Cybercrime is a growing and complex threat to national defence and the general public. It includes a wide range of criminal activities conducted through technological and socio-technical systems, which are systems that combine human and technological components. Although these systems offer many advantages, they also create vulnerabilities that cyber adversaries can exploit. These adversaries are driven by various motivations, such as financial gain, political objectives, or ideological beliefs. Among them, ideologically motivated cyber adversaries—those who use digital tools to promote specific social or political ideologies remain underexplored.
The research aims to investigate the decision-making processes of ideologically driven cyber adversaries, focusing on their motivations, skillsets, and social dynamics. The research will consist of two parts: the first involves gaining insight from reformed cybercriminals on their personal experiences and decision-making; the second will engage cybersecurity stakeholders and experts to understand their perspectives on such adversaries. By examining both groups, the research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the capabilities and strategies of ideologically motivated cyber actors, thereby supporting the development of more effective defensive cybersecurity measures in the UK.
Contacts: Jasmine McCain, John McAlaney, Andrew M’manga
Funders: Bournemouth University, Dstl
Collaborators: Dstl