What defines a cyber threat actor?

A cyber threat actor is characterized as an individual, group, or nation-state involved in malicious cyber activities. This definition encompasses a wide range of entities that can pose security risks, including cybercriminals seeking financial gain, hacktivists pursuing political agendas, or state-sponsored actors engaging in espionage or sabotage. Understanding the roles and motivations of these actors is crucial for organizations to develop effective security strategies and response plans.

The other options refer to specific concepts in cybersecurity but do not accurately define a cyber threat actor. Malware refers to the tools these actors might use, while cybersecurity frameworks and protective software focus more on defense and risk management rather than the threats themselves. Therefore, recognizing the full scope of who cyber threat actors are is fundamental to addressing cybersecurity challenges effectively.