Hacktivism is a blend of hacking and activism, where individuals or groups use digital tools to promote political or social causes. These actions often involve unauthorized access to computer systems, websites, or networks to raise awareness, protest, or disrupt operations. Hacktivists aim to draw attention to issues like government surveillance, corporate greed, or human rights violations.
Common methods of hacktivism include website defacement, data leaks, and denial-of-service attacks. Notable hacktivist groups, such as Anonymous and LulzSec, have gained attention for their high-profile campaigns. While some view hacktivism as a form of free speech, others see it as illegal and harmful.