Hacktivists in 2025 shifted their focus from DDoS and defacements to targeting critical infrastructure, including ICS and IoT systems, with increased sophistication and alignment with nation-states. The threat landscape is expected to intensify in 2026, with more attacks on vulnerable OT and HMI systems, driven by geopolitical motives and automated scanning tools. #Z-Pentest #DarkEngine
Keypoints
- Hacktivists expanded their targets to include critical infrastructure such as ICS, OT, and HMI environments in 2025.
- There was a notable increase in hacktivist activity, with sightings rising by 51% compared to 2024.
- Regions like Europe, especially several European countries, and Asia were the primary focus of hacktivist attacks.
- Many hacktivist groups demonstrated increased ties and cooperation with nation-states and intelligence agencies.
- Future attacks are predicted to automate and target vulnerable HMI, SCADA, and VNC systems across vital sectors in 2026.
Read More: https://thecyberexpress.com/hacktivists-became-more-dangerous-in-2025/