates in hacktivism. It was created by combining the words “hack” and “activism.” Hacktivists (those engaging in these operations) are usually not searching for financial gain; instead, they want to make a message.
The fundamental motivation is hacking for a cause; rather than civil disobedience, it is digital disruption using the Internet as a critical foundational tool to spread their message around the globe. Most hacktivists aren’t in it for the money, unlike cybercriminals who break into computer networks to steal data.
They are individuals or groups of hackers who have banded together to oppose injustice. A hacktivist is someone who uses disruptive tactics (such as a DDoS attack) to bring attention to a cause.
Hacktivists employ the same tools and methods as hackers. Hacktivism can refer to a politically motivated technology hack, a constructive form of anarchic civil disobedience, or an undefined anti-systemic gesture, depending on who uses the term. It can be used to indicate anti-capitalist or political protest, as well as anti-spam campaigners, security professionals, and open source enthusiasts.
The active desire to impair government control and censorship of electronic and Web technology and material motivates hacktivism and hacktivists. As a result, it could be used by persons who oppose tight copyright legislation or who are adamant about getting around restrictions on electronic data.
Hacktivism has its origins in the early days of the internet, when hackers congregated largely on Usenet and message boards. Many of the early hackers were driven by ideals, with a general leaning toward left-wing, anti-capitalist, anti-corporate positions. Modern hacktivism, on the other hand, has been largely defined by the collective known as ‘Anonymous.’ It was first noticed in the early 2000s.
Is Hacktivism Good or Bad?
The simplest explanation is that it can be viewed as either good or terrible, depending on which side you fall on. Many people may mix hacktivism and cyberterrorism. Cyberterrorism is intended to cause serious harm (such as bodily harm and/or financial losses).
Hacktivism, on the other hand, tries to raise awareness about a certain topic. Hacking, like most weapons, can be used for good or evil, to defend or undermine freedom. Only time will tell whether hacktivism is viewed as a net gain or a net disadvantage.
Some Common Types of Hacktivism?
- Doxing
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack
- Data Breaches
- Vandalizing/Hijacking of Online Properties
