A security researcher for a political campaign is researching threat actors. Who should the researcher investigate that would most likely target them specifically?

The most relevant group for a security researcher in a political campaign to investigate would be hacktivists. Hacktivists are individuals or groups that aim to promote their political agenda or social causes through hacking tactics. They often target organizations, governments, and political entities that they perceive as contrary to their beliefs or missions. Given the nature of political campaigns, which are often tied to contentious issues and public debate, hacktivists may see a campaign as a valid target for their activities, such as data breaches, website defacements, or doxxing.

Understanding the motivations and techniques used by hacktivists enables the researcher to better anticipate potential threats and devise appropriate security measures. This focus aligns directly with the objectives and activities of political campaigns, which can attract attention from those looking to influence public opinion through disruptive activities.

While organized crime and competitor threats may also pose risks, they typically do not align as closely with the motivations tied to political campaigns. Insider threats, while significant in many contexts, usually involve individuals within the organization rather than external actors specifically pursuing political agendas. Thus, exploring the tactics and goals of hacktivists is particularly pertinent for a researcher in this scenario.