What motivates some young people to become cybercriminals?

We know that cybercriminals are almost always seeking financial gain, but it seems that this is not usually what young cybercriminals have in mind when they take their first steps over to the “dark side”.

For example, an interesting report by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) found that many are not necessarily motivated by financial reward. In fact, recognition from their peers, popularity in the forums they belong to, and a sense of success, are bigger influencing factors.

What motivates some young people to become cybercriminals?