Review the articles linked with each individual motive. Rank the motives from 1 to 7 as the motives that you think make the most sense (being 1) to the least sense (being 7). Explain why you rank each motive the way you rank it
After reviewing the linked article on cybercrime motives, I have compromised my rankings through my interpretation of why people commit crimes.
For Money (1) Money is what drives the world and I believe this is the highest motive for individuals to commit cybercrime. This motive is self-explanatory. I believe many individuals would choose this route to make quick money from their computer chair, rather than working an actual job in real life. In combination with de-centralized networks and the plentiful of hacking resources online, cybercriminals can have an easier and anonymized environment for their crime.
Political (2) If money isn’t a factor, politics would be the second priority for attackers. I believe politics would be the next second motive, as political power is very influential in future politics that sculpt the society around us. In this motive, we see many hacktivists and APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats) attempting to interfere with worldwide politics to push their own agenda. Changing politics can have an everlasting effect on future policies and typically show more powerful exploits/attack vectors with more experienced adversaries.
Revenge (3) Revenge is not as common as the previous motives, but still occasionally happens. Revenge can from disgruntled individuals against their former employers, ex-partners, individuals in real life, or social organizations to produce harm, shame, and embarrassment online. Their soul purpose is to “get back” against the party and cause as much harm as possible. This motive ranges in different forms from revenge pornography to cyberattacks against big organizations.
Recognition (4) Recognition aligns its principles with an individuals’ ego and online status. Their motive is purely based on their social perception, self-esteem, or self-importance to show their worth or to show off to others. I think this motive surrounds itself in organized crime and gangs to show off to other people what harm they caused. I think this motive is fairly low on the reasoning, but shouldn’t be overlooked at. As cyber gangs increase online, recognition crime will raise, as organized crime may force individuals to “prove their worth” online. Like real life gangs, newly ducted members must prove their worth doing a crime.
Other Multiple reasons [Ego, social economic gains, status] (5) This motive is vague but falls in line with the recognition motive. Someone’s reasoning may vary depending on their morals, self-fulfillment, self-importance, and their social perception. Cybercrime might be committed due to an individuals’ ego or their psychological environment. Thus, varies on situations and the person behind the attack.
Entertainment (6) Committing crime for entertainment is purely based on someone’s morals. It’s low on ranking because I don’t believe people will automatically be drawn to committing a crime for entertainment, as they are more rewarding alternatives online. People will tend to turn on a TV show or go on social media for an entertainment before committing a crime.
Boredom. (7) Boredom is the lowest motive because I feel like this reasoning lack’s purpose. If your doing an activity because your bored, you simply don’t care for your actions. Typically, with boredom activities, individuals don’t spend a lot of time, energy, and planning to commit a crime. Thus, making a rare motive for individuals to commit full cybercrimes.