A tech company suspects that a rival has used cyber means to steal its latest product designs just before a big launch. Which type of threat actor could be responsible for this industrial espionage?

The identification of a competitor as the potential threat actor in this scenario is grounded in the concept of industrial espionage. Competitors are significantly motivated to gain an advantage over each other, especially in competitive industries where innovation and product design are key differentiators. If a rival is suspected of using cyber means to illegally acquire sensitive information about another company’s product designs, it aligns with the typical behavior of a competitor seeking to undermine or outpace their rival.

The nature of industrial espionage often involves a calculated effort by one organization to gather confidential information to advance its own business interests, which can be executed through various methods, including cyberattacks. This scenario clearly reflects the motive and methodology associated with a competitor engaging in such unethical practices.

In contrast, while other types of threat actors like hacktivists or organized crime might engage in cyber activities, their motivations are typically different. Hacktivists often act based on a political agenda or social issues rather than specifically targeting trade secrets. Organized crime usually focuses on financial gain through direct fraud or theft, rather than targeted attacks against competitors in a corporate context. Insider threats involve individuals within the organization leaking information, which doesn't apply if the source of the threat is suspected to be a rival company. Thus, the most