Who is referred to as a threat actor?

A threat actor is defined as an individual or group that engages in malicious activities within the context of cybersecurity. This term encompasses a wide range of entities, including hackers, organized crime groups, insider threats, and even nation-state actors, all of whom aim to exploit vulnerabilities to compromise systems, steal information, or disrupt services.

Understanding the role of threat actors is crucial for cybersecurity strategies, as it informs the identification of potential threats and helps in developing targeted mitigation measures. Recognizing who these actors are allows organizations to anticipate their methods and motivations, resulting in more effective defenses and response plans.

In contrast, the other options represent different aspects of cybersecurity. Software tools are designed to assist in protecting systems but do not perform malicious activities. Malware is a term used for harmful software created by threat actors but doesn't encompass their human or organizational nature. Security control mechanisms are protective measures implemented to safeguard systems from attacks, rather than entities initiating them.