Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

The purpose of this study is to compare the characteristics of cyber-attackers and non-attackers. Demographical factors as well as psychological and home environmental factors, therefore, have been studied in order to define different characteristics of the two. Cyber-attackers, internet users who w...

The purpose of this study is to compare the characteristics of cyber-attackers and non-attackers. Demographical factors as well as psychological and home environmental factors, therefore, have been studied in order to define different characteristics of the two. Cyber-attackers, internet users who would likely attack unidentified others with malicious messages, in general are found to be low self-esteemed, yet full of themselves and aggressive in their behavior. This tendency, however, has lacked the scientific study and theories to be considered as a branch of science. Therefore, this study will explore a number of characteristics found in cyber-attackers and non-attackers. This survey was conducted among 518 students in primary, secondary and high-level education in Busan. Results were collected from the questions regarding demographical, psychological and home environmental factors. Results show that a majority of cyber-attackers are identified as male. In terms of age, however, cyber-attackers in different age groups showed different characteristics. They presented the largest difference in psychological factors and self-esteem. Open communication with their parents was found to be the most important factor in the home environmental category. Aggressiveness was picked as the most significant factor followed by self-esteem when distinguishing cyber-attackers and non-attackers. In sum, internet users get more aggressive with their online messages as they show higher level of aggressiveness and lower self-esteem.

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