Here is my ranking of the individual motives for cybercrime from most sensible (1) to least sensible (7), along with explanations for each:
- For money
Financial gain is the most logical and understandable motive for cybercrime. Many cybercriminals are motivated by the potential to make significant profits through activities like ransomware, fraud, and theft of financial data.
- Political
Hacktivism and politically motivated cyberattacks have become increasingly common. These hackers often believe they are fighting for an important cause or exposing injustice, which can be a powerful motivator
- Revenge
While not justifiable, the desire for revenge is a strong human emotion that can drive people to commit cybercrimes. Victims of cyberbullying or other online harassment may seek retribution through hacking or other malicious acts.
- Recognition
The desire for fame, notoriety, or respect within hacker communities can motivate some individuals to commit high-profile cyberattacks. While misguided, the human need for recognition is understandable.
- Entertainment
Some hackers claim to be motivated purely by fun or entertainment. While ethically questionable, the thrill-seeking aspect is somewhat relatable, especially for younger hackers
- Multiple reasons
Many cybercriminals likely have complex, overlapping motivations rather than a single driving factor. This multifaceted nature of human behavior makes sense, even if the resulting crimes are still wrong.
- Boredom
While boredom may contribute to some cybercrimes, it seems like the weakest standalone justification. There are many better ways to alleviate boredom than engaging in illegal activities that harm others.