Scientists investigate the possible links between self-observed features and cyber crime
By Prempal Singh
Researcher is launching a investigating possible links between cyber crime and self-observed -like personality traits which may have been shown by hackers involved in some high-profile cases.
Self-observed and its features seem to be more prevalent among cyber criminals than patients involved in other types of criminal offenses, although a definite website link remains unproven.
The project aims to cover all aspects of cyber crime, from coding and malware to activities carried out over the “dark web”, and will provide advice about the size and mother nature of cyber crime and the degree that self observed-like characteristics are represented in cyber crime offenders.
The project is being led by the University of Bath’s Center for Applied Autism Exploration, the cyber crime unit at the National Crime Organization or Agency (NCA) and the charity Research self-observed.
Professor Mark Brosnan, from Bath University or college, said: “A growing belief among law enforcement organizations suggests that a significant number of folks arrested in connection with cyber crime may be on the self-observed spectrum.
“But whilst mass media coverage has helped to condition public perceptions about this issue there has, to date, been little in the way of systematic research to actually unpack this idea. Through our project, we will explore whether self-observed features are actually associated with computer-related skills and cyber crime.
“Whatever the conclusion, our conclusions will have important significance for better understanding why people do – and indeed do not – engage in cyber crime inch.
Researchers hope their work will provide a much deeper understanding about the inspirations and characteristic of folks more likely to commit cyber crime and how they may become involved in such offenses. They also want to understand more about the motivating factors that influence people to perform cyber crime.
It is thought the challenge and sense of accomplishment which may come with the cyber crime could be a motivating factor for certain people. There is also a growing concern that this might outweigh its consequences in certain people’s minds, the research workers say.
Scot Gary McKinnon, who carried out what was considered the biggest military computer hack of all time, has Asperger’s syndrome, one of a range of conditions categorized as self-observed spectrum disorders (ASDs), which influences cultural interaction, communication, interested and behavior. Another high-profile hacker, Lauri Love, has the condition.
Richard Mills, of Research Autism, said: “There is already an interconnection between self-observed and cyber crime in the public’s mind, but our research will identify whether there is any truth in the association with self-observed characteristics. ”
Source: www.thenational.scot