As I continue my journey through the OffSec TH-200 course, I’ve now reached Module 2, Section 1, which delves into some critical areas of cybersecurity: threat actors, ransomware groups, and an introduction to Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). Given the depth of this module, I’ll be breaking down my learnings into smaller, more digestible parts to ensure a clear understanding.
In today’s digital landscape, organizations are constantly under threat from a variety of actors, each with unique motivations, objectives, and skill levels. These range from hobbyist attackers testing the waters to sophisticated, government-backed cyber operations. The consequences of failing to defend against these attacks can be severe, with potential damage to an organization’s reputation, financial losses, and legal implications.
Types of Threat Actors
Threat actors in cybersecurity can broadly be classified into three categories:
- Cybercriminals
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
- Insider Threats