Cybersecurity and the Social Sciences (CYSE 201S)
Review the articles linked with each individual motive in the presentation page or Slide #3. 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.
1) For money
The desire for money is strong amongst many, especially when living in a capitalist society that revolves around money. It makes sense to me that this would be would be the top motive for engaging in cyber crime.
2) Multiple reasons
This article touched on a couple reasons as to why individuals may choose to do this, including socioeconomic and psychological factors. I have written about this before, and feel this goes along with the motive “For money” as those who need more money (not necessarily just have a desire for more), find cyber crime to be a “safe” and easy way to obtain more money when compared to something like robbing a bank or convenience store.
3) Political
As outlined in this article, and by many events in other countries, political cyber crime has proven to be an effective means to sway an election. While I don’t agree with the act, it makes sense as a tool to accomplish this task.
4) Recognition
Due to the rise in social media, many children and young adults believe that gaining followers is a good thing. While it is not inherently bad, it can lead to doing bad things like cyber crime in an attempt to gain recognition. Many strive to have their name well known, even if for bad acts, as it gives them that dopamine hit that desperately crave.
5 & 6) Entertainment and Boredom
I rank these together as humans want to be entertained, and if they’re not, that leads to boredom. I don’t think committing cyber crime is the right way to stay entertained (or provide entertainment when bored) as there are much more responsible and beneficial ways to attain this.
7) Revenge
This is the motive that makes the least sense to me. For the most part, getting revenge just doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t understand why people feel the need to inflict pain and conflict onto others just when it has been done to them. The famous quote “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” perfectly personifies this for me. Getting revenge does nothing to solve the problem, it only multiplies it.