The Psyche of Cybercriminals: Exploring Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms among Hackers

• In Event: Digital Shadows: Exploring Mental Health, Criminal Offending, and Group Membership in the Hacker Community

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of cybercrime and the need for cybersecurity has in turn increased our need to understand those that perpetrate these attacks. Thus far, research on hackers has been limited to open-source data and proxy samples in the form of college students. The current study is the first that we know of to survey and interview active, malicious hackers. We employ an interdisciplinary approach in an effort to examine the prevalence and severity of mental health issues among hackers, as well as their online coping mechanisms. Specifically, we explore the impact of previous victimization and current mental health on the frequency of attacks. Results and policy implications for both mental health professionals and the cybersecurity industry will be discussed.

Authors

• Christian Jordan Howell, University of South Florida

• Katelyn Smith, University of South Florida

• Taylor Fisher, University of South Florida

• Kaylee Eckelman, University of South Florida

• Roan Ali, University of South Florida