What type of threat actor might attempt to obtain and release confidential information, perform DoS attacks, or deface websites?

Hacktivists are individuals or groups that leverage their technical skills for political or social activism, often through digital means. Their motivations typically revolve around promoting a cause or raising awareness about specific issues, using tactics such as obtaining and releasing confidential information, launching Denial of Service (DoS) attacks to disrupt services, and defacing websites to make a statement or protest against certain entities or policies.

This type of threat actor often targets organizations they view as unethical or oppressive, aiming to publicly expose perceived wrongs. Unlike other threat actors who may seek financial gain, hacktivists are primarily focused on making a political statement or advancing a specific agenda. Their activities can often blur the line between activism and criminal activity, leading to significant consequences for their targets in terms of reputation and operational disruptions.

Understanding the motivations and tactics of hacktivists is crucial for organizations looking to protect themselves from such threats, as their actions are often emblematic of broader societal issues that resonate with public sentiment.