The offender’s personality as an element of the forensic characteristic of cybercrime

This scientific article presents a comprehensive study of the cybercriminal’s personality as one of the key elements of the forensic characteristic of cybercrimes. Given the rapid development of digital technologies and the growing threats in cyberspace, the issue of a detailed analysis of the personality traits of the offender operating in a virtual environment becomes increasingly relevant. The paper emphasizes that the cybercriminal possesses a number of specific socio-demographic, psychological, behavioral, and motivational features that distinguish them from subjects of traditional criminal activity. Based on empirical research, it has been determined that most cybercriminals are men with a certain level of technical training, either possessing relevant formal education or self-acquired knowledge in the field of information technology. At the same time, the proportion of individuals without appropriate education is increasing, which indicates the accessibility of tools for committing cybercrimes to a wide range of users. Attention is drawn to psychological traits common among cybercriminals, such as antisocial tendencies, logical thinking, a preference for anonymity, high intellectual capacity, and reduced empathy. It has been shown that the volitional structure of offenders’ behavior, as well as the competition of motives during decision-making in cyberspace, significantly influences the nature and complexity of the committed acts. The article examines the motivational aspects of criminal activity in cyberspace, ranging from the pursuit of material gain to cyberterrorism and the need for self-affirmation within certain social communities. Particular attention is given to the forms and methods of committing cybercrimes, including the use of malicious software, anonymizing tools, virtual networks, and more. The authors argue that a comprehensive understanding of the cybercriminal’s personality plays a crucial role in developing forensic methods for investigating cybercrimes, particularly in identifying suspects, assessing risks, predicting further actions, and designing effective preventive measures. This research deepens the understanding of the offender’s place in the digital domain and offers practical approaches to improving cybercrime counteraction.