Boys and girls behaving badly online are tolerated, at times even admired for their devious exploits. The problem is not going to be wished away, however, and this apparent tolerance is entirely misplaced. Political psychologists Jerrold Post and Eric Shaw of George Washington University, who have done work for the Central Intelligence Agency, among others, have profiled the multiple motivations of the intruders. Post, Shaw and colleague Keven Ruby last year published an article outlining a topology of hacker behavior in Security Management magazine. Good Samaritans cut information security corners to get the job done faster or better.
Hackers break into systems to impress themselves and others.
Machiavellians use computer hacking skills to advance a personal agenda. Exceptions see themselves as candidates for special infosec care and handling. Avengers are looking for revenge in response to perceived slights and setbacks. Career thieves are computer-enabled white collar crooks embezzlers, con artists, and others who view their employment as little more than a license to steal. Moles steal too, but for governments or other companies.