RESEARCHERS are launching a study investigating possible links between cybercrime and autistic-like personality traits that have been demonstrated by hackers involved in some high-profile cases.
Autism and its traits appear to be more prevalent among cybercriminals than those involved in other types of crime, although a definite link remains unproven.
The project aims to cover all aspects of cybercrime, from coding and malware to activities carried out over the “dark web”, and will provide information about the size and nature of cybercrime and the degree to which autistic-like traits are represented in cybercrime offenders.
The project is being led by the University of Bath’s Centre for Applied Autism Research, the cybercrime unit at the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the charity Research Autism.
Professor Mark Brosnan, from Bath University, said: “A growing perception among law enforcement agencies suggests that a significant number of people arrested in connection with cybercrime may be on the autism spectrum.
“But whilst media coverage has helped to shape public perceptions about this issue there has, to date, been little in the way of systematic research to really unpick this idea. Through our project we will explore whether autistic traits are actually associated with computer-related abilities and cybercrime.
“Whatever the conclusion, our findings will have important implications for better understanding why people do – and indeed do not – engage in cybercrime.”
Researchers hope their work will provide a deeper understanding about the motivations and characteristics of people likely to commit cybercrime and how they become involved in such offences. The team also want to understand more about the motivating factors that influence people to conduct cybercrime.
It is thought the challenge and sense of accomplishment that might come with cybercrime could be a motivating factor for certain people. There is a growing concern that this might outweigh its consequences in some people’s minds, the researchers say.
Scot Gary McKinnon, who carried out what was said to be the biggest military computer hack of all time, has Asperger’s syndrome, one of a range of conditions classed as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. Another high-profile hacker, Lauri Love, also has the condition.
Richard Mills, of Research Autism, said: “There is already a connection between autism and cybercrime in the public’s mind, but our research will identify whether there is any truth in the association with autistic traits.”
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