A recent report by Cyble has shed light on the evolving tactics of hacktivist groups, moving beyond traditional cyber disruptions like DDoS attacks and website defacements to engage in more advanced critical infrastructure attacks and ransomware operations.
Hacktivism is transforming into a complex tool of hybrid warfare, with groups adopting tactics traditionally associated with nation-state actors and financially motivated cybercriminals.
Groups like NoName057(16), Hacktivist Sandworm, Z-pentest, Sector 16, and Overflame are increasingly targeting NATO-aligned nations and Ukraine supporters, aiming to destabilize critical systems with sophisticated attack methods.
A notable shift has been the targeting of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT), with a 50% surge in attacks in March 2025.
This includes a focus on internet-facing infrastructures, now seen as prime targets for political and economic disruption.
Hacktivist groups are engaging in multi-vector attacks, combining DDoS, credential leaks, and ICS disruption to bypass single-layer defenses, showcasing the evolution Cyble had forewarned in its 2024 Annual Report.
The energy and utilities sector has become a focal point for these advanced attacks, affecting everything from energy distribution to water utilities, reflecting a strategic intent to disrupt services critical to national resilience.
Countries experiencing notable cyber hostilities include:
Several hacktivist groups have integrated ransomware into their operations, blurring the lines between politically motivated attacks and cybercrime:
Additionally, Cyble has observed increased sophistication in website attacks, with hacktivist groups like ParanoidHax, THE ANON 69, Indohaxsec, and Defacer Kampung engaging in SQL Injection, brute forcing web panels, exploiting OWASP vulnerabilities, and Dorking to discover misconfigurations.
This evolving landscape necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity:
Cyble’s attack surface management solutions can be instrumental in scanning for exposures, prioritizing fixes, and monitoring for leaked credentials, providing early warning signs of major cyberattacks.
As hacktivism continues to evolve, organizations must adapt their cybersecurity strategies to guard against these increasing risks effectively.
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