Study: Cyberattacks not from patriotism

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LANSING, Mich., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- People who commit cyberattacks against domestic or foreign governments don't appear to be acting out national pride or patriotism, U.S. researchers say.

Michigan State University researchers report such people also tend to engage in the illegal downloading of movies and music.

Their study was an attempt to create a profile of "civilian cyberwarriors," people who engage in attacks against governments without support from military or government agencies.

"We were surprised to find that nationalism and patriotism were not predictors for cyberattacks," criminal justice Professor Thomas Holt said. "When officials attempt to identify today's civilian cyberwarriors, they shouldn't necessarily be looking for the person who is politically radical."

Three common factors emerged in the study profile, Hold said: The participants were also inclined to download illegal music, movies and other media; they were likely to engage in physical protest behaviors; and they were not motivated by a general outlook or attitude toward their government.

"It may be that these individual behaviors correlate not to patriotism, but instead to an altruistic belief that all groups should be treated equally," Holt said.