An environmental advocacy group uses cyber weapons against companies. What type of threat actor does this represent?

The scenario describes an environmental advocacy group using cyber weapons against companies, which aligns with the characteristics of hacktivists. Hacktivists are individuals or groups that employ hacking techniques to promote a political agenda or social cause, often targeting organizations they perceive as engaging in unethical behavior or detrimental practices. By utilizing cyber means to further their environmental advocacy, this group demonstrates the motivations typical of hacktivism, such as raising awareness or forcing change through disruptive actions.

In contrast, cybercriminals are primarily motivated by financial gain and typically engage in illegal activities for profit, rather than for social or political causes. Insider threats refer to individuals within an organization who may misuse their access to information for harmful purposes, which does not apply to an external group like the one described. State-sponsored actors, on the other hand, are usually associated with government entities that engage in cyber activities for national interests rather than specific advocacy issues. Therefore, the correct identification of the threat actor in this context as hacktivists accurately reflects their objectives and actions.