text:
\section*{Understanding motivations and characteristics of financially-motivated cybercriminals:}\subsection*{Revisiting theoretical approaches through the lens of contemporary practitioner experiences}

\textit{\textbf{Background:}} Cyber offences, such as hacking, malware creation and distribution, and online fraud, present a substantial threat to organizations attempting to safeguard their data and information. By understanding the evolving characteristics and motivations of individuals involved in these activities, and the threats that they may pose, cyber security practitioners will be better placed to understand and assess current threats to their systems and the range of socio-technical mitigations that may best reduce these.
\textit{\textbf{Aim:}} The reported work-in-progress aims to explore the extent to which findings from prior academic literature regarding the characteristics and motivations of offenders engaging in financially-motivated, cyber-dependent crime are supported by the contemporary experiences and perspectives of practitioners currently working in the cyber crime field.
\textit{\textbf{Method:}} A targeted, online survey was developed consisting of both closed and open-ended questions relating to current cyber threats and the characteristics and motivations of offenders engaged in these activities. Sixteen practitioners working in law enforcement-related domains in the cyber crime field completed the survey, providing a combination of qualitative and quantitative data for analysis.
\textit{\textbf{Results:}} Findings demonstrated support for three characteristics previously highlighted in prior research (younger age, being male, and greater computer use) and multiple motivations, with financial gain and a feeling of power and status being the most common. Several nuances in characteristics and motivations were also considered by practitioners related to the particular type of cybercrime engaged in, and how these various aspects appear to be evolving due to the increasing commercialization of ready-to-use toolkits, the growth of cyber-crime as a service, and the involvement of organized crime groups and others in malevolent cyber activity.
\textit{\textbf{Conclusions:}} The reported work provides key insight into the views, perspectives and experiences of current practitioners in the cyber crime field, overlaying theoretical concepts and findings from prior academic literature with elicited perspectives from law enforcement practitioners. As a work-in-progress, it is intended that further work will be undertaken to consider additional data sources that may further validate these findings.

\newpage

\section*{Background}
Cyber offences such as hacking, malware creation and distribution, and online fraud present a substantial threat to organizations and individuals attempting to safeguard their data and information. Understanding the evolving characteristics and motivations of individuals involved in these activities can help practitioners attempting to disrupt or counter cybercriminal activity. Although there is a reasonable body of work that investigates the various motivations and characteristics of cybercriminal offenders, the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats and those involved means that it is vital to revisit prior work in relation to whether previous findings accurately reflect the current experiences of contemporary practitioners working in the field.

This work in progress, therefore, aims to contribute to current understanding of the motivations and characteristics of those involved in cybercriminal activities and the threats that they may pose from a cyber security perspective in order to inform the future development of socio-technical mitigations that can address these evolving threats. Specifically, this paper overviews the findings of prior research regarding the characteristics and motivations of those involved in cybercriminal activities and explores the extent to which these findings are reflected in the current perspectives and experiences of practitioners working in the cyber crime domain. As a work in progress, it is intended that additional data sources will be considered in future work (e.g., the analysis of current case data or data gathered from relevant darknet market (DNM) communities) to examine the extent to which these motivations and characteristics may be reflected in other datasets.

\section*{Related Literature and Theoretical Approaches}
Previous work has investigated the role of a number of characteristics of cyber offenders, including age, gender, Internet usage, and degree of self-control. Although there is some variation in findings, overall research suggests that younger adults (e.g., those in their late teens and twenties) and males are more likely to be involved in cyber criminal activities (e.g., \cite{hyslip2018defining, woo2003hacker, liao2017computer, voiskounsky2003flow, seigfried2015assessing, payne2018using, mcbrayer2014exploiting, moon2010general}), with some suggestion that such individuals also demonstrate higher education levels \cite{hyslip2018defining, woo2003hacker} and spend more time online (e.g., \cite{moon2010general, donner2014low, pyrooz2013gangs, donner2016gender}).

The various factors that may motivate individuals to engage in cyber criminal activities have also been explored, with motivations ranging from financial reward \cite{hyslip2018defining, woo2003hacker, mcbrayer2014exploiting, odinot2016cybercrime, kerstens2016victim, holt2007subcultural}, curiosity (e.g., \cite{woo2003hacker, voiskounsky2003flow, xu2013computer}), and entertainment \cite{voiskounsky2003flow, odinot2016cybercrime, kerstens2016victim,xu2013computer, ho2012influences} to addiction \cite{woo2003hacker, voiskounsky2003flow, mcbrayer2014exploiting, kerstens2016victim, kranenbarg2017offending}, individual vengeance \cite{hyslip2018defining, voiskounsky2003flow, mcbrayer2014exploiting, odinot2016cybercrime, kerstens2016victim, holt2007subcultural, xu2013computer, ho2012influences, kranenbarg2018cyber}, the pursuit of power or status \cite{woo2003hacker, mcbrayer2014exploiting, holt2007subcultural,xu2013computer, marcum2014hacking}, ideology \cite{woo2003hacker, holt2009attack} and learning, immersion and intellectual challenge \cite{woo2003hacker, voiskounsky2003flow}.

Unfortunately, research in this area is often constrained by methodological limitations, predominantly due to difficulties in accessing offender populations and other forms of data and a heavy reliance on self-report measures and self-selected samples, which continues to be an issue in many human-focused research fields (see \cite{payne2020disciplinary} for a review). Quantitative data is typically analyzed using regression approaches to determine which factors may predict involvement in cybercriminal activities (e.g., \cite{donner2014low, kerstens2016victim, marcum2014hacking,holt2017exploring}). While this analytic approach is sound, online surveys often utilize student samples (e.g., \cite{donner2016gender}) or focus on younger demographics (see \cite{woo2003hacker} for a review), which can present limitations with regards to the generalizability of findings across wider population groups.

More recently, work has scraped forums or utilized readily available datasets (e.g., DNM Archives, see \cite{dnmArchives}) alongside deploying big data analytics (e.g., data mining, machine learning) to provide a mechanism to continue to improve and develop current understanding of cybercriminal behavior (e.g., \cite{decaryhetu2013reputation}). However, papers using scraped data commonly focus on \textit{market dynamics} and the impact of law enforcement interventions rather than offender motivations or characteristics. In order to minimize the various limitations of these differing approaches, the triangulation of multiple data sources and integration of theoretically-based predictions represents the optimal, albeit more resource intensive, approach.

A range of theoretical approaches from psychology, criminology and sociology have been applied to understand the factors that underpin the behavior, motivations and characteristics of cyber criminals, with a particular focus on Neutralization Theory \cite{sykes1957techniques}, Self-Control Theory \cite{muraven2006self}, Social-Cognitive Theory \cite{bandura2001social}, Routine Activity Theory \cite{cohen1979social}, and Theory of Planned Behavior \cite{ajzen1991theory}.

At the individual level, Neutralization Theory (NT; \cite{sykes1957techniques}) focuses on how individuals perceive and consider the potential impact of their criminal activities, and the way in which they may distort these perceptions in order to make their activities more morally acceptable. For instance, if individuals believe that engaging in hacking is a morally unethical behavior, but they engage in this activity, then in order to reduce the resultant conflict between their moral perceptions and their behaviors, they can either stop engaging in the behavior altogether (i.e., no longer engage in hacking activities), or they can adjust their attitudes and thoughts to correspond with their behavior (e.g., considering that hacking is not hurting anyone directly and so it must be okay, thus making it a morally acceptable activity). Neutralization theory has been applied to hacking (e.g., \cite{morris2011computer}) and digital piracy activities (e.g., \cite{morris2009neutralizing}), with five primary mechanisms highlighted by which this may occur: (1) denial of responsibility (e.g.,
``I had no other choice''), (2) denial of injury (e.g., ``it doesn't hurt anyone''), (3) denial of victim (e.g., ``the victim deserves it in some way''), (4) condemnation of the condemners (e.g., ``victims are hypocrites''), and (5) appeal to higher loyalties (e.g., the behavior was warranted to achieve a higher purpose).

Self-Control Theory of Crime (SCTC) also considers the influence of individual characteristics, considering that individuals often engage in criminal activities due to failure in their ability to effectively control their behavior \cite{muraven2006self}. Self-control is considered a trait psychological characteristic linked to the ability to avoid and resist temptation (see \cite{ent2015trait}). Individuals low in self-control are considered to be more impulsive, take greater risks, and fail to adequately consider the long-term consequences of their actions. This trait has been linked to cybercriminal activities, such as downloading illegal content \cite{moon2010general, donner2014low, higgins2007digital, nodeland2020impact}.

Other approaches, such as Social Cognitive Theory (SCT; \cite{bandura2001social}) focus on the influence of the wider environment on engagement in cybercriminal activities. For instance, Social Cognitive Theory suggests that individuals learn how to behave in a particular environment based on observing the actions of those around them and the resultant consequences and outcomes of the behaviors that they observe. It is proposed that this social learning process occurs through engagement with particular role models within an individual's environment, such as observing the behavior of family members. It can also occur via exposure to mass-media content or particular social norms and activities linked to specific geographical locations or communities. This process may not only influence what types of behavior an individual considers to be socially acceptable, but can also lead to direct learning and skill acquisition related to the actual ability to engage in particular types of online activities. For instance, attitudes to digital piracy have been linked to association with deviant peers and the perception that important others wanted or expected the individual to engage in these activities \cite{d2005music, kirwan2013cybercrime, malin2009adolescent}. Social-ecological approaches to deviant online activities, such as cyber bullying, also highlight the potential role of these various social factors in influencing individual behavior \cite{cross2015social}.

Routine Activities Theory (RAT; \cite{cohen1979social}) similarly considers the wider environment in influencing engagement in cybercriminal activities, referring to three main elements that must align in order for a crime to occur: (1) the existence of an attractive target (e.g., credit card details stored in a particular location) (2) the presence of a motivated offender (e.g., an individual who becomes aware of this data or actively seeks it out), and (3) the lack of a capable guardian (e.g., a lack of sufficient technical protections). In this way, the existence of a sufficiently attractive target and the use of poor protective mechanisms can, in turn, influence the behavior, characteristics and potential motivations of an offender to commit a particular crime (e.g., a particular activity may represent an intellectual challenge, or poor protections may mean that complex technical skills are not necessary).

Finally, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; \cite{ajzen1991theory}) overlaps with many of the aspects discussed above, considering three primary mechanisms through which an individual's intentions to engage in a particular behavior may be influenced: (1) individuals attitudes towards a behavior, which represents how positively or negatively they evaluate the behavior and those who engage in it, (2) perceived social norms related to engaging in that behavior, and (3) the perceived ease of engaging in the behavior (termed perceived behavioral control). Overall, the use of the TPB as a framework to understand and change behavior has been supported in multiple domains, although effects are generally found to be stronger for intentions to engage in particular activities compared to actual behavioral responses (see \cite{sheeran2016intention} for a review). Although the TPB has been predominantly considered in relation to what factors influence engagement in secure online behavior, there has also been a very limited consideration of how these concepts may apply to cybercriminal behaviors, such as hacking (e.g., \cite{rennie2007advanced}). Previous research has also shown that the perceived likelihood of getting caught when engaging in a cybercriminal activity can influence an individual's attitudes. For instance, Nandedkar and Midha \cite{nandedkar2012won} assessed the presence of optimism bias in relation to music piracy and suggested that greater optimism with regards to potential risks (i.e., an individual thinking that they were less likely to get caught compared to other people) influenced resultant attitudes towards digital piracy.

\section*{Research Aims}
The current study reports work in progress to examine the contemporary characteristics and motivations of individuals engaged in cyber criminal activities. In particular, it aims to explore the extent to which findings of prior research are supported by the experiences and perspectives of practitioners currently working in the cyber crime field, with a view to understanding current threats and evolving motivations and characteristics of individuals involved in such activities.

A targeted survey approach is used to examine the experiences of individuals working within law enforcement-related contexts (at either regional, national, or international level), offering a unique insight into the practical experiences of individuals working with this offender group. Our approach aims to overlay theoretical concepts and findings from prior academic literature with elicited perspectives from law enforcement practitioners, with future work aiming to also triangulate these findings with data gathered from DNM communities. Linking these aspects provides a novel perspective on cybercriminal motivations and characteristics that will provide a useful framework for developing appropriate socio-technical interventions (e.g., diverting early stage offenders to more positive outlets for their skills). The characteristics and motivations for cyber offenders identified by prior literature and theoretical approaches are shown in Table \ref{tab:prior} and provide a basis for comparison with the views and experiences of current practitioners working in the cyber crime field. This allows us to explore the following research question:

\textit{Research Question: To what extent do the perspectives of practitioners regarding the characteristics and motivations of cyber offenders reflect themes identified in current research literature?}

\begin{sidewaystable}
\centering
\caption{Characteristics and motivations of cyber offenders based on findings of prior literature and primary theoretical approaches }
\scriptsize
\begin{tabular}{ p{20mm}p{30mm}p{50mm}p{50mm}}
\hline
Category One & Definition & Category Two & Themes\\
\hline
\multirow{2}{*}{Characteristics} & A feature or quality belonging typically to an individual & Demographic characteristics: aspects relating to the structure of a population and the different groups that make them up & Age, gender, education, internet/computer use \\
& \\
& & Psychological characteristics: psychological factors or traits that may influence behavior, such as personality, attitudes, beliefs & Neutralization of activity (denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of victim, condemnation of condemners, appeal to higher loyalties) (NT), Attitude toward cybercriminal activity (TPB) \\
\hline
\multirow{4}{*}{Motivations} & A reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way & Context: the circumstances that form the settings of an event or activity that may contribute to behavior & Self-control (SCTC), Criminal activity in those around them (SCT) \\
& \\
& & Intrinsic: undertaking a behavior to achieve some form of internal satisfaction or reward, such as enjoyment & Addiction/hedonic gratification, excitement/entertainment, curiosity, learning/immersion, feeling of power/status/ego, ideology, vengeance \\
& \\
& & Extrinsic: undertaking a behavior to achieve some form of external reward, such as money & Financial gain, peer recognition* \\
& \\
& & Facilitators: Facilitating conditions that may contribute to motivations & Lack of a capable guardian preventing activity (RAT), Presence of a desirable target (RAT), Ease of engaging in activity (TPB), Likelihood of getting caught (\textit{TPB via influencing attitudes}), Severity of impact of getting caught (\textit{TPB via influencing attitudes}) \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\label{tab:prior}
\end{sidewaystable}

\newpage

\section*{Method}
\subsection*{Survey Design}

A targeted online survey was developed using the Qualtrics online survey platform (\url{qualtrics.com}). The survey included a combination of closed and open-ended questions and focused on participants' views and experiences related to the following aspects:

\begin{enumerate}
    \item \textbf{Current cyber threats:} What participants considered the three most significant financially-motivated cyber-crime threats to be (two open-response questions).
    \item \textbf{Offender characteristics:} Whether participants felt that there were particular characteristics of cybercriminal offenders and what these were (\textit{one closed question based on specific characteristics identified in prior literature, with an open-response option for elaboration and additional characteristics}), whether they considered these characteristics to be changing, and whether they considered these characteristics to differ according to different cyber crime threats (\textit{two open-response questions}).
    \item \textbf{Offender motivations:} The extent to which participants considered different factors to represent a motivation for becoming involved, or continuing involvement, in cybercriminal activities (\textit{two closed questions based on specific motivations identified in prior literature with each motivation listed responded to on a scale of 1 (never a motivation) - 5 (almost always a motivation) and an open-response option for elaboration and additional characteristics}), whether they considered these motivations to be changing, and whether they considered these motivations to differ according to different cybercrime threats (\textit{two open-response questions}).
\end{enumerate}

The survey was circulated via email to relevant public and private sector bodies focused on investigating cybercriminal activity and relevant practitioner networks within the law enforcement community. This provided potential respondents with information about the study, the contact details of the researchers, and a weblink for those interested in participating. On accessing the survey, potential respondents were presented with further detail on the research. It was made clear that the survey was voluntary and that participants were under no obligation to complete it. The survey was also anonymous, with no identifying information collected and the data was accessed and analyzed solely by members of the research team at the [removed for peer review]. Participants provided informed consent by indicating that they were happy to proceed before accessing the main survey. The research was granted ethical approval by the relevant institutional review board. A copy of the survey is shown in the Appendix. The qualitative and quantitative data was analyzed in relation to the primary offender motivations and characteristics displayed in Table \ref{tab:prior} to identify the extent to which it supported these various concepts.

\subsection{Participants}
Sixteen participants completed the survey between November 2019 and January 2020. Of these, fourteen stated that they worked in the public sector, one in the private sector, and one in both. Eleven participants worked in investigation roles, four in intelligence roles and one in a management role, with the majority (11 participants: 69\%) working at a regional level. The remainder worked at national or inter-national levels. The majority had worked in their role for at least one year (10; 63\%). Characteristics are also shown in tabular form in the Appendix.

\section*{Results}
\subsection*{What is the threat?}
Participants were asked to list what they considered to be the top three most significant financially motivated cybercrime threats in order of seriousness (loss or damage). Overall, ransomware was considered to be the most significant threat, mentioned by eleven participants (69\%; with 8 specifying it as their top threat). However, although this provides an indication of how many participants discussed this threat, the low sample size prevents any conclusions being drawn based on quantitative data. Multiple other threats were also mentioned and are shown in Table \ref{tab:threats}. Interestingly, when describing their reasoning for the identification and ranking of these threats, participants highlighted the differing impact of offender characteristics on such threats (e.g., the degree of technical knowledge required), as well as intersections with factors likely to influence motivations, such as the potential low likelihood of being caught and the relative ease with which a crime can be committed. For instance, participant 2 stated \textit{``phishing and compromise of accounts... This is a high volume, low-tech criminal strategy that reaps high returns at low risk. In a month I would see multiple reports of this activity, and maybe one or fewer instances of ransomware/Trojan. I rank Ransomware second as it requires greater tech knowledge and is harder to deploy. However, it is likely to be significantly more damaging in a single incident. I rank Trojans as third threat as they require greater tech knowledge than the other two, and I do not believe them to be as common.''} Similarly, in relation to carding, participant 6 highlighted that \textit{``suspects largely seem to escape any law enforcement intervention. Massive financial loss. Details are available to buy with a little dark web knowledge''}. Finally, participant 12 discussed the necessity to understand the interactions between these activities: \textit{``Banks repeatedly list BEC as major crime in terms of financial loss. However, the data needed for the groundwork of these crimes are (I believe) built on data and access gained through malware infections. Ransomware is the fall-back position to make money from systems that have been compromised via malware.''}

\begin{sidewaystable}
\centering
\caption{Top three most significant financially motivated cyber crime threats reported by participants (\#Resp.: Number of respondents).}
\scriptsize
\begin{tabular}{cccccc}
\hline
Threat One & \#Resp. & Threat Two & \#Resp. & Threat Three & \#Resp. \\
\hline
Ransomware & 8 & Ransomware & 2 & Cryptocurrency vulnerabilities & 2 \\
Business email compromise & 2 & Network intrusion & 2 & Trojans & 1 \\
Carding & 1 & Drugs & 1 & Leaked credentials & 1 \\
Drugs & 1 & Carding & 1 & Phishing & 1 \\
Fraud & 1 & DDoS for hire & 2 & Carding & 1 \\
Phishing & 1 & Phishing & 2 & Hacking & 1 \\
Pharming & 1 & Personal data hacks & 1 & Exploits & 1 \\
- & - & Compromised credentials & 2 & DDoS & 2 \\
- & - & Malware & 1 & Selling data & 1 \\
- & - & Illegal marketplaces & 1 & Ransomware & 1 \\
- & - & - & - & Mandate fraud & 1 \\
- & - & - & - & Remote access trojan & 1 \\
- & - & - & - & Organized crime proliferating malware & 1 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\label{tab:threats}
\end{sidewaystable}

\subsection*{Cyber offender characteristics}
Respondents were asked, based on their experience, whether they felt there were particular characteristics of offenders involved in cybercriminal activities. Table \ref{tab:char} shows the cyber offender characteristics that were referenced by at least 50\% of respondents, namely age, gender and extent of computer use. The remaining characteristics listed in the survey (e.g., education level, employment, engagement in offline crime, and personality) did not meet this threshold and so were not supported by the majority of respondents.

\begin{table}
\caption{Cyber offender characteristics referenced by at least 50\% of respondents (\#Resp.: Number of respondents).}
\centering
\scriptsize
\begin{tabular}{lcl}
\hline
Characteristics & \#Resp. & Example descriptive elaboration provided by respondents \\
\hline
Gender & 14 (87\%) & ``Majority male'', ``never dealt with a female subject''\\
Extent of computer use & 12 (75\%) & ``High level of use'', ``always connected'', ``self-built'', ``self-taught''\\
Age & 11 (69\%) & ``Younger age'', ``under 35'', ``easily manipulated due to young age'' \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\label{tab:char}
\end{table}

When reasoning about their choices, participants highlighted the various nuances, such as crime type, that may influence these characteristics. For example, participant 14 stated ``\textit{characteristics differ depending on the type of cybercrime. Cybercrime resulting in inconvenience can often be younger, more local offenders. Strongly acquisitively driven cybercrime is often more organized, typically originating from overseas… ransomware appears to be more technically capable offenders directly involved (many are penetrative, manual attacks rather than automated malware deployed by unskilled offenders). Mandate fraud is less technically demanding; are they simply buying compromise lists, or employing (contracting to?) a cybercriminal to perform the compromise}'', whilst participant 16 stated
``\textit{I would suggest Ransomware is often part of an organized crime group - but I have no experience of their characteristics. DDoS and Remote Access Trojans are far more accessible, easy to setup and to deploy and more likely to be the type of offender characteristics I've mentioned.}'' Similarly, participant 5 stated ``\textit{the financially motivated are not typical of the above and quite often involved in organized criminality}'' and participant 2 highlighted that the ``\textit{offender profile above is more likely to be involved in network intrusion. If they can be recruited/exploited by nation state or OCG they may be involved in ransomware/Trojan. I suspect that those involved in business email compromise/phishing are not particularly technically proficient.}'' This view was echoed by participant 11, who suggested ``\textit{maybe slightly older teenagers are manipulated into Serious Organized Crime but they all begin at an early age}'' and by participant 12: ``\textit{BEC doesn't require high end computer programming \& techical understanding (albeit highly skilled fraudsters once they have a person `on the hook')… Malware writes are mostly now coders for hire --- good skills, poor morality}''.

Other participants did not consider there to be set characteristics for such offenders, such as participant 3 who highlighted ``\textit{I believe anybody is capable of committing cybercrime, there are no `set' characteristics associated}'', and participant 7, who considered that any such characteristics are likely to diminish in the future: ``\textit{the opportunity for all persons (current non cyber criminals) to learn how to commit cyber crime is prevalent and available. The attraction of anonymity surrounding access to the dark web and crypto currency makes committing this type of criminality more appealing. Therefore opening the door to creating an alternate cyber criminal profile.}'' Participant 6 echoed this view: ``\textit{I think as cyber-crime becomes more widespread and knowledge improves on a large scale then there is more chance of different character types becoming involved}''.

\subsection*{Cyber offender motivations}
Respondents were also asked, based on their experience, whether they felt there were particular motivations for offenders involved in cybercriminal activities. Table \ref{tab:mot} shows the motivations that were referenced as sometimes, often or always a motivation by at least 50\% of respondents.

\begin{table}[h!]
\caption{Cyber offender motivations referenced by at least 50\% of respondents (\#Resp.: Number of respondents).}
\centering
\scriptsize
\begin{tabular}{lc}
\hline
Motivation & \#Resp. \\
\hline
Feeling of power/status/ego	& 16 (100\%) \\
Financial gain &	16 (100\%)\\
Learning/immersion&	13 (81\%)\\
Perceived acceptability of cyber crime (i.e., ``there are no real victims'')&	13 (81\%)\\
Vengeance&	13 (81\%)\\
Curiosity&	12 (75\%)\\
Exposure to cyber criminal activities \& people engaged in them	&11 (69\%)\\
Perceived likelihood of getting caught&	10 (63\%)\\
Addiction or other hedonic gratification&	10 (63\%)\\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\label{tab:mot}
\end{table}

Respondents expanded on these motivations in their open-ended responses, again highlighting the role of different cybercrime types in influencing these motivations, and the inherent relationship between potential characteristics and motivations. For example, participant 15 stated ``\textit{with DDoS attacks, it can often be jointly motivated by money and knowing that they have the ability to disrupt and cause damage. For pharma/phishing it's mainly financially motivated… I think money will always drive it, with status/recognition following closely behind. For younger offenders it seems that developing skills/reputation is the driving force.}'' Similarly, participant 6 considered ``\textit{it depends on the crime type. There is a correlation between those with fantastic computer knowledge being introverted and often on the autistic spectrum. Their motivations might not necessarily be purely financial and the money could almost be a by-product of their success. Adam Mudd would be a good example, sold DDOS services but his main motivation seemed to be enjoying the success of being really good at something.}''

The growth in so-called cybercrime as a service was also considered to reflect current and future motivations, with participant 1 highlighting ``\textit{cybercrime is becoming more of a service with the main motive being financial and better organized across international OCG's}'' and participant 6 stating ``\textit{the wider range of people who become involved could mean that wider motivations are changing}''. Whilst some participants considered that the focus of cybercrime is ``\textit{becoming more financially motivated}''(participant 1), others considered that such motivations may continue to change based on perceived outcomes, such as participant 16 who suggested that
``\textit{some motivations might be reinforced and become more significant. E.g. the more victims who pay ransomware demands will obviously provide the offender financial reward and they are likely to continue or escalate (the same is true of any crime with financial reward)}'', as well as wider motivations linked to hostile state actors ``\textit{there may be a secondary motivation to cause disruption on behalf of a nation state, rather than being the sole financial benefactor of the attack}''(participant 2). Finally, the role of online communities was also highlighted by participant 3, who stated
``\textit{as online communities grow (especially anonymous ones, Tor and other darkwebs) people feel the need to impress these new communities}''. \newpage

\section*{Conclusions}
This work in progress explores the characteristics and motivations of offenders involved in cybercriminal activities. A number of characteristics and motivations were identified based on previous literature and the convergence of these with the current experiences of law enforcement practitioners was examined using a targeted online survey. Overall, findings demonstrated support for three characteristics already highlighted in prior research (younger age, being male, and greater computer use) and multiple motivations, with financial gain and a feeling of power and status being the most common motivations. Several nuances in characteristics and motivations were also considered by practitioners related to the particular type of cybercrime engaged in, and how these various aspects appear to be evolving due to the increasing availability of tools, the growth of cyber-crime as a service, and the involvement of organized crime groups and nation states in malevolent cyber activity.

Such findings are not only relevant to the academic research community, but also those working as practitioners within the cyber security field. In particular, understanding how characteristics and motivations may be evolving in the current threat environment, how they relate to different cyber threats, and the potential impact that this may have in relation to the optimal protection of systems and data. For example, the perceived prevalence of ransomware, the financial motivations linked to this, and the potential growth of individuals involved in such activity, including the involvement of organized crime groups and nation states and the provision of cybercrime as a service. The continuing professionalization of such activities, and the relative ease of access to technical skills for criminal groups by 'contracting out' these aspects, is important to consider when mitigating against these threats. The continued and wide-spread use of so-called 'low tech' activities, such as phishing, is also important to consider, particularly when tools to help people with little knowledge 'enter' this area are readily available. Indeed, continued development of socio-technical mitigations to phishing and similar threats should remain an active area of research (e.g., \cite{williams2006virtually,ferreira2019persuasion}). The focus on financial gain highlights the primary threats to organizations in this respect, and the potential for some offenders who are initially motivated by intellectual challenge, learning or status to be drawn in to organized crime or other financially-motivated aspects due to their technical skill continues to present an issue.

In this sense, these findings also provide useful information regarding the continued development of interventions that aim to reduce cyber offending and redirect individuals to positive career paths (e.g., \cite{hmgovernment2016}). These findings highlight the continued perspective that offenders are from younger age groups, are primarily male, and can be vulnerable to exploitation by organized crime groups and others who aim to use their technical skill for financially-motivated (and indeed other forms) of cyber criminal activities. The role of perceptions of power, status and ego as key motivations for cyber offenders are also relevant here, since this may not only influence the likely activities (and potential targets) of cyber offenders, but also the requirement to further understand the communities, relationships and structures that encourage, or indeed discourage, these activities.

\subsection*{Limitations and Next Steps}
It should be acknowledged that this data is based upon the responses of a relatively small number of practitioners working in cybercrime related roles within law enforcement contexts in a particular geographic region. This presents a research limitation, but access to such practitioners is a difficult task and they have provided a diverse range of views and experiences in the qualitative data collected. It should also be acknowledged that responses were self-report. This work focused on analyzing the views, perspectives and experiences of practitioners working in this field and this approach was suitable to achieve this, but it is possible that practitioner views are, to a degree, influenced by wider stereotypes, media information and research findings. It is also likely that practitioner views will be somewhat biased towards those cybercriminal activities (and the individuals engaged in them) that they are aware of (i.e., those individuals who have been caught or who are known to authorities). As such, these findings would benefit from further validation using additional data sources, which continuing work is aiming to address this.

\newpage

\section*{Appendix}
\label{sec:appendix}

\begin{table}[h!]
\caption{Participant characteristics (\#Resp.: Number of respondents).}
\centering
\scriptsize
\begin{tabular}{lc}
\hline
Characteristic & \#Resp. \\
\hline
Public sector & 14 \\
Private sector & 1 \\
Investigation role & 11\\
Intelligence role & 4 \\
Management role & 1 \\
Regional level & 11 \\
National level & 1 \\
International level & 4\\
In role less than a year &6\\
In role 1--2 years & 4 \\
In role 3--5 years & 3\\
In role more than 5 years & 3\\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\label{tab:part}
\end{table}

\textbf{Online survey questions}
\begin{description}
    \item How long have you worked in the cyber crime area? \textit{Less than a year/1-2 years/3-5 years/More than 5 years.}
    \item Do you work in the public or private sector? \textit{Public/Private/Other.}
    \item What is your main area of focus? \textit{Intelligence/Investigation/Forensics/Other.}
    \item What is the main scope of your work? \textit{International/National/Regional/Other.}
    \item What has been your primary role?
    \item Country?
    \item How do cybercrime offences most frequently come to the attention of your organization? \textit{Through a direct complaint to your organization (e.g., directly from a victim of cyber crime)/Through a centrally-coordinated national reporting mechanism/Through international reporting mechanisms/Unsure/Other.}
    \item In your opinion, what do you consider to be the three most significant financially-motivated cybercrime threats? Please rank them in terms of seriousness (loss or damage).
        \begin{description}
        \item If you can, please elaborate on your views (e.g., why you think that/what your beliefs are based on).
        \end{description}
    \item From your experience, do you feel that there are particular characteristics of offenders involved in cyber-dependent crime? Please tick all that apply and elaborate on your responses if possible: \textit{Age/Gender/Education level/Employment/Engagement in offline crime/ Personality/Extent of computer use/Other.}
        \begin{description}
        \item If you can, please elaborate on your views (e.g., why you think that/what your beliefs are based on).
        \end{description}
    \item From your experience, do you feel that offender characteristics differ across the three cybercrime threats that you identified and if so, in what way?
    \item From your experience, do you feel that offender characteristics for these forms of crime are changing and if so, in what way?
    \item From your experience, to what extent do you feel that each of the below represent a motivation for \textbf{becoming} involved in cyber-dependent crime? On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being `Never a motivation' and 5 being `Almost always a motivation': \textit{Financial reward/Desire for status, power or recognition/Addiction or other hedonic gratification/Desire for vengeance/Curiosity related to information or technical protections/ Immersion in activity, developing skills and expertise/Previous victim of cyber crime/Exposure to cyber criminal activities and the people engaged in them/Perceived likelihood of getting caught/Perceived acceptability of cyber crime (e.g., ``there are no real victims'')/Other.}
        \begin{description}
        \item Feel free to elaborate/add more options here:
        \end{description}
    \item From your experience, do you feel that offender motivations differ across the three cybercrime threats that you identified earlier?
    \item From your experience, do you feel that offender motivations for engaging in these forms of crime are changing and if so, in what way?
    \item Finally, is there anything else that you would like to add?
\end{description}

 \bibliographystyle{splncs04}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


text:
Womansplaining Rights
As millennial women join every year now to celebrate their womanhood on 8th March, and to bond in solidarity for defining the rights to their lives and choices, many people in Pakistan still actually ask, why women march?
This is not the only question. A great number of people, including influencers, still ask why women even want the right to their bodies, and more broadly, life choices. One of the most insidious derailers is invariably couched in class-sanctimoniousness. Why focus on body politics, don't Pakistani women need basic social services, first they say, as if feminists don't demand that. In doing so they ignore the diversity of women in these movements, or the fact that economically vulnerable women face a disproportionate impact of rights deprivations.
Obviously, the Aurat March slogan has cut such an open nerve across a wide class swathe that it has led to many stepping back in diffidence. Others have even apologized on social media for this "extreme" ask. I have a very clear view on this. Allow me to "womansplain", not as someone talking down at men or even women, but as a woman who wants other women to be heard as much as myself. Here's why I think women need to talk even more about what they want and need.
Nothing substantive is ahistorical. Nor in my view is any civil or human right gained from the comfort zone of perfect ideas or personal distance. To effect real change, especially to break down barriers of patriarchy or race, one has to have skin in the game, and give oneself the right to be radical. Because without radicalism, rights don't fall into anyone's lap, not in Pakistan, not anywhere in the world. In a world defined by gross inequalities, in fact, it's a little amoral to not be radical.
Many of us have spent our adult lives explaining why we want rights over our own bodies, choices, careers, income, childbirth, identities, and lives. These are baseline asks. Worse still, we demand equality, and some even power. In this bruising quest, my generation was lucky to be led by big brave voices in what became a clear, identifiable women's movement in the mid-1980s, which linked its goals to the restoration of democracy. Benazir Bhutto became the political face of the restoration for democracy while Asma Jahangir and other heroes created Women's Action Forum, other groups, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. Many legal and legislative battles were won, but only partially. Today, 35 years later, we and the younger women are still fighting the old battles while layering on new fights.
I recount all this because there are many reasons why women march, most of them structural, others political, while many are cultural. In Pakistan, just like anywhere in the world, the fight for women's rights is a battle over power. Of course, the power to exercise one's choices are limited by class and opportunity for men too, but for women, despite advances made, the limits on choices still make many old walls close in, while new predations lay their building blocks. Women march to knock these over.
One of these new walls being built on old ramparts of misogyny, is the discourse on women's bodies, which has historically preoccupied many minds, both public and private. Instead of worrying about why a woman dies in childbirth every 20 minutes in Pakistan mostly because they are married off too young, many leading voices have expressed anxiety over why women want the right to their bodies and lives. This fear of women gaining control over their bodies is very real. It permeates all social classes, not just the bottom of the rural social pyramid, but also urban elite enclaves.
Paradoxically, such multiple cross-class resistance has already marked Aurat Marchers as successful in one sense. When movements build momentum, they create intellectual, social and political debate amidst disruption, through which they also leave a mark. One mark is the discourse they create as well as the silence they break. The controversy over women's right to choose their life-paths is a good point. It is out now in the light for its meaning to be stripped of false ideologues and moral gatekeeping. Another clear but intangible imprint over time is laid in precedents set, perceptions shifted, role-models created. For instance, the broad appeal of Aurat Marchers should make it safe, or politically correct, for many non-activist women in taking their moral solidarity to the street. For many of them the personal has not become the actively political, yet they are able to join in to show support. Another success of this second-wave feminist momentum is that it has for now, created boundaries against impunity for abuse on public platforms. Because of support energized by the Aurat March, media opinion-shapers, celebrities, politicians and tv anchors have started pushing for women-haters to be called out, as exemplified in the Marvi Sirmed vs Rehman face-off. Whatever the online trolls may say in their hate play, on balance, her win was a win for women everywhere.
Yet no fight in the battleground for women's rights in Pakistan is ever free of assaults, and revisions occur like sunset every day. Women's access to healthcare and literacy, equal pay and uncounted hidden work are the long arc of the fight. The manifesto of change is long and inclusive. However, the political debate on "my body, my right" has sparked so much heat on public platforms, from parliament to television, that women at all levels are repeatedly still called out for seeking rights over their bodies as either absurd, or wanton, or both.
Many sympathizers also suggest that the Urdu framing of the words "mera jism, meri marzi" from "my body, my right" is provocative, has shifted focus from the gist of a fairly fundamental ask. Right or wrong, the quibble is not reason to imply that it is anchored in moral laxity. Quite the opposite, from what one sees in the manifesto. Women are marching for all sorts of rights, including the right not to be honour killed, or assaulted at home, or harassed anywhere. Not distance people from what women are marching for. In fact, let me say there's a fairly "mainstream" argument to be made here. To seek such a right in Pakistan, and space for others to seek more, one can appropriate the appeal to human rights, Jinnah's words, the Constitution and the kitchen sink, as much as one can find its justification in religion.
Again, the questions we need to frame such a slogan in are fairly fundamental and really should give rise to introspection about our collective failures. According to UN data, 48.1 % of Pakistani women have no say in their health decisions. These may be failures of the state, but that is not the point. Who should have control over an adult woman's right to marry, give birth, have a say in her health decisions? A man, because he has power? I don't think so. This is Pakistan, where some of the best stories are its women, and this is the 21st century. Does our culture really want to condone acid crimes when a woman spurns a suitor? Do women not have a right to plan their childbirths, or are we still supposed to be chattel? Do women not have a right to speak out against rape and sexual harassment? Why must women who march be accused in court petitions of an agenda that spreads anarchy, vulgarity and hate?
Pakistan has made laws against such practices. So do detractors realize that when they obstruct the right to choose autonomy over women's bodies, they are tacitly espousing the right to violence against women? Statistically, home is still the most dangerous place for a woman in Pakistan. That is where much of the violence originates, as well as most "honour crimes". As for choice, does Islam not ask for witnesses at a woman's marriage to protect her right to choose, and specify agreement three times, in case she's being coerced? So, what is exactly wrong with marching for such rights? Frankly, nothing. This is all about power moving beneath our feet, nothing more, nothing less.
Every incipient movement has a beginning, a plateau and a reckoning with history. This one is young, full of hope, and To Be Continued. Along the way it must grow its base, create inter-generational links, invest in time-lined strategy. It must build networks across institutional champions, political parties and governments in order to translate some of its demands into tangible, realizable goals. These will have to be addressed, created over time, and culturally buttressed. It will take tenacity, courage and a few good women and men. Right now, we have thousands.
A version of this article appeared in The News on 09-03-2020
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Call jquery plugin after html load using Ajax On my project, I need to styling input radio button, so I use jquery uniform plugin. But on this page, radio button display after some Ajax loaded. I don't have permission to edit the form and Ajax function, so I can't use like knockout or data-hook. The result is radio button just like as usual.
How can I call that plugin, after radio button display without editing Ajax function or that form?
Sorry for my bad English. :)

A: You should try $(document).ajaxComplete(function() {, as $(document).ready(function() { will trigger before the ajax function has loaded the additional content.

A: Maybe the problem is that your javascript function runs before your html is done loading.
I think the .ready() function can help you

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Hi and welcome to the Forum! Hope you find it friendly and helpful.
Re your question .. that depends on what kind of honeysuckle you want to grow. There is Japanese honeysuckle which is a large shrub, needing no support. In my part of the country, it is horribly invasive, takes over everything and you do not want to plant one.
There is also a closely related wild honeysuckle vine, which could grow up a trellis, but usually grows as a ground cover. It is also aggressive and invasive.
Then there is honeysuckle trumpet vine. The native one, Lonicera sempervirens, coral trumpet honeysuckle, is evergreen or semi-evergreen (sempervirens translates as evergreen) vine, well behaved, attractive to hummingbirds and a very nice yard plant. It does need an arbor or trellis etc, to climb.
Thanks for your reply. I have 2 new plants still in pots and hope I can use them for bushes. Tha nursery couldn't give me an answer to make sense of so I'm back.
BTW, Hemet is in Sunset climate zone 19. Another reason to love the Sunset book--Sunset climate zones!


Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you! Our goal is to help you create a space that reflects your taste and your lifestyle – a place that you love to be in! Yet interior design is personal; it is a subjective art and science. Thus, while we are excited to provide guidance and make recommendations, all decisions are ultimately up to you, the Client.
The services offered by M Wilcox Design broadly consists of interior design and purchasing, described in more detail below. Also included is M Wilcox Design fee structure as well as additional terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Initial Assessment. The Initial Assessment includes, but is not limited to, conducting research; identifying and analyzing the needs and goals of the Client; assessing the existing environment; and evaluating project resources and limitations. A successful design requires the teamwork of both the Client and M Wilcox Design; interviews with the Client or family members will help M Wilcox Design fully understand the goals for the use and desired outcome.
Conceptual Drawings. M Wilcox Design, if appropriate, will provide conceptual drawings, CAD diagrams, or other illustrations and/or materials to generally show the suggested interior design concepts, including both space and/or floor plan specifications and furniture, furnishing, fixture, textile, and/or accessories specifications (the "Design Board"). However, M Wilcox Design does not provide architectural or engineering services and cannot be held liable for designs used for such purpose.
Merchandise Specification. Furniture, furnishings, fixtures, textiles, accessories, and building materials (collectively referred to as Merchandise) are an integral part of the design process. M Wilcox Design works with the Client in narrowing the selections based on the Client's desired scheme. M Wilcox Design will assist the Client in finding the appropriate pieces and selecting textiles and finishes that complement the overall design concept.For E-Design customers, Recommended Merchandise specifications can be provided to facilitate your purchase of such recommended items and most recommended Merchandise will be items the Client can order online or at local furniture dealers. M Wilcox Design can also provide Purchasing Services as defined below.
Design Disclaimer. M Wilcox Design cannot be held responsible for designs that may later be undesirable or cause inconvenience. The Client understands that all interior designs, including those provided by M Wilcox Design, may represent the opinion and tastes of the designer as the designer interprets the Client's goals and wishes.
Ownership of Designs. All concepts, drawings, and specifications prepared by M Wilcox Design (Design Documents) and all copyrights and other proprietary rights applicable thereto remain at all times MW Design's property. Design Documents may not be used by Client for any purpose other than completion of project by M Wilcox Design; if the nature of the project requires engagement by Client of any contractors to perform work based upon M Wilcox Design concepts, drawings or interior design specifications, the Client will enter into contracts directly with the concerned contractor after obtaining written approval from and paying and paying such design fee to M Wilcox Design.
Subcontractor Responsibility. M Wilcox Design works with a number of contractors and installers and is happy to provide a referral without charge. M Wilcox Design may also meet with contractors and installers for estimates and to review the contractors' and installers' work to determine whether the work is proceeding in general conformity with M Wilcox Design concepts. This is a courtesy to the Client and is not a part of M Wilcox Design duties. M Wilcox Design does not oversee or observe contractors' work. M Wilcox Design is not responsible for the performance, quality, timely completion or delivery of any work, materials or equipment furnished by contractors. Finally, M Wilcox Design will not intermediate disputes between the Client and recommended contractors or installers.
M Wilcox Design charges a flat, fixed fee for Design Services. The scope of the Design Services shall be defined in the Statement of Work and at the fee agreed upon by the parties. Should the Client require additional services beyond the original scope of work, the parties shall enter into a supplemental Statement of Work documenting the additional scope of work and fees, if any.
The project fee contemplates up to three meetings with the Client: initial consultation, presentation and installation. All additional visits will be billed a trip charge of $85.00 per hour.
The project fee includes M Wilcox Design a Design Board as well as one modified Design Board. A fee of $95.00 per hour will be applied if additional modifications are required.
The fixed project fee will cover all project Interior Design Services, but does not cover incidental expenses which must be reimbursed by the Client (samples, copy fees, etc.).
Distributes payment to contractors. If Client elects to pay contractor via credit card, a fee of no less than 2.5% (depending upon the credit card) of the total charge will be assessed.
Definition of Purchasing Services. Purchasing Services is the purchase of Merchandise by M Wilcox Design for the Client.
Purchase Pre-Approval. Merchandise to be purchased though M Wilcox Design will be specified in a Purchase Order (PO) email by M Wilcox Design and submitted for the Client's written acceptance (email reply is acceptable). Each PO will identify the item, its price, and estimated freight cost to the Client (if available). A PO may be sent in the form of a pro forma Invoice.
Freight Charges. Freight charges are often not available at the time of order. If they are not available, the Client agrees to pay applicable freight, even if they were not included in the PO or pro forma invoice.
Sales Tax. In most cases, M Wilcox Design will collect sales tax. If sales tax is not collected it will be the responsibility of the Client.
Orders under $10,000 requires payment in full.
Orders over $10,000 requires a deposit of 80%; the remaining 20% is due no less than three days prior to installation.
Standard (Non-Custom) Merchandise, requires a50% deposit; the remaining 50% is due no less than three days prior to installation.
Custom Merchandise requires payment in full.
Delivery. To better assist our Clients, merchandise is typically shipped directly to M Wilcox Design and we will deliver the Merchandise, at no additional fee, once all Client's Merchandise has been received. Upon receipt of Client's Merchandise, M Wilcox Design will contact you to schedule a delivery date. Such delivery date must be scheduled to occur within two weeks of notification from M Wilcox Design. Thereafter, a storage fee of $30 will be assessed for each day that the merchandise is stored by M Wilcox Design. If Client requests multiple deliveries, a fee of $129 will be applied for each subsequent delivery.
Installation. At M Wilcox Design, we love happy clients. That is part of the reason we deliver your Merchandise and set it up the way you want it. Thus, please ensure all components are disconnected and the space accessible. However, we are not installers, electricians or plumbers. For this reason, we are unable to install and wire, for example, wall mounted televisions and surround sound systems. For the same reason, we cannot hook up washer or dryers, dish washers, stoves or dishwashers. Please contact a professional for these services.
Damage to Merchandise. You do not have to settle for damaged Merchandise! While we inspect all Merchandise for damage, Client shall also inspect Merchandise and advise MW Design of any damaged or non-conforming Merchandise within 48 hours of delivery. Client will email M Wilcox Design a picture of the damaged Merchandise. M Wilcox Design will order a replacement for the damaged Merchandise. M Wilcox Design reserves the right to fix or replace damaged piece at no additional cost to the Client. In either case, the Client will not be responsible to pay any additional freight costs.
Returns of Standard (Non-Custom) Merchandise. Client may return Merchandise purchased through M Wilcox Design. Any such return must be made within 72 hours of delivery. Should the client return any Merchandise purchased through M Wilcox Design for reasons other than damage, the client will receive an 80% refund of the Client Price. A restocking fee equal to 20% of the Client price is required plus the cost of freight to return the item to the vendor. All returns must occur in the original packaging, and all merchandise must be unused and undamaged in its original condition.
Custom Merchandise is Non-Refundable. All sales of custom merchandise are final and non-refundable.
Payment. Payment may be made by cash, check or charge (we accept all major credit cards). However, we do require either a credit card or debit card to be on file with us, authorizing M Wilcox Design to charge the card to settle your account in the event of outstanding balances. We will obtain preauthorization on your credit or debit card at the time your order is placed. When the item ordered is verified to be in stock and scheduled to ship, the preauthorization amount will be replaced by an actual charge debited from your card.
Late Payments. Any amount not paid when due under this Agreement shall bear interest at the rate of 1% per month until paid. In addition to all other legal rights, M Wilcox Design shall be entitled to withhold delivery of Merchandise or the further performance on Interior Design Services should the Client fail to timely make payments due to M Wilcox Design.
Estimates. Any estimates or proposals are only for the purpose of informing the client of the potential cost of Merchandise or services. It is understood and agreed that such estimates are not binding, and actual costs or fees may be more or less.
Project Access. Client will provide M Wilcox Design with access to the project and all information M Wilcox Design may need to complete the project. Failure to do by the Client provides M Wilcox Design the right to terminate the Agreement and collect outstanding balances.
Photography Consent. As M Wilcox Design requires a record of M Wilcox Design projects, Client will permit M Wilcox Design or representatives to photograph the project upon completion of the project. M Wilcox Design will be entitled to use photographs for M Wilcox Design business purposes but shall not disclose the project location or Client's name without Client's prior written consent.
Agreement Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon the other party's default in performance, provided that termination may not be effected unless written notice specifying nature and extent of default is given to the concerned party and such party fails to cure such default in performance within 30 (thirty) days from the date of receipt of such notice. Termination shall be without prejudice to any and all other rights and remedies of M Wilcox Design and Client shall remain liable for all outstanding obligations owed by Client to M Wilcox Design and for all items of Merchandise, Interior Designs Services, and other services on order as of the termination date. Termination shall not void any existing POs, and client shall continue to be responsible for any obligation incurred prior to the effective date of termination.
Dispute Resolution and Jurisdiction. The exclusive jurisdiction for any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or breach thereof, shall be Collin County, Texas. The laws of the State of Texas shall govern this Agreement. In the event M Wilcox Design hires an attorney to enforce any right under this Agreement, Client shall reimburse M Wilcox Design for all such attorney fees and expenses, regardless of whether or not a suit is filed.
Limit of Responsibility. M Wilcox Design shall not be responsible or liable for required permits, HOA approvals, governmental approvals, engineering, architectural services, manufacturing defects, acts of God, delays or actions of third parties.
Remaining Provisions. Any provision of this Agreement held to be void or unenforceable under any law shall be deemed stricken and all remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and binding upon both M Wilcox Design and the Client.


With the first race of the 2018 season only 8 weeks away the area organisers are very busy preparing tracks and getting the logistics organised to deliver a bigger better Series.
Bell have once again generously sponsored our Series and we are so grateful to be associated with a proudly "made in Zululand" company.
The Big 5 MTB Series and Bell equipment company are a very good fit to enhance each other's brands given the associated similarity between Bell products and the nature of and the environment in which MTB and trail running takes place.
The events are based in, organized by and benefit the communities in areas where the land use is predominantly sugar and forestry, which forms a significant part of Bell's agricultural / forestry equipment sector.
The fundraising efforts from each area are used to support our community and in tribal areas by using local labour and supporting their projects like water tanks at school, maintain crèche infrastructure, provide shoes to schools and maintenance and upgrades to the local clubs.
It also promotes MTB locally and is accessible both in distance and financially to Zululanders of all age groups and abilities, it provides opportunities for local NPO to raise much needed funds through the provision of services during the event like : Rotary, Round Table, Moths and Woman's fellowship groups.
The Series also supports and sponsors 45 development riders and gives out as many free bicycles too.
Our other area sponsors are as invaluable to the success of the series too and we would like to thank Wetland Water, Ola and Taste Joy, Everest Ice, Emprint and Zululand Observer for their solid unwavering partnership with the series for the last 5 years. We are a team and together we hope to deliver a fun filled family sport promoting day at all the areas. This year we are sorry to lose Ola, Taste Joy and Everest Ice due to franchise issues, but welcome new Series sponsors Cycle Junction from Richards Bay and Falcon Express from Empangeni.
The Big 5 MTB Series is a Family orientated series with 3 cycling distances and this year we have also included a fun trail run with 2 distances.
We have not changed the entry fee or race start times.
This year if you enter the 50km Series Challenge (enter all 5 races upfront and online) you will only pay R800 and get a free moisture controlled Series Challenge shirt.
If you enter the 25km Series Challenge (enter all 5 races upfront and online) you will only pay R660 and also get a moisture controlled t-shirt.
No on the day entries are accepted for the Challenge - so enter NOW online with www.msem.co.za.
Each area will still do t-shirts to the first online entries but each area has different quantities so do check before you arrive on the day to collect your t-shirts from registration. Also first come first serve with regards to sizes.
The Series will be including a trail run in two distances 5km and 10km although this decision has not been taken by all areas so please check the posters and updates on FB and our website first.
We have changed our entries, timing and results to use a local Zululand company – MSEM enter online - www.msem.co.za.
IMPORTANT: You will be required to collect your new boards with a timing chip at registration for a deposit of R50. If you are doing all 5 races you will keep the same number board and get your deposit back after the last race.
We have 2 new sponsors partnering the Series and they are Falcon Express and Cycle Junction who are bringing a lot of expertise and assistance which will certainly enhance our races.
I have also opted to step aside in the official capacity of managing each of the races to free up the tight budget's each area has this year to manage their races .
I will be there to manage the Series Challenge until we have found an ideal situation that works so as not to lose focus on this being a Series.


text:
Islam Watch
telling the truth about Islam
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Old Site Contents
• Articles Archive
• Authors List
• Leaving Islam Testimonies
About the book || Reviews by: Steven Simpson | Abul Kasem | Prof Sami Alrabaa | Ibn Kammuna
'Islamic Jihad' in Bangla
Aasma Riaz: "Thank you so much for your book "Islamic Jihad" and showing me the "Big Picture". For 7-8 days, I was glued to your book, absorbing so much information that I did not know existed. You have crisply covered so much in your book and quoted historical references extensively. I am just overwhelmed with different emotions after reading your book..., a priceless tome."
By M. A. Khan
• ISLAMIC JIHAD (Bangla)
By Abul Kasem
• Guide to Quranic Contradictions
• Islamic Voodoos
• A Complete Guide to Allah
• Root of Terrorism ala Islamic Style
• Sex and Sexuality in Islam
• Who Authored the Quran?
• Women in Islam
By Amar Khan
• Miracles of the Quran Exposed
• A Complete Guide to Pedophilia in Islam
• Corruption and Distortion in the Quran
By Mohammad Asghar
• Muhammad and His Quran: Blood and Lies at the Root of Islam
• Muhammad & Islam - Stories not told before
By Anwar Shaikh
Islam: The Arab Imperialism [in Bengali]
By Sujit Das
• Unmasking Muhammad: The Malignant Narcisist & His Grand Delusion Allah
• Rangeela Rasool (Hindi) -- by Pundit Chamupati
• Rangeela Rasool (Bangla) -- Trans by Jupiter Joyprakash
- Seerat Ibn Hisham (Bangla/pdf)
- The Life of Muhammad - Ibn Ishaq
Editor: M A Khan | Site design: Dan Zaremba, Jupiter
Founded on 20 November 2005
Bin Laden to US: 'Drop Israel, Let's Talk'
Osama Bin Laden's latest audio-tape suddenly attempts to show the Israel-Palestine conflict as the main reasons for al-Qaeda's 9/11 attacks. Can you guess why this sudden change in tune???
From FamilySecurityMatters.org:
In a 12-minute address on audio tape, al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, spoke to the American people on the eighth anniversary of 9/11. The tape was produced by the as-Sahab propaganda arm of the terror group and posted on various Jihadists forums on Monday night. His address, directed "to the American People," asserted that the main reason for the al Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, was U.S. support for Israel as well as "some other injustices". Interestingly, Osama claimed the war between the two "nations," i.e the American nation and the Islamic "Umma," can stop if the White House eliminated what he called the "Israel lobby." He accused the latter of pushing for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Note that in this speech he doesn't mention the battlefields of Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Chechnya, he only targets U.S.-Israeli relations.
He begins by insisting that Americans needs to know the real causes for this war "which is costing you dearly in blood and wealth. The [past Bush-led] White House convinced you that this war [the War on Terror] is necessary for your security." The sentence used by bin Laden can also mean that what the Obama administration called the "war of necessity," in the past few weeks. Bin Laden asked Americans to hear "both sides" (a concept taken from American political discourse and rarely referred to in Jihadist literature).
While over-emphasizing the Israel factor – something unusual for him, actually – bin Laden reminded his audience that for two decades he had claimed that the main cause for his attacks is "America's support to its allies the Israelis." He added that there were also other injustices caused by the U.S., as well, but strangely refrained from citing them. Such an over-assertion is new in the al Qaeda narrative, for in most of bin Laden's previous speeches, including his declarations of war of 1996 and 1998, Israel was only one and not the main root cause for the terror he has unleashed since. His speeches during the fall of 2001 (all available online and in print) focused on the "evil nature" of American policies rather than only on the country's specific support for Israel. Hence, one can see a shift in al Qaeda's strategic communications. We'll come back to this point.
Bin Laden then went on to say that "our two Umma (meaning America and the Muslim world) are both victims" of one aggressor, that is in his words, those "who control the White House, particularly the Israel lobby and the multinational corporations." He endorsed two books for Americans to understand how these lobbies control the White House. "A book by a former CIA agent who apologized for his crimes as a hit man," which most likely is John Perkins' Confessions of an Economic Hit Man; and another book called The Israel Lobby, by professors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt. He claimed that these two books "will give you the truth." Mearsheimer and Walt are thus becoming al Qaeda's main recommended authors.
Bin Laden also praised President Obama for having "admitted at last in his speech in Cairo, the existence of our people's miseries." He also praised "former President Carter's statements about the Palestinians during his last visit in Gaza, and particularly his statements on Israel's racism."
"Those who are stating from the White House that the war in Afghanistan is one of necessity, are like Bush; they represent the interests of the corporations." He declared that the authors of statements are the ones responsible for the war not the Mujahidin. "The White House is occupied by pressure groups," he said. "You Americans should liberate the White House from these groups instead of liberating Iraq." Pushing the drama, bin Laden added that "any leader [i.e., the president] of the White House is set on tracks he can't leave. This president has become like a train set to move in a particular direction. He must accept these pressures otherwise his fate (as president) could be like President Kennedy's or his brother (Robert)."
He called on Americans "to free themselves from the intellectual terror of the neo-cons and the Israel lobby." He asked them to review their alliance with Israel. "Is your security and well-being worth sacrificing for Israel's security?" He added that polls shows that Americans are opposed to wars and thus they must act against those "who threaten our security," meaning Israel.
Then the al Qaeda leader makes an offer: "We are ready to accept talking about ending this war." However, he believes that President Obama won't be able to meet that challenge. "Obama is a Mustad'aaf." In some of the media analysis in English the term was translated automatically as "Obama is weak." In fact such that translation is not accurate. "Istidaaf" means he has been rendered weaker. In other word he has been weakened – by forces around him – "Mustdaa'f" here means "victimized" or forced to act against his original intentions.
Bin Laden then goes on to explain how the weakening of Obama has been taking place. "He maintained the men of Bush and Cheney in power: Secretary Gates, Adm. Mullen and Gen. Petraeus." Bin Laden says "Obama can't stop the war with these men in charge."He should have appointed generals who were against the war like Gen. Sanchez and Admiral Fallon."
He tells Americans that if they can stop the war, "that is fine, if not the jihadists will continue this war of attrition as they did with the USSR for ten years leading to its collapse." This war you are waging "is already lost."
Then bin Laden goes on to claim that his war against the United States led to a major economic crisis and debts which in turn led to a financial meltdown. He thus claims the economic collapse of the U.S. as an act of war by the jihadists.
At first read, the speech aims to creating confusion among Americans by announcing that the war can be really come to an end by accepting al Qaeda's conditions. But among the many messages Bin Laden is sending, is also an attempt to create a division within the Obama administration by stimulating those he believes are anti-Israel to pressure the American president in order to curtail the influence of the so-called "Israel lobby" inside the White House and within the administration.
There is, without a doubt, a shift in al Qaeda's strategic communications. Bin Laden's advisers, some of whom appear to be operating from within the U.S. political culture, have convinced him (assuming it is voice on the tape) that it would be strategically preferable to single out one issue, the U.S.-Israel relationship and try to break it. That would putting the American public – and perhaps some inside the administration – under pressure. The offer from al Qaeda is that the entire War on Terror, as waged from al Qaeda's side, would come to an end if Washington would just let go of its alliance with Israel. That is why I stated that this tape from al Qaeda, unlike any previous one, takes a non-traditional approach. Finally, this approach could even suggest that a possible re-alignment has been taking place between various forces of jihadism in the greater Middle East.
This tape deserves more attention than the previous ones and more analysis will be added in the near future.
Dr Walid Phares is the author of The Confrontation: Winning the War against Future Jihad and the director of the Future Terrorism Project at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a visiting scholar at the European Foundation for Democracy.
Incest in Islam (145)
Hatred of Dogs in Islam: Did Muhammad Played Lord over Allah? (98)
Famous Bollywood Stars to Renowned Politicians: The Victims of Islamic Love-Trap and Conversion to Islam (61)
Hamburg's Institutionalization of Islam: Committing Cultural Suicide? (19)
Was Muhammad Illiterate? The Qur'anic Evidence (19)
Egyptian Ex-Muslim Hamed Abdel Samad's Excellent Interview on Islam (4)
Satire - Muhammad: The Cursing Prophet (37)
Muhammad and His Quran: Blood and Lies at the Root of Islam (E-Book) (46)
Islamic Teachings on Sex with Dead Humans and Animals (83)
Islam's Halal Sexual Practices
Famous Bollywood Stars to Renowned Politicians: The Victims of Islamic Love-Trap and Conversion to Islam
Knowing Four Arabic Words May Save Our Civilization from Islamic Takeover
Islam's Gifts to the World
Muslim Father: Can I Have an Incest Relationship?
Tit for Tat: Satan Hits Back at Allah's Stone-Throwing Hajj Pilgrims at Mecca
Bill Maher on "72 Virgins"
* Aisha and Muhammad, the movie:
• Bill Maher: 'Islam is the worst'
• Bill Maher on "72 Virgins"
Islamic Readings
• The Quran
• Quran Tafsir
• Koran Transliteration
• Bangla Koran
• Submission/Islam
• Sahih Hadiths
• History of Kashmir
• History of Jihad
• Ten Myths about Islam
• Islamic Expansion & Decline
• The Real Islam (new)
• The True Islam (new)
• Faith Freedom International
• The Religion of Peace
• Sex in Islam
• Wiki Islam
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Today in Bitcoin: Google is in, Microstrategy doubles down, Peter Thiel's BTC regrets
By Steven Msoh	 2. November 2021 No Comments
Google has invested in the Digital Currency Group in a rare funding round as the company braces to join the Bitcoin ETF issuers.
Michael Saylor is doubling down even harder on BTC, Peter Thiel regrets not buying more Bitcoin and banks gobble up talent as FOMO outpaces initial reservations.
October was one of Bitcoin's best months yet. The cryptocurrency gained 45 percent in October to hit a new all-time high, leading to an overall surge that saw Ethereum and many other altcoins achieve similar landmarks. This price rise and increasing adoption are attracting some of the world's biggest firms like Google and Bank of America who are now spending hundreds of millions of dollars to catch up. Microstrategy has doubled down even harder on its Bitcoin bet and Peter Thiel reveals his BTC regrets.
Google invests in DCG
Few companies command the brand recognition Google does, and its investment in a cryptocurrency firm can, therefore, not be overstated. Through its growth fund, known as Capital G, Google was one of the investors in a funding round for the Digital Currency Group.
We're thrilled to partner with @DCGco as they transform the digital asset industry. Hear from @CapitalG's @dlawee and Chengpeng Mou about our journey together and what's next for Web 3.0.https://t.co/3ckavTH9Rd
— CapitalG (@CapitalG) November 1, 2021
DCG is the parent company of Grayscale, the world's biggest institutional cryptocurrency investment vehicles with over $50 billion in assets under management. It has also invested in every other company in the sector, including BitGo, Blockchain.com, Coinbase, Chainalysis, eToro, FTX, Kraken, Paxos, Ripple, CoinDesk and Zcash.
DCG rarely raises funds and its last round only brought in $25 million. It has now raised $700 million at a $10 billion valuation.
Speaking to CNBC, founder and CEO Barry Silbert (who's not a big Dogecoin fan) stated:
We're the best proxy for investing in this industry. We were looking for the type of backers that could be, and hopefully will be with, with us on this journey for the next couple of decades.
In an accompanying blog post, Capital G said Silbert's leadership and DCG's track record in the sector are the biggest reasons it was making its first cryptocurrency investment.
While we have been involved in crypto as individuals since 2013, CapitalG started tracking it as an institution in 2017. Now that crypto has reached its inflection point, we're excited to lean heavily into the sector, and we're thrilled that DCG is CapitalG's first investment in the space.
Banks pile in
Banks have been critical of cryptocurrencies for years. In fact, some still are with Jamie Dimon, the CEO of America's biggest bank recently tearing into Bitcoin.
However, new reports reveal that behind the scenes, they are spending top dollar to prepare themselves for the Bitcoin disruption. Banks in Europe and North America are reportedly forking out huge sums of money to attract the best talent and build systems robust enough to handle Bitcoin.
In London and Wall Street, an experienced blockchain candidate is commanding $200,000 to $270,000 a year plus bonuses, an expert told The Financial Times. Blockchain programmers can make up to $340,000 a year, he said.
"Even a talented and enthusiastic cryptocurrency hobbyist will get a job," he said.
In the U.S, one of the vocal Bitcoin critics over the years has been Thomas Montag, the COO at the Bank of America. However, according to a source, he has been spending a lot of time learning about cryptocurrencies, both from online sources and by meeting experts. The source told The New York Times that Montag is not the only top executive at the bank eager to learn about cryptocurrencies.
Peter Thiel regrets not buying more Bitcoin
One of Silicon Valley's most revered investors regrets not having bought more Bitcoin earlier. Peter Thiel talked about Bitcoin, the state of the economy and the Fed's mistake in recent years at a recent event.
Thiel is known for investing in some of today's biggest successes. He was the first outside investor in Facebook and since then he has invested in Airbnb, LinkedIn, Spotify, SpaceX, Quora and Block.One, the company behind EOS.
While he regrets not purchasing more Bitcoin, he is not sure that the current price offers a good buy-in opportunity.
You know, $60,000 Bitcoin, I'm not sure that one should aggressively buy. But surely what it is telling us is that we are having a crisis moment.
Thiel has stated in the past that he underinvested in Bitcoin. Speaking in Miami when Bitcoin hit a new high at just over $66,000, he stated:
…you're supposed to just buy bitcoin. I feel like I've been underinvested in it. But surely the fact that it is at $60,000 is an extremely hopeful sign. It's the canary in the coal mine.
Bitcoin is going up forever, Michael Saylor says
Few industry leaders are more bullish for Bitcoin than Michael Saylor, the CEO of Microstrategy. And in an interview with CNBC, he reiterated his belief in the potential of Bitcoin, saying that "it's going up forever."
According to a recent regulatory filing, his company added 9,000 BTC in the third quarter of the year.
MicroStrategy will continue to acquire [BTC] quarter by quarter, time to time, either with cash flows or with debt or with equity, just depending upon market circumstances and what looks most accretive to our shareholders.
Steven Msoh
Steve has been a blockchain writer for four years, and a crypto enthusiast for even longer. He is most excited by the application of blockchain to solve the challenges facing developing nations.
Binance partners with energy company to set up crypto exchange in Thailand
Crypto.com reportedly loses $15 million worth of Ethereum (ETH) to hackers
BitMEX confirms acquisition of German bank to launch regulated crypto products in Europe
Splinterlands's Successful "Chaos Legion Pack" Sale Booms With Millions of Items Sold
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The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has reiterated its warning that the renewed pressure by Igbo leaders for the unconditional release of leader of the proscribed Indeginous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) is unreasonable, and a recipe for greater conflict.
Reacting to recent calls by the Council of Elders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide, and the Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo for Nnamdi Kanu to be released without trial, CNG Spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman said the Federal Government should discountenace any such calls to avoid setting dangerous precedence in the country.
The Igbo leaders after a meeting in Abuja on Friday, said it is planning to organise a peace summit to discuss ways of addressing insecurity in the country and the South-east especially and the desire that Nnamdi Kanu should be released.
"The council took a decision on the need to have a peace summit. It goes with the desire that Nnamdi Kanu should be released," the Igbo council said in a communiqué issued by its Chairperson, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu,
"We want to dialogue with his participation in order to have an enduring peace in Nigeria, particularly in the South-east.
"The council therefore called on the Federal Government and all persons concerned to release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally. He cannot be in prison while such a crucial summit is being held," Mr Iwuanyanwu said.
He added that the security situation in the country called for concern, saying that the council was particularly worried how the situation had worsened in the South-east.
Mr Iwuanyanwu noted that lives were being lost, innocent blood shed, while properties and government institutions were being destroyed.
"Moreover both the State and Federal Government are deploying huge financial resources in fighting a meaningless war instead of providing infrastructure, education and healthcare.
In a sharp reaction, the CNG said it is unpatriotic and unreasonable for leaders to openly shield IPOB and other authors of mindless violence and separatism who see it as their duty to actualise what their fathers started in 1966, namely to bring about the realisation of a separate State of Biafra through the force of arms and terrorist tactics.
"Today, everyone can see that the diabolical scheme planned and exhibited in the actions and clamours of IPOB, supported morally and politically by the vast majority of the pliant and affrighted Igbo elites, politicians, traditional rulers, business persons, and the larger population of this ethnic group that has pushed Nigeria to the precipice.
We are convinced that this renewed determined pressure from the Igbo leaders is part of a wider plot to see through the secession of the South-East from Nigeria to is now real and cannot be avoided or deferred any longer without terrible consequences.
"As the representatives of various interest groups from Northern Nigeria, the CNG has watched and studied these events carefully and with considerable restraint and maturity, to the point of condoning and accommodating several unreasonable and unacceptable actions that have been perpetrated against Nigerians collectively, and northerners in particular.
"Of late however, the calls for the unconditional release of Kanu have pushed matters to a point whereby silence has become complicity and inaction no longer an option with unprovoked evictions, attacks and killings of northerners in various parts of the South-east resulting from the hate campaigns and propaganda being conducted by regional and ethnic agitators solidly backed by their leaders," Suleiman said.
Call for Nnamdi Kanu's release: Again Igbo leaders
CNG disagree
Nnamdi Kanu
From insurgency to prosperity: Yobe's remarkable turnaround, by Suleiman Hassan Gimba Esq


text:
Q: Let EditText be written in only specific word How could you restrict EditText anything except one predefined word?
Let say input should be exactly word "Hello" (ignore case). Therefore letters would be ignored except letters from "hello" in respected order.
I don't really want to use TextWatcher and check manually char at position. I'm wondering how could do that using InputFilter and Regex?
What I tried:
    InputFilter onboardingFilter = new InputFilter() {
    public CharSequence filter(CharSequence source, int start, int end, Spanned dest, int dstart, int dend) {
        for (int i = start; i < end; i++) {
            String checkMe = String.valueOf(source.charAt(i));

            Pattern pattern = Pattern.compile("hello", Pattern.CASE_INSENSITIVE);
            Matcher matcher = pattern.matcher(checkMe);
            boolean valid = matcher.matches();
            if(!valid){
                return "";
            }
        }
        return null;
    }
};

This doesn't let me to input anything. I belive the problem is within regex.

A: First, you're running the regex for 'hello' on each individual character (in this case, h, e, l, l, o, individually). But, it will never make it passed h, because the regex 'hello' will not be found for the character 'h'.
Secondly, you're never returning the actual String that has been input by the user, so it will always be an empty String.
Third, since we know the expected pattern but not the input, you could actually reverse it and use the input as the pattern to search within the target pattern and use the regex starts-with (^) to ensure ordering.
Try something like this:
private String last = "";

InputFilter onboardingFilter = new InputFilter() {
    public CharSequence filter(CharSequence source, int start, int end, Spanned dest, int dstart, int dend) {
        String sourceAsRegex = "^" + source;
        String desiredInput = "hello";

        Pattern pattern = Pattern.compile(sourceAsRegex, Pattern.CASE_INSENSITIVE);
        Matcher matcher = pattern.matcher(desiredInput);

        if(matcher.find())
            last = source;

        return last;
    }
};


diary of a crazy person: WHAT IS THE PROBLEM!!
doing it. It just bunches up like this and gets all tangled. If anyone had any suggestions it would be great! I need to sew like 10 quilts in two weeks, so a broken sewing machine is not an option!
Wish I could help you, but I have no idea! But, maybe you can help me... I want to buy a sewing machine in the next few weeks. Any suggestions?
Ummm... not a brother, cause that's what I have and it has never been perfect. The drop in bobbin is nice. I would get a Singer, someone told me those are the best, but they are probably not cheap. Next time I get one it will be that, with the amount I sew!!


Google has won a long-standing legal dispute with Viacom over the inclusion of a range of video clips on YouTube.
A New York federal court ruled yesterday that no legal provisions had been violated due to the fact that Google has a policy of removing all such videos after being alerted. Unless a website refuses to remove content after it is flagged then it is protected by law.
Viacom had originally sought around $1 billion in recompense.


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