Research investigates links between autism-like traits and cybercrime
A study investigating links between cybercrime and autistic-like personality traits is to begin.
Autism and traits of the condition appear more prevalent among cyber criminals than for other types of crime but the link remains unproven.
The project aims to cover all aspects of cybercrime, such as coding and malware, as well as activities carried out over the ‘dark web’ an - undercurrent of the internet where users are able to appear anonymously and trade information and data, often illegal content.
The work will provide infor- mation on the size and nature of cybercrime and the degree to which autistic-like traits are represented in cybercrime offenders. Researchers will look to identify risk factors that could lead to cybercrime.
The project is by the University of Bath’s Centre for Applied Autism, the cybercrime unit at the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the charity Research Autism.
Professor Mark Brosnan, of the University of Bath, said: “Whilst media coverage has helped to shape public perceptions about this issue there has, to date, been little in the way of systematic research to really unpick this idea.”
Glasgow-born Asperger’s sufferer Gary Mckinnon hacked US government computers but his extradition to face charges there was blocked in 2012 by then Home Secretary Theresa May after a ten-year legal battle.