Below is a ranking of the motives that I believe make the most sense when it comes to motives for committing crimes.

1. Money: This motive ranks the highest because financial gain is a primary driver for cybercriminals. The study “Into the Web of Profit” highlights how cybercriminals allocate funds for immediate needs, invest in assets, and indulge in extravagant spending, emphasizing the significant role money plays in motivating cybercrime.
2. Recognition: Launching cyberattacks for recognition or status is another significant motivator, as seen in the case of Bradley Niblock, who targeted a political candidate’s website for attention. Seeking acknowledgment within the hacker community or achieving notoriety through successful cybercrimes can drive individuals to engage in illicit activities.
3. Entertainment: While some cybercriminals engage in hacking “for fun,” as seen in Tom Liner’s case of scraping LinkedIn profiles, this motive ranks lower compared to financial gain and recognition. While entertainment may initially drive some cybercriminals, it often intersects with other motives, such as financial incentives or ego boost.
4. Multiple reasons: The article discussing various motivations behind cybercrime, including ego, socioeconomic factors, and psychological drivers, ranks lower due to its broad scope. While these factors undoubtedly influence cybercriminal behavior, they often intersect with more specific motives like financial gain or recognition.
5. Political: Hacktivism, driven by political motives, ranks lower because it represents a niche subset of cybercrime. While politically motivated cyberattacks can have significant impacts, they are less prevalent compared to financially motivated cybercrimes.
6. Revenge: While revenge porn and related cybercrimes can cause profound harm to victims, this motive ranks lower because it represents a specific form of cybercrime rather than a widespread motivator among cybercriminals.
7. Boredom: The motive of boredom ranks the lowest because it represents a more passive motivation compared to other active drivers like financial gain or recognition. While boredom may lead to increased online activity and potential exposure to cybercrime, it is less likely to be the primary motivator for engaging in illicit activities.