hacktivist

/ ˈhæktɪvɪst /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˈhacktivism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hacktivist¹

C21: blend of hacker and activist

Example Sentences

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

Attackers could include “hacktivists” seeking to make a political statement and cyberextortionists bent on lucre.

From Seattle Times

Wu was a member of China’s first hacktivist group, Green Army — a group known informally as the “Whampoa Academy” after a famed Chinese military school.

From Seattle Times