In today’s digital age, the prevalence of cybercrime is on the rise. Hackers, scammers, and cybercriminals are finding new ways to target individuals, businesses, and governments alike. But which countries are producing the most hackers? In this article, we will explore the top contenders and the reasons behind their high levels of cyber activity.
- China – By far and away, China is the country with the most hackers. According to a report by bScholarly, China is responsible for around 41% of global hacking traffic. This is because China has the majority of the best hackers in the world, with an almost 10% contribution to hacking traffic. While there is no official government-sponsored hacking program in China, many Chinese hackers work independently or for Chinese companies.
- Russia – Russian hackers are famous worldwide and have a knack for attacking even the most secure networks like those of Google, Facebook, and Apple. According to CyberWire, Russia is the second-largest source of hacking attacks, responsible for 19% of global hacking traffic. Russian hackers have been linked to many high-profile cyber-attacks, including the 2016 Democratic National Committee email leak and the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack.
- Iran – Iran is also a country with a high concentration of hackers. While not as widely known as China and Russia, Iran has a well-developed cyber infrastructure and is known to sponsor its hackers. Iran has been linked to several high-profile cyber-attacks, including the 2012 attack on the Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco.
- North Korea – North Korea is another country that is believed to be actively involved in cyber-attacks. The country has a highly secretive cyber program, which is believed to be controlled by its military. North Korea has been linked to several high-profile cyber-attacks, including the 2014 Sony Pictures hack and the WannaCry ransomware attack.
- Brazil – Brazil is an emerging player in the world of hacking. According to CyberWire, Brazil is responsible for around 2.3% of global hacking traffic. Brazil’s hackers are known for their creativity and ingenuity, often using social engineering techniques to gain access to their targets. In 2011, Brazilian hackers breached the security systems of several major government websites, including the Ministry of Defense and the Brazilian Intelligence Agency.
- Taiwan – Taiwan is a small island located near China, but it’s a hub for hackers. Its share in global cyber-attacks is nearly 3.7%. According to Cyware, Taiwanese hackers are small but not weak, must be the motto of Taiwanese hackers. Taiwan has a well-established tech industry, and its hackers are known for their skills in reverse engineering and software development.
- Turkey – Turkey is another country that has seen a rise in hacking activity in recent years. According to InfoSec Institute, Turkey was the fifth-largest source of outgoing cyber-attacks in the fourth quarter of 2014, responsible for 2.9% of global hacking traffic. Turkey’s hackers are known for their skill in developing and deploying phishing attacks.
Other Countries with High Levels of Hacking Activity
While the countries mentioned above are the most prominent, there are several other countries with high levels of hacking activity, including:
- Bolivia
- Mongolia
- Algeria
- Zimbabwe
- Nicaragua
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- El Salvador
- Romania
These countries often have weak or underdeveloped cybersecurity infrastructure, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. Additionally, some of these countries have a high level of poverty, which can lead individuals to turn to cybercrime as a means of making money.
What Motivates Hackers?
Understanding what motivates hackers can help us better understand why certain countries produce more hackers than others. Here are some of the most common motivators for hackers:
- Financial gain: Many hackers are motivated by money. They may steal personal information, credit card details, or bank account numbers, which they can then sell on the dark web for a profit.
- Political or ideological motivations: Some hackers are motivated by political or ideological beliefs. They may hack into government or corporate networks to expose corruption or to advance a political agenda.
- Notoriety or bragging rights: Some hackers are motivated by the desire for notoriety or bragging rights. They may hack into high-profile targets as a way of proving their skills to their peers.
- Revenge: Some hackers may be motivated by a desire for revenge. They may target individuals or companies that they believe have wronged them in some way.
- Curiosity: Some hackers are motivated by curiosity or a desire to learn. They may hack into systems simply to see if they can do it.
How Can Countries Combat Cybercrime?
As cybercrime continues to rise, it’s becoming increasingly important for countries to take steps to protect themselves. Here are some strategies that countries can use to combat cybercrime:
- Invest in cybersecurity infrastructure: Countries need to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect themselves against cyber-attacks. This includes investing in firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
- Develop cybersecurity talent: Countries need to invest in developing cybersecurity talent. This includes training individuals in cybersecurity skills and developing educational programs that teach individuals how to protect themselves against cyber-attacks.
- Enact cybercrime laws: Countries need to enact cybercrime laws that punish individuals who engage in cybercrime. These laws should be strict enough to act as a deterrent to potential cybercriminals.
- Promote international cooperation: Cybercrime is a global problem, and it requires a global solution. Countries need to work together to share information and coordinate their efforts to combat cybercrime.
- Educate the public: Countries need to educate the public about the risks of cybercrime and how to protect themselves against it. This includes teaching individuals how to create strong passwords, how to avoid phishing attacks, and how to protect their personal information online.
The Takeaway
In today’s digital age, cybercrime is a growing problem. Countries that produce the most hackers tend to have weak or underdeveloped cybersecurity infrastructure, a high level of poverty, or a political or ideological climate that fosters cybercrime. To combat cybercrime, countries need to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure, develop cybersecurity talent, enact cybercrime laws, promote international cooperation, and educate the public about the risks of cybercrime. By taking these steps, countries can better protect themselves against cyber-attacks and reduce the prevalence of cybercrime worldwide.