Cyber threat actors: how to identify and prevent them

Table of contents

• Types of cyber threat actors
• The main attack techniques used by threat actors
• Defending against cyber threat actors: preventive strategies

In the world of cyber security, threat actors represent one of the main threats to organizations and individuals. 

But what is a threat actor, or rather who are threat actors? 

They are individuals or groups that exploit vulnerabilities and weaknesses in digital systems for often malicious purposes.  

Their main goals include stealing sensitive data, compromising the security of corporate networks, and sometimes causing direct or indirect damage to a victim’s IT infrastructure. 

Cyber threat actors are diverse, encompassing a wide range of skills, motivations, and attack techniques. These threat actors operate with varying levels of sophistication, from basic tactics to highly advanced methods. 

Their ability to exploit vulnerabilities in a targeted manner is constantly evolving, especially with technological advancements and the proliferation of increasingly powerful attack tools. 

Types of cyber threat actors 

There are several types of cyber threat actors, each with specific characteristics, techniques, and motivations. Understanding these differences is essential for implementing adequate and targeted defenses. 

• Script kiddies: the least sophisticated actors 
  Script kiddies represent a category of cyber criminals without significant technical skills. Typically, these individuals use pre-made tools and scripts to conduct attacks without fully understanding how they work. 
  
  Script kiddies are often motivated by curiosity or the desire to gain some notoriety in the hacking world. Although they are less dangerous compared to more advanced threats, they can still cause significant damage by exploiting neglected security vulnerabilities. 
  
• Hacktivists: attacks for ideological purposes 
  Hacktivists combine social activism with technology, launching cyber attacks to support political or social causes. They usually target government entities, large companies, or other organizations to draw attention to specific issues. 
  
  Typical attacks include website defacement, phishing campaigns, and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service). The main motivation of hacktivists is not profit but the desire to influence public opinion and promote social change. 
  
• Cyber criminals: the goal is financial gain 
  Cyber criminals act primarily for economic gain. They often operate in organized and highly structured groups, with significant resources and advanced technical knowledge.  
  
  These actors use a range of techniques, including phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and spear phishing, aimed at stealing sensitive data or login credentials. 
  
  One of the most common goals of cyber criminals is the theft of intellectual property or financial information that can be sold on the dark web.  
  
  Ransomware, in particular, is among the tools most used to extort money from victims, demanding ransom in exchange for restoring compromised data. 
  
• Advanced persistent threats (APT): highly sophisticated threats 
  Advanced persistent threats (APT) are groups of extremely sophisticated threat actors often funded by governments or large organizations.  
  
  APT groups are distinguished by their ability to infiltrate systems silently and maintain access for long periods while avoiding detection. 
  
  They operate with precision and adopt advanced techniques, such as the use of zero-day exploits, to bypass security defenses.
  
  The main targets of APT include government systems, critical infrastructures, and high-profile companies, with the aim of gathering intelligence or compromising strategic data. 

The main attack techniques used by threat actors 

Cyber threat actors employ a wide range of techniques to compromise systems and achieve their objectives. Some of the most common tactics include: 

• Phishing and spear phishing 
  Phishing is a widespread and relatively simple attack technique used to obtain sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details.  
  
  Threat actors send counterfeit emails, often very similar to real ones, to deceive the victim into sharing personal data.  
  
  A more targeted variant is spear phishing, where the attacker personalizes the message for a specific individual or group, increasing the chances of success. 
  
• Ransomware and malware 
  Ransomware attacks are among the most destructive methods used by cyber criminals. In these attacks, victims’ data is encrypted and made inaccessible, with a ransom demanded for its return. 
  
  In addition to ransomware, threat actors use malware such as trojans and worms to compromise systems, steal data, or take control of the victim’s digital resources. 
  
• Exploiting vulnerabilities 
  Cyber threat actors are constantly searching for weaknesses in software, operating systems, and applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. 
  
  Often, these vulnerabilities are publicly known but have not yet been patched by organizations, providing attackers with an opportunity to enter the system.  
  
  Some APT groups develop zero-day exploits, vulnerabilities unknown to vendors and security defenses, making these attacks extremely difficult to prevent. 
  
• Social engineering 
  Social engineering is a technique that aims to psychologically manipulate the victim into providing confidential information or gaining access to protected systems.  
  
  Threat actors use various persuasion methods to convince individuals to share sensitive information or take actions that compromise network security.  
  
  This method, when combined with other techniques like phishing, is particularly effective. 

Defending against cyber threat actors: preventive strategies 

Protecting against cyber threat actors requires a multi-layered approach and an in-depth understanding of threats. Here are some essential tips for keeping your IT security safe from threat actors: 

• Training and awareness 
  Employee training is critical to reducing the likelihood of successful phishing attacks and other social engineering techniques. Educating staff about the risks of suspicious emails and the importance of verifying the sender’s identity can prevent many incidents. 

• Security updates 
  Keeping operating systems and software updated is essential to reduce vulnerabilities that threat actors could exploit. Security patches often fix known exploits, preventing them from being used to gain access to systems. 

• Monitoring and detection systems 
  Implementing intrusion detection systems and monitoring network traffic can help detect suspicious activities in real-time. Companies can use advanced threat detection and response solutions (such as EDR and XDR) to manage risks proactively. 

• Data backup and protection 
  To protect against ransomware attacks, it is important to have regular and secure backups of critical data. In the event of an attack, a good backup system allows the information to be restored without paying a ransom. 

To conclude… 

Cyber threat actors represent one of the main challenges in today’s cyber security. From phishing and social engineering tactics to targeted APT attacks, the range of threats is broad and constantly evolving.  

Taking defensive measures and training, combining advanced detection technologies with sound risk awareness, is key to effectively countering these threats. Protection against cyber threat actors is an ongoing process that requires constant updating and vigilance.  

FAQs 

1. Who are cyber threat actors?
   They are individuals or groups that exploit IT vulnerabilities to compromise systems and steal data. 
2. What is the difference between phishing and spear phishing?
   Phishing is a generic attack, while spear phishing targets a specific individual or group. 
3. What is an advanced persistent threat (APT)?
   APT are sophisticated groups that maintain access to systems long-term to steal strategic information. 
4. Who are script kiddies?
   They are individuals without advanced skills who use pre-packaged tools to conduct cyber attacks. 
5. How to defend against ransomware?
   Regularly backing up data and keeping systems updated is essential against ransomware. 
6. Why do cyber criminals steal sensitive data?
   Mainly for financial gain, by selling stolen information or demanding ransom. 
7. What are hacktivists’ motivations?
   Hacktivists attack to support political or social causes, not for profit. 
8. How to detect an APT attack?
   APT can be detected through continuous monitoring and advanced detection tools. 
9. What is social engineering?
   It is a technique to psychologically manipulate people into sharing sensitive information. 
10. What damage can cyber threat actors cause?
    They can steal data, disrupt services, and compromise the reputation and resources of companies. 
11. How do cyber security threat actors operate?
    Threat actors operate by exploiting system vulnerabilities, using techniques such as phishing, malware, and targeted attacks to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. 
12. What data do cyber threat actors seek to steal?
    Threat actors aim to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, financial data, intellectual property, and, in some cases, strategic government information. 
13. What is the difference between a cyber criminal and an APT?
    Cyber criminals seek quick and tangible gains through activities like ransomware, while APT operate stealthily and target strategic goals, often supported by states or large organizations. 
14. How to recognize a phishing email?
    A phishing email may contain grammatical errors, urgent requests for action (such as clicking on links or sharing information), and unknown senders. Always verify the sender’s address and suspicious links. 
15. What sectors are most targeted by APT?
    APT target critical sectors such as government, defense, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure to acquire strategic data and confidential information. 
16. How does a ransomware attack work?
    In a ransomware attack, cyber criminals infect a system by encrypting data, then demand a ransom to restore access. Without secure backups, victims risk permanently losing their data. 
17. What is the goal of hacktivists?
    Hacktivists aim to draw attention to social or political causes by attacking governments, institutions, and companies. They want to influence public opinion rather than gain financially. 
18. Why do cyber threat actors target login credentials?
    Login credentials provide direct access to an organization’s systems and data, allowing attackers to infiltrate, gather information, and conduct malicious activities. 
19. How can companies prevent social engineering attacks?
    Training employees, promoting a security culture, and creating procedures to verify identity before sharing confidential information are effective measures against social engineering. 
20. What are the consequences of a cyber attack on a company?
    Consequences include data loss, financial damage, operational disruptions, reputational damage, and potential legal penalties if adequate security measures were not adopted.