In Information Security, Which Of The Following Is An Example Of A Threat Actor?

In information security, which of the following is an example of a threat actor?

Read on to learn more.

What Is A Threat Actor in Information Security?

So, what is a threat factor?

A threat actor is an enemy in information security. It can also be a person or a group. Or just a thing that causes harm to security.

But, what happens if there are threat actors in information security?

It can cause great harm in infosec. In fact, experts predict that cybercrime will increase this 2021. 

So, we need to know what these threat factors are. Otherwise, we can’t prevent them.

And we know that we can only prevent it if we know it. So, we can also take steps to fight against them.

Now, let’s answer the question we raised in the introduction. In information security, which of the following is an example of a threat actor?

Types of Threat Actors in Information Security

Let us talk about the following threat actors:

1. Cyber terrorists
2. Government-sponsored attackers
3. Cybercriminals
4. Hacktivists
5. Script kiddies
6. Insiders

Cyber Terrorists

What are cyber terrorists?

Nowadays, cyber terrorism is becoming a global problem. Because of cyber terrorists, important services are interrupted.

Also, their targets usually include:

• businesses
• state machinery
• services like energy and transportation

Government-Sponsored Attackers

Can you imagine that the government also backs up attackers?

Yes, there are cases like that. Government-sponsored attackers steal information from other agencies or countries.

Usually, they also target the following to get intellectual property:

• business
• government organizations
• other countries

Cybercriminals

Wherever we go, there is a crime. And that is happening in the information security field.

But, what do cybercriminals do?

Cybercriminals usually steal the information of other people. They do this by sending out phishing emails or links. Then, they steal money from victims.

One example of how it works is ransomware. It is a type of malware that freezes or locks files and computers.

Then, the owner can only get the files back if he pays. Still, there is no assurance that the criminal will give it back.

Hacktivists

Hacktivists are activists that use hacking. But, why do they do this?

They do this type of protest to shame an organization. They also want to leak information to other people.

Hacktivists may also hack to be popular. But most of the time, they want to expose a secret of that organization.

Script Kiddies

Script kiddies use software from other hackers. But why?

They are still not skilled enough. So, they are called kiddies. Also, they can’t design their own tool.

Script kiddies usually target easy to enter systems. Then, they attack them.

Insiders

Insiders are threat actors inside an organization or company. And that’s why they are the least detected threat. Why?

At first, they pretend to be working for them. But, they are slowly knowing how security works. So, they will know how to bypass the weak points. 

Threat Actor in Information Security Reasons

Now, what are the reasons behind these threat actors? Here are some of them:

• Political
• Economical
• Technical
• Military
• Money
• Fame
• Revenge