Hacker Personality Profiles Reviewed in Terms of the Big Five Personality Traits

Abstract

As well as possessing advanced computer skills, hackers are typically highly intelligent. However, it is commonly assumed that hackers have personality traits that tend to be negative and detrimental in their effect on society. Hackers fall into three main categories: white hat hackers, grey hat hackers and black hat hackers. The aim of this study is to determine hacker personality profiles in relation to these categories. To do so, the author uses a measuring instrument focusing on the ‘big five personality traits’ – that is, openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. This study focused on 30 hacker subjects and utilized descriptive qualitative research: the data collection techniques used were in the form of personality trait rating scales, interviews and research documents. Based on the research results pertaining to the 30 hacker subjects, it can be deduced that the white hats demonstrate agreeableness as a dominant personality trait, black hats openness to experience, and grey hats neuroticism.