The Rise of Cyber Militias

The internet has long been a powerful resource, partially because it connects people. Relatedly, it allows like-minded individuals to come together and communicate about shared interests. Some parties have taken such activities to the next level, deciding to collaborate on common goals. This phenomenon has led to a rise in so-called cyber militias. Hacktivism, online armies, and online/digital activism are other synonyms for this emerging trend.

What Is the Purpose of Cyber Militias?

Although some of the earliest cyber militias banded together for political reasons, some participants have broadened their causes to include social and environmental aims. That characteristic explains why cyber activism has become more popular over the last several years.

Wars, climate change, and civil unrest are some of the many factors that dominate people’s lives. Many are not in positions where they can safely attend protests or take other in-person actions. However, the internet is a highly accessible resource that individuals can harness for mobilization, communication, and solidarity.

Relatedly, a 2023 analysis found that 92% of jobs require digital skills. Suppose people already have those capabilities because they use them in their work. Some might understandably want to apply them during their downtime if they feel compelled to act in response to things they see occurring in their society.

The Internet as a Content Vehicle

Another likely reason why cyber militias have cropped up relatively recently is that the internet makes it incredibly easy to distribute information to the masses in seconds. Traditional activism required printing flyers and taking the time to post them in prominent areas or give them to people at events. However, individuals can use the internet to do the equivalent of that in seconds.

For example, estimates suggest that approximately 126 million Americans saw Russia-affiliated content during the 2016 United States presidential campaign, and that figure concerned Facebook alone. That massive reach also highlights how people can participate in cyber militias from anywhere and potentially influence the goings-on in other countries.

Importantly, a worrisome part of internet-related content distribution is that anyone can get involved, and there is no guarantee of the validity of whatever they say. If the online content comes from a reporter at a well-known national or international news outlet, the employer's reputation strengthens the information distributor’s credibility. However, the accessibility and reach of social media combine to allow virtually anyone to spread information online.

Things have gotten even more complicated with the increasing availability of AI-based video and picture tools. These products can create people’s faces from scratch or swap them. That means individuals cannot necessarily believe everything they see.

However, a connected problem is that far too few internet users take the time to check facts and get the whole picture. Additionally, if people can push content far and wide, it greatly increases the chances of the masses seeing it.

Hacker-Activists Disrupting Websites and Infrastructure

Most cyber militias do not solely operate by publishing or creating content on a large scale that may not be wholly truthful or trustworthy. Instead, they also plan coordinated hacks that make websites or online services inoperable. Since so many essential parts of daily activities also have online components, hackers have disrupted those, too.

Ukraine has one of the most recent examples of a cyber militia, with many volunteers joining its forces from all over the world. In July 2024, this group collectively targeted numerous Russian banks and ATMs, with the effects spreading to many payment systems and financial apps.

Some hacktivists also plan their actions to ensure ripple effects across some industries that are not historically well-prepared to defend against cyberattacks. One example came when online activists targeted universities in the United Kingdom for their support of the Israeli government’s actions against the Palestinians.

Most people know that the healthcare industry is a frequent attack target, and many decision-makers have responded accordingly. However, many educational institutions still have significant room for improvement, and hackers capitalize on that.

Plus, many college campuses are like miniature cities, featuring branded eateries, convenience stores, health services offices, and more. A well-orchestrated cyberattack can go far beyond canceled classes. Ransomware demands given to higher education entities can surpass $300,000 on average, emphasizing the tremendous associated expenses for an ill-prepared organization.

Inspiring Transitions From Behind Screens to on the Streets

Although some cyber militias only feature people who make impacts while sitting at their keyboards, some efforts have caused a shift whereby some participants realized they must go beyond that kind of activism and populate public spaces.

One reason for this is that some individuals are eager to take part but need help figuring out how to get started. The internet can connect them to the necessary resources, help them see how specific protest topics relate to their lives, and inspire them to join the crowds of those standing up for causes.

For example, earlier in 2024, Kenyans protested against a controversial tax bill. Although those events began in the capital city, they quickly spread to other parts of the country. The internet was a large part of why that progression occurred.

Someone with a background in internet mobilization and activism explained how the online component was instrumental in reaching marginalized groups. Additionally, the internet and various associated technologies have increased the speed at which people can create content and how effectively they can engage others.

Another related aspect concerns the facilitation of online crowdfunding through dedicated portals. Some interested parties who are committed to the respective causes cannot feasibly attend in-person protests, even if the internet initially interests them. However, it is easy to send online payments to support causes and help participants obtain the supplies needed for the desired impact.

Actions Can Occur Beyond Battlefields

Most traditional discussions of militias relate to groups of citizens who come together to support official militaries and supplement their efforts. Conversely, militias can also rise when people want to oppose the military or government. These things remain valid, but the modern difference is that the internet and devices that connect to it have become powerful tools for getting heard and noticed during times of increasing upheaval.