Surveying the hackers : the challenges of data collection from a secluded community

Helen Thackray, Chris Richardson, Huseyin Dogan, Jacqui Taylor, John McAlaney

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

![CDATA[There are various challenges with online data collection, from participant recruitment to ensuring the integrity and representativeness of the results; and when the data is being collected from hacking communities who value privacy the challenges become far more interesting. This study was carried out as part of an ongoing PhD project into online communities involved with hacking. This paper will discuss the resources used in designing and implementing internet-based data collection, especially with hard-to-engage participants. Data discussed has been collected via quantitative online surveys. Risks include becoming the target of a cyber-attack. Previous studies have found that research of this type is not universally welcomed in such private communities with reactions ranging from wary to hostile. The findings of this paper offer examples and areas of improvement for online research methodologies as well as reinforcing the importance of social psychological research and human factors within cyber security. The results are beneficial to those wanting to conduct their own online research in challenging areas, as well as those interested in online behaviour and hacking related topics.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 16th European Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ECCWS 2017), Dublin, Ireland, 29 - 30 June 2017
PublisherAcademic Conferences and Publishing
Pages745-748
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9781510845190
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventEuropean Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security -
Duration: 29 Jun 2017 → …

Publication series

Name
ISSN (Print)2048-8602

Conference

ConferenceEuropean Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security
Period29/06/17 → …

Keywords

  • computer security
  • group identity
  • hacking
  • social psychology

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