Crime is a complex phenomenon that has been studied by criminologists, sociologists, and psychologists for decades. While the motivations behind criminal behavior may vary from person to person, crime can essentially be boiled down to three key factors: motive, means, and opportunity. In the context of cybercrime, there really isn’t anything you can do to control motive or means. However, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the opportunity for cybercriminals—and that is the crux of effective cybersecurity.
Motive and Means
Motive refers to the underlying reason why someone commits a crime. This can range from financial gain to personal revenge, and everything in between. In the case of cybercrime, motives can be particularly diverse. Some attackers are looking for financial gain, while others may be seeking to steal intellectual property or valuable data. Hacktivists may be motivated by political or social causes, while cybercriminals are typically trying to cash in, and nation-state threat actors may simply…
