title: Systemizers Are Better Code-Breakers: Self-Reported Systemizing Predicts Code-Breaking Performance in Expert Hackers and Naïve Participants.
abstract: Studies on hacking have typically focused on motivational aspects and general personality traits of the individuals who engage in hacking; little systematic research has been conducted on predispositions that may be associated not only with the choice to pursue a hacking career but also with performance in either naïve or expert populations. Here, we test the hypotheses that two traits that are typically enhanced in autism spectrum disorders-attention to detail and systemizing-may be positively related to both the choice of pursuing a career in information security and skilled performance in a prototypical hacking task (i.e., crypto-analysis or code-breaking). A group of naïve participants and of ethical hackers completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient, including an attention to detail scale, and the Systemizing Quotient (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001, 2003). They were also tested with behavioral tasks involving code-breaking and a control task involving security X-ray image interpretation. Hackers reported significantly higher systemizing and attention to detail than non-hackers. We found a positive relation between self-reported systemizing (but not attention to detail) and code-breaking skills in both hackers and non-hackers, whereas attention to detail (but not systemizing) was related with performance in the X-ray screening task in both groups, as previously reported with naïve participants (Rusconi et al., 2015). We discuss the theoretical and translational implications of our findings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychology, Abertay University Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: India
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychology, Abertay University Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Samuela
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bolgan
authors.affiliation: Division of Arts Media and Computer Games, Abertay University Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mosca
authors.affiliation: Division of Arts Media and Computer Games, Abertay University Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychology, Abertay UniversityDundee, UK; Department of Security and Crime Sciences, University College LondonLondon, UK.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rusconi
keywords: attention to detail; autism spectrum disorders; code breaking; hacking; security; systemizing