Unveiling Gender Biases: A Comprehensive Exploration of Sexism in the Hacker Community

• In Event: Hacking Beyond Boundaries: Exploring the World of Digital Disruptors

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 intricate realm of sexism within the hacker community, shedding light on the often-overlooked gender dynamics prevalent in this tech subculture. Through this research, we seek to unravel the multifaceted nature of gender bias and discrimination in this domain. Ultimately, this research contributes to a broader understanding on gender inequality in technology.

Authors

• Roberta Liggett-O'Malley, University of South Florida-Sarasota

• Katelyn Smith, University of South Florida

• Aida Ozuni, University of South Florida