Why do hackers typically engage in their activities?

Hackers often engage in their activities primarily for personal profit or extortion due to the financial gains that can be obtained through various illicit actions. This can involve stealing sensitive information, launching ransomware attacks to extort money from individuals or organizations, or engaging in identity theft. These activities are motivated by the potential for significant monetary rewards, making this a prevalent reason for many cybercriminals.

While creating new software, contributing to open-source projects, or enhancing digital literacy can be positive pursuits, they are not typically the primary motivations behind malicious hacking. The intention of the majority of hackers who operate within a criminal framework focuses on their personal gain through illicit means, which underscores the correct answer.