Behind the screen: psychological motivations and mental health issues in cybercriminal behavior

Cybercrime has been rapidly increasing, which makes understanding the criminals behind these serious misconducts crucial. The psychology behind cybercriminal behavior can bring many insights about why these behaviors have become prevalent, and if there are any patterns that can be observed. Financial gain, ideological beliefs, and thrill-seeking help provide some explanation as to what motivates cybercriminals. Mental illnesses can also play a role in causing an individual to engage in online criminal behavior. Many well-known hackers and cybercriminals have been diagnosed with mental health disorders, showcasing the potential connection these two topics have. These illnesses may be critical in understanding the relationship between mental health and participating in cybercrimes. This relationship can work to provide new strategies to combat cybercrime as well as improve mental health support resources.