What is a Threat Actor?
Posted: 19th May 2024 - Reading Time: 2 minutes
Definition of a threat actor
In cyber security, a threat actor refers to any individual or group that engages in malicious activities against individuals or enterprises, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Threat actors can be internal or external to the organisation being targeted. They encompass a wide spectrum of motivations and capabilities, ranging from individual actors to sophisticated organisations and nation-states.
Different types of threat actors
Individuals
These can be insider or outsider actors motivated by personal gain, revenge, or ideological reasons. Insiders may inadvertently or intentionally commit cyber crimes through negligence or incompetence.
Organised Crime
Highly sophisticated organisations driven by financial gain. They often target valuable data such as banking information and engage in activities like ransomware attacks, leveraging technology and automation for broader impact.
Company
Organisations targeting other businesses to steal trade secrets or gain a competitive edge in the market.
Nation-State Actors
Sophisticated and well-funded groups sponsored by governments. They conduct large-scale attacks or advanced persistent threats (APTs) to gain access to sensitive data for reasons including national security, intellectual property theft, political espionage, or influencing political processes.
Hacktivists
Politically or ideologically motivated individuals or groups aiming to gain publicity or effect social change through cyber operations.
Script Kiddies
Individuals lacking deep technical skills who rely on pre-written scripts for attacks. Motivations can include peer competition, mischief, or financial gain, typically engaging in less sophisticated activities like website defacement or denial-of-service attacks.
Hackers
Skilled computer users who use their technical expertise to solve problems, including accessing supposedly secure systems and networks. The term “hacker” encompasses a broad range of activities and motivations in the cyber security landscape.
Understanding the diverse nature of threat actors is essential for developing effective defence strategies and mitigating cyber risks faced by organisations and individuals alike.
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