Hackers come in all shapes and sizes, with different motivations for why they do what they do. Unfortunately, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often the target of these malicious individuals because they are seen as easier targets than large enterprises.

As technology advances, so do hackers and their skill at infiltrating networks and systems. Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can be particularly vulnerable because they often don't have a dedicated security team or ample resources to protect themselves.

Malicious hackers are motivated by different things. Some do it for fun, some want money, and others just want to end your business. Getting to know how they behave and what drives them informs how you must defend your organization against them.

Why do hackers attack? Is it for money, notoriety, or political reasons? Many business owners never ask these questions, and instead only think about the means of how a cyber attack takes place. But knowing the motive behind a hacker’s attack can help you understand whether or not you’re a target and what data you need to protect. So let’s take a closer look at 4 different types of hackers and their motives.