n.
A hacker who attempts to infiltrate or disable the computer systems of people or organizations that are perceived to be hostile to the hacker's country.
Example Citation:
In an advisory posted on an FBI Web site, officials warned Internet service providers worldwide to be on the lookout for "self-described 'patriot' hackers [targeting] those perceived to be responsible for the terrorist attacks" of the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
— Eric Lichtblau, James Gerstenzang, "After the Attack," Los Angeles Times, September 18, 2001
Earliest Citation:
—"Soldier Charged with Computer Espionage Was Patriotic Hacker, Family Says," The Associated Press, August 21, 1996
Notes:
Although today's term has been much in evidence lately in light of the recent atrocities in New York and Washington, the phrase has been around for a few years. In the earliest citation however, the "hacker" was a soldier who gave computer passwords to a Chinese citizen. His lawyer and family claimed that he was only trying to show his superiors there were problems with an "expensive, supposedly impenetrable system."
Related Words:
Category:
New words. 2013.