Threat Actor Motivations Flashcards
What is the difference between the intent of the attack and the motivation that fuels that attack?
Intent refers to the specific objective or goal that a threat actor aims to achieve, while motivation refers to the underlying reasons or driving forces pushing a threat actor to carry out their attack.
What is data exfiltration?
Unauthorized transfer of data from a computer.
What are common methods for achieving financial gain in cyber attacks?
Ransomware attacks and banking trojans that steal financial information.
What is blackmail in the context of cyber threats?
Obtaining sensitive information and threatening to release it unless demands are met.
What is the goal of service disruption by threat actors?
To disrupt services to cause chaos, make a political statement, or demand a ransom.
What is hacktivism?
Attacks conducted due to the philosophical or political beliefs of the attackers.
What motivates ethical hackers?
A desire to improve security.
What motivation might drive a threat actor seeking revenge?
Targeting an entity they believe has wronged them.
What does disruption or chaos refer to in threat actor motivations?
Creating and spreading malware or launching sophisticated cyberattacks against critical infrastructure.
What is espionage in the context of cyber threats?
Spying on individuals, organizations, or nations to gather sensitive or classified information.
What is the purpose of cyber warfare?
To disrupt a country’s infrastructure, compromise national security, and cause economic damage.
