We’re talking about “hacktivism” and you don’t understand what that’s supposed to be? We explain what the term means and where the expression comes from.
We explain what is behind “hacktivism”. (Source: Gorodenkoff /depositphotos.com)
That means hacktivism: activism via computers and computer networks
The term “hacktivism” is derived from the English word “hacktivism”. The portmanteau consists of “hack”, which describes a technical trick, and “activism”, i.e. “activism”. “Hacktivism” is generally understood to mean the use of personal computers as a means of protest to achieve ideological or political ends.
There are different forms of “hacktivism”. Political motives are often behind attacks on websites. The websites are changed, content is leaked or e-mail addresses are spammed with weird or oversized messages. The term can also refers to civil disobedience or general opposition to the system.
Abbreviations in the quiz: What do IDK, BFF and Co mean? Test your knowledge.
What does “yeet” mean?
Origin of Hacktivism
The term “hacktivism” is said to have been used for the first time in 1998 in an email from the hacker Omega of the “Cult of the Dead Cow” collective. However, the Oxford English Dictionary traces the term “hacktivist” back to 1995. Activists continued to shape the definition of the term and popularize it worldwide.
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!