The death of the hero hacker: getting real about computer hacking

To date, there has yet to be a comprehensive literature search to assess the characteristics associated with cyber-dependent crime like computer hacking. This analysis examined quantitative and qualitative studies within criminological, criminal justice, and affiliated social science journals published since 2015 analyzing samples of individuals involved in computer hacking and related activities. Studies were identified through searches of Google Scholar, the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, and Web of Science. The result of the search was a sample of 80 studies utilizing samples from across the globe with both adult and juvenile populations. The available evidence indicates that peer associations, impulsivity/low self-control, and criminal opportunity are all robust predictors of criminal hacking. The research also points toward various personality and attitudinal characteristics, though this evidence is less definitive. The analysis concludes by charting future pathways for research, noting significant gaps that still exist within the empirical literature on criminal hacking.