Is malware a threat actor?

CMPTR
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781337681872
Author:PINARD
Publisher:PINARD
Chapter6: Security And Privacy
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 7QY
icon
Related questions
Question

Is malware a threat actor?

Expert Solution
Step 1

Yes, malware is a threat actor.

For example, ransomware is a malware which is also a threat actor.

Four Main Types of Threat Actors

Cyber criminals – Hackers and attackers that use techniques like phishing and ransomware when targeting individuals and corporations, typically in attempts to generate money from their cybercriminal activities.

Hacktivists – Threat actors that are typically motivated by political or social causes more than monetary gains in committing acts of “hactivism.” Hacktivists are more likely to take sites and networks down via DDoS and similar attacks or commit other acts of cyber vandalism as opposed to extorting businesses or individuals for money.

State-Sponsored Attackers – These threat actors are well-funded and well-organized cyber espionage entities that commit their activities with the backing of governments or similar large entities. State-sponsored attackers typically focus on infiltrating larger organizations with the intent to steal massive amounts of mission-critical and other sensitive data.

Insider Threats – Threat actors that intentionally or unintentionally provide sensitive corporate data to others, either by mistake, by not following security policies and best practices, by being duped or deceived by a cybercriminal, or by criminally obtaining and sharing information with cyber criminals for money or revenge.

 

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Risks related to security
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, computer-science and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
CMPTR
CMPTR
Computer Science
ISBN:
9781337681872
Author:
PINARD
Publisher:
Cengage
Enhanced Discovering Computers 2017 (Shelly Cashm…
Enhanced Discovering Computers 2017 (Shelly Cashm…
Computer Science
ISBN:
9781305657458
Author:
Misty E. Vermaat, Susan L. Sebok, Steven M. Freund, Mark Frydenberg, Jennifer T. Campbell
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
A+ Guide To It Technical Support
A+ Guide To It Technical Support
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780357108291
Author:
ANDREWS, Jean.
Publisher:
Cengage,