Threat Actors
It’s crucial for professionals working in cybersecurity to understand the various threat actors that can pose risks to organizations, governments, and individuals alike. Threat actors are entities or individuals that engage in cyber activities, ranging from benign to malicious. This section covers six distinct types of threat actors: nation states, unskilled attackers, hacktivists, insider threats, organized crime groups, and shadow IT, defined as follows:
- Nation state: Nation state threat actors are perhaps the most formidable adversaries in the realm of cybersecurity. These are government-sponsored entities that engage in cyber operations to further their national interests. Often possessing substantial resources and advanced technical capabilities, nation states can launch sophisticated attacks, such as espionage, data theft, and even sabotage. Their motives can vary widely, from influencing other countries’ elections to gaining political influence...