Guarding against Cyber-Trespass and Theft: Routine Precautions from the Hacking Community

Positing that hackers are attuned to the risks and vulnerabilities of online activity, this study used the situation crime prevention (SCP) framework to examine the protection methods promoted within hacking forums to guard against online victimization. Data were collected from 85 webpages representing two categories of electronic communications: forums and blogs. Three goals drove this project: 1) to investigate whether the set of recommendations fit the SCP framework; 2) to identify what opportunity reduction techniques were most often recommended by the self-identified hacking community; and, 3) to examine the level of expertise associated with the suggested security measures. Strategies aimed at increasing the effort required to commit crimes, and reducing the rewards associated with cyber-trespass and theft, figured prominently—the specific strategy most recommended was to keep computer software updated. Ninety percent of recommendations require minimal computer skills. Continued efforts are needed to explore the utility of asking potential offenders for advice when developing recommendations on routine precautions that people could use to protect themselves online.