Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What term describes an individual who uses computers to inflict severe damage or instill widespread fear?

1. Cybercriminal

2. Hacktivist

3. Malware Author

4. Data Breacher

The correct answer is: Hacktivist

The term that accurately describes an individual who uses computers to inflict severe damage or instill widespread fear is "hacktivist." Hacktivists are often motivated by political or social beliefs and engage in cyber activities that are intended to promote change or draw attention to specific causes. Their actions can include defacing websites, leaking sensitive information, or launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against organizations they oppose. The intent behind their actions is often to send a message or to encourage activism, which distinguishes them from other types of individuals who might exploit computers for different reasons. Other terms, while related to cybersecurity, do not encompass the specific motivations and actions typically associated with hacktivists. Cybercriminals generally engage in illegal activities for personal gain, such as financial theft, while malware authors focus on creating malicious software for various purposes, including data theft or system damage. Data breachers specifically refer to individuals who illegally obtain sensitive data, usually with a goal of selling or exploiting that information, rather than instilling fear or causing widespread damage.