Psychological Profiling of Motives and Attributes of Cybercriminals: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This research looked closely at psychological profiling of cybercriminals especially when it comes to their behavior on internet sensitive to a larger community like blasphemy. To acquire this profile, 16 cybercriminals were interviewed, especially those involving blasphemous activities, spanning an age range from late adolescence to middle adulthood. The sampling was accomplished through collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cybercrime cell Islamabad. The individuals interviewed exhibited a diverse range of educational backgrounds, with the majority having intermediate education. Significantly, none of the participants had a criminal history, and few displayed awareness of crime. The exposure to pornography among participants was notable. In terms of the duration of their cybercriminal activities, most reported involvement for 0-1 year, while few indicated a longer period of 2-3 years. Employing thematic analysis, the qualitative investigation unveiled a diverse spectrum of motivating forces, ranging from curiosity and financial gain to revenge and ideological fervor, with cyber blasphemy having emerged as a recurring theme among the sampled cybercriminals. A parallel exploration of psychological attributes showcased the complex interplay of impulsiveness, self-perception, and risk propensity within the context of blasphemous behavior. Concurrently societal and environmental factors, complicated by digital anonymity, created fertile ground for criminal activity. This research also delved into the cognitive shifts that desensitized cybercriminals to moral and legal boundaries, gradually escalating their engagement in blasphemous actions. A pivotal aspect of this research lay in its linkage to psychological profiling. By analyzing the intricate interplay of motives, attributes, and environmental factors, a profile of a cybercriminal was developed. This profile could serve as a powerful tool for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts to understand, predict, and prevent cybercrimes, with a specific focus on blasphemy-related activities. By bridging the gap between psychology and technology and ultimately linking it with psychological profiling, this study advocated for a holistic approach that embraced the complexities of human behavior in the digital world.