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. Financial Gain – firmly assert that most cybercriminals dive into their malicious acts purely for profit. With staggering amounts of money exchanged online every single day, it’s a tempting target. If they possess the ability to intercept these transactions and snatch some of that cash for themselves, what’s stopping them? The lure of quick financial gain drives their deviant behavior, making the digital world a playground for those willing to exploit it. Why resist the chance to cash in on negligence and insecurity? In this high-stakes environment, the promise of easy money fuels their relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of others.
  2. Recognition – Skilled hackers often feel the urge to showcase their abilities on a bigger stage. By successfully breaching big companies, they not only gain fame for their achievements but also elevate their status among fellow cybercriminals. Pulling off such high-profile attacks can really boost their reputation in the hacking community.
  3. Multiple Reasons – When individuals perpetrate crimes online, various factors may influence their actions. Identifying a singular reason for such behavior is often challenging, as multiple elements typically contribute to the decision-making process.
  4. Revenge – social media has rapidly evolved into a hub for daily interactions, both good and bad. With this shift, various forms of revenge have emerged, such as cyber harassment, cyberbullying, and even hacking. In an environment where anonymity is prevalent, it’s often too simple for people to engage in these harmful behaviors without facing consequences.
  5. Political – Politics can stir up intense feelings and opinions. People often disagree on goals and beliefs, which might push some to commit cybercrimes against politicians. However, targeting individuals can lead to severe repercussions, making such actions seem unwise.
  6. Entertainment -Hacking for fun can be quite an exhilarating experience! Many people enjoy pushing their skills and abilities to the limit, finding it both exciting and entertaining. When they’re caught up in the thrill of the moment, the potential consequences of getting caught often take a backseat to the enjoyment they’re having.
  7. Boredom – Hacking just because you’re bored? That’s pretty baffling. Why choose serious crimes with heavy outcomes when there are plenty of positive ways to use hacking skills? It doesn’t add up!