What type of cyber threat is associated with individuals attempting to expose a flaw in a corporation’s practices for social or political reasons?

The correct answer, hacktivism, refers to a form of cyber threat where individuals or groups engage in activities aimed at promoting social or political change. Hacktivists typically exploit vulnerabilities in an organization's systems to draw attention to specific issues, such as unethical business practices, government policies, or social injustices. Their motivations are often rooted in a desire to create awareness and provoke discussion around their causes.

In contrast, corporate espionage involves the theft of confidential information for competitive advantage, and while it may motivate individuals to hack, it does not align with a social or political agenda. Criminal hacking is generally driven by financial gain or malicious intent rather than sociopolitical objectives. Phishing attacks are primarily aimed at tricking individuals into providing sensitive information, often for identity theft or personal gain, rather than promoting a cause. Thus, hacktivism stands out as the response directly linked to activism through digital means.