What term describes an individual who uses hacking techniques to promote a political or social cause?

The term that describes an individual who uses hacking techniques to promote a political or social cause is "Hacktivist." Hacktivism combines hacking and activism, where individuals or groups aim to bring awareness to social or political issues through online actions, often using defacement of websites, denial-of-service attacks, or data leaks.

Hacktivists typically operate with a strong motive related to justice, awareness, or societal changes, and their activities are directed towards highlighting issues like government corruption, human rights abuses, or other matters of public concern. Unlike typical cybercriminals, who may be driven by profit or personal gain, hacktivists typically seek to invoke change or draw attention to their causes.

The other terms refer to different types of individuals in the cybersecurity space. Cybercriminals are primarily motivated by financial gain and engage in illegal activities. White-hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers, work to improve security by finding vulnerabilities to help organizations protect themselves. Malware developers create malicious software with harmful intent. Each of these roles serves different purposes and aligns with distinct goals within the realm of cybersecurity.