Motives for Cyber-attacks
Just like real-life criminals, cyber-criminals are motivated by a variety of goals. In fact, many find it easier to commit crime online than in real-life. Cybercrime requires less planning and resources to execute.
Compare this to perhaps a bank robbery - crooks have to recruit accomplices, plan their escape, get disguises and purchase weapons. Isn't a cyber-attack easier?
Furthermore, cybercrime leaves fewer traces than physical crime. Skilled cyber-criminals are able to cover up their tracks easily using various computer tools.
Compare this to perhaps a bank robbery - crooks have to recruit accomplices, plan their escape, get disguises and purchase weapons. Isn't a cyber-attack easier?
Furthermore, cybercrime leaves fewer traces than physical crime. Skilled cyber-criminals are able to cover up their tracks easily using various computer tools.
1. Financial gain
This is the top reason for cybercrime. Most cyber-criminals are in it for the money (some say, easy money). Some of them force their way directly into bank accounts while others impersonate banks to trick firms and individuals.
Cyber-criminals either work on their own, or are hired by others who do not have the necessary skills to carry out cyber-attacks. Some are also paid to steal confidential information for rival companies.
This is the top reason for cybercrime. Most cyber-criminals are in it for the money (some say, easy money). Some of them force their way directly into bank accounts while others impersonate banks to trick firms and individuals.
Cyber-criminals either work on their own, or are hired by others who do not have the necessary skills to carry out cyber-attacks. Some are also paid to steal confidential information for rival companies.
Politics and religion are strong
motivators of crime, online or offline
2. Political/religious action
Some cyber-criminals are strong supporters of certain political views or religious movements. Thus, they carry out cyber-attacks to make known their political/religious views. This is also known as hacktivism.
These cyber-criminals use cybercrime to spread propaganda, or to stage protests supporting their political/religious beliefs.
Commonly, corporate websites are vandalised with political/religious messages.
Some cyber-criminals are strong supporters of certain political views or religious movements. Thus, they carry out cyber-attacks to make known their political/religious views. This is also known as hacktivism.
These cyber-criminals use cybercrime to spread propaganda, or to stage protests supporting their political/religious beliefs.
Commonly, corporate websites are vandalised with political/religious messages.
3. Revenge/Emotions
Similar to real-life, emotions sometimes lead people into hurting others. Cyber-criminals might act out of anger and revenge.
These might include retrenched employees who are displeased with the company's decision, or even dissatisfied customers who are not happy with changes in a company's products/services.
Similar to real-life, emotions sometimes lead people into hurting others. Cyber-criminals might act out of anger and revenge.
These might include retrenched employees who are displeased with the company's decision, or even dissatisfied customers who are not happy with changes in a company's products/services.
4. Entertainment
Some cyber-criminals enjoy the thrill of making successful cyber-attacks on major companies. They see it as recognition of their hacking abilities. Cyber-criminals in this category are usually teenagers.
Most of them carry out cyber-attacks just because they can. To them, launching a successful attack would earn them respect and honour from the online hacking community.
Some cyber-criminals enjoy the thrill of making successful cyber-attacks on major companies. They see it as recognition of their hacking abilities. Cyber-criminals in this category are usually teenagers.
Most of them carry out cyber-attacks just because they can. To them, launching a successful attack would earn them respect and honour from the online hacking community.