Website defacement is a form of cyber vandalism where an unauthorized individual alters the visual appearance of a website. This can involve changing text, images, or layout, often to convey a message or promote a political agenda. The act is typically carried out by hackers who exploit security vulnerabilities in a website's code. The motivations behind website defacement can vary widely, ranging from political statements to personal grievances. Often, the defaced website is left online for public viewing, serving as a digital protest or a demonstration of the hacker's skills. Organizations like CERT and FBI work to combat such incidents and improve website security.