Review the articles linked with each individual motive. Rank the
motives from 1 to 7.
- Many Reasons: While some cybercriminals may have sole motives to commit crimes, such as monetary gain or recognition, it is far more likely that the average cybercriminal commits cybercrimes for various reasons. For instance, a cybercriminal may choose to hold a high value target for ransom not only for the payout but to build a reputation amongst the cybercommunity. https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/what-drives-hackers-to-a-life-of/?cf_chl_jschl_tk=pmd_c1d89a4695edbd23f2bceb54d70f35ce5e536e86-1626721164-0-gqNtZGzNAfijcnBszQi6
- For Money: monetary gain is a common insensitive for individuals who commit cyber crime. According to the article, cybercriminals use their illegitimately acquired funds to do anything from buying basic necessities to going on week long benders blowing as much money as they can. The reason that money is likely the second most common reason for cyber crime is that monetary gain gives individuals the means to achieve other goals that they may have. https://threatresearch.ext.hp.com/sex-drugs-and-toilet-rolls-how-cybercriminals-spend-their-money-infographic/
- Recognition: recognition is a likely cause of cybercrime as vanity is a common trend amongst criminals. This can be demonstrated by the fact that some criminals or criminal organizations will leave calling cards or outright claim responsibility for the cyber crimes they commit. Not only do cyber criminals inflate their egos by claiming responsibility but if they are acting as mercenaries or freelancers they may want the credit to justify charging clients large sums of money for their services. https://www.theregister.com/2021/06/30/bradley_niblock_election_ddos/
- Political: “Hacktivism” has become increasingly common as more and more individuals attempt to fight for what they believe in. Unlike other forms of cyber attacks, “hacktivism” is far more relative in terms of morality. While their are instances in which attacks disrupt infrastructure and harm civilians, there have been scenarios in which “hacktivists” choose to attack other hackers or tyrannical regimes. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/new-generation-of-angry-youthful-hackers-join-the-hacktivism-wave-adding-to-cyber-security-woes/articleshow/81707844.cms
- Revenge: Revenge is typically a strong motive for individuals to engage in cybercrime. While revenge can take many forms, the article makes a point about revenge porn being a common threat to celebrities and average individuals alike. These kinds of attacks cause irreparable damage as once something reaches the internet it will likely exist indefinitely. The anonymous environment that the internet provides for these malicious activities as the cyber criminal is unlikely to face serious repercussions for their actions. https://newsfromwales.co.uk/revenge-porn-victims-in-wales-often-feel-let-down-by-the-law-as-cybercrime-slips-through-the-net/
- Boredom: Similar to recognition, committing cybercrimes due to boredom is usually the result of a cybercriminal wanting to commit crimes simply because they can. While the cause is no more noble, committing cybercrimes simply because one can and not for personal gain is particularly disturbing. https://9to5mac.com/2021/07/19/man-behind-linkedin-scraping/
- Entertainment: While entertainment falls into a similar category as boredom, the article made a point of cyber bullying. this form of cyber crime focuses less on hacking and more on harassing individuals online. although cyberbullying is not physical in nature it can be just as damaging to an individual particularly children who are often victims. https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2021-05-31-cyberbullying-and-online-sexual-grooming-of-children-on-the-increase/