Cybercrime Prevention with Emphasis on Hacktivism

Abstract

Addressing hacktivism requires not only attention to substantive and procedural criminal policies but also a thorough examination of the prevention domain. The methods that can be effective in combating a criminal phenomenon are as follows: 1) proactive or interventionist methods, which aim to reduce the harm caused by emerging crimes and require precise inspection and supervisory frameworks; 2) reactive methods, which are concerned with the post-occurrence phase of a criminal phenomenon and how to address it. This study aims to analyze the motivations of individuals engaging in hacktivism and the personality factors related to the perpetrators, existing and possible supervisory measures to combat hacktivism, and potential strategies for preventing it. This article, conducted in a descriptive-analytical manner using a library-based approach, examines hacktivism from the perspective of crime prevention. The findings suggest that hacktivism is often associated with a strong desire to challenge conventional structures, draw attention to misconduct, and instigate significant social changes. Additionally, considering the unique characteristics of cyberspace and its differences from the physical world, it can be concluded that criminal policy to address hacktivism requires adopting differential preventive measures.