Exploring adverse childhood experiences among active malicious hackers

• In Event: Pathways to Cyber Deviance: Motivations, Behaviors, and Radicalization in Digital Spaces

Abstract

Active offender research is crucial to understanding the decision-making behavior of those who commit crimes. This understanding may be especially pressing when examining cybercrime where an offender is rarely identified, let alone arrested or convicted. Moreover, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been linked to various maladaptive behaviors, yet little research has explored their prevalence among active malicious hackers. This study examines the role of ACEs in shaping pathways toward cybercriminal activity, focusing on individuals engaged in hacking offenses such as data breaches, website defacement, and system intrusions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we analyze self-reported ACE data from a sample of 250 active hackers. By highlighting the psychosocial factors underlying hacking behaviors, this research will provide critical insights for intervention strategies, emphasizing the need for targeted early support systems to mitigate pathways leading to cybercriminal activity.

Authors

• Caitlyn Muniz, University of Texas at El Paso

• Kaylee Eckelman, University of South Florida