How to be a responsible hacktivist in times of war
Hacktivism, the use of hacking skills for political or social causes, has become a common phenomenon in the digital age. Hacktivists can launch cyberattacks against governments, corporations, or other entities that they perceive as oppressive, corrupt, or unjust. However, hacktivism can also have unintended consequences, especially when it involves civilian hackers participating in armed conflicts.
The risks of patriotic hacking
Patriotic hacking is a form of hacktivism that aims to support one’s country or group in a conflict. Patriotic hackers can target the enemy’s websites, networks, or infrastructure, or they can leak sensitive information, spread propaganda, or disrupt communications. Patriotic hacking can be seen as a form of cyber warfare, but it is often done without the authorization or coordination of the official military or government.
This can pose serious risks for both the hackers and the victims. Hackers can expose themselves to legal prosecution, retaliation, or espionage from the enemy. They can also cause collateral damage to innocent bystanders, such as civilians, journalists, humanitarian workers, or neutral parties. Moreover, they can escalate the conflict or undermine the peace efforts by provoking the enemy or violating international law.
The rules of engagement for hacktivists
To address these risks and to protect civilians in cyberspace, the International Comm
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