The Risk Propensity and Rationality of Computer Hackers

Issues concerning computer security have received considerable academic attention in recent years and cyber security has become a top priority for many governments, organizations, and industries. Unfortunately, the attention devoted to cyber crime issues has focused primarily on the technical dimension of computer crime. Today, our knowledge about the persons behind the keyboards remains fragmentary. The current study focuses on one particular subgroup of cyber criminals, the illicit computer hackers. In particular, two personality characteristics commonly ascribed to hackers, strong preference for rational decision-making processes and pronounced risk propensity, are examined and their influence on hacking activities and success is assessed. An abbreviated yet reliable scale to quantify these personality traits in future studies demonstrates the significant relevance both constructs have for predicting hacking-related outcomes. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future studies are provided.