What is the typical goal of hacktivists?

The typical goal of hacktivists is to make a political statement. Hacktivism combines hacking with activism and is aimed primarily at promoting a specific political agenda or ideology. The methods employed by hacktivists often include defacing websites, conducting denial-of-service attacks, or leaking sensitive information to raise awareness about social, environmental, or political issues. By targeting organizations they view as unethical or unjust, hacktivists seek to leverage technology to provoke discussion and bring attention to causes they believe deserve public scrutiny.

In contrast, other activities listed, such as stealing confidential data or causing financial disruption, tend to be associated with cybercriminals seeking personal gain, rather than promoting a political or social cause. Manipulating public opinion might align with some of a hacktivist's objectives, but it is usually a broader tactic that can be employed by various entities including governments, corporations, or individuals for different motives that may not necessarily involve activism. Thus, making a political statement is the core driving force behind hacktivist actions.