Which threat actor would most likely launch a ransomware attack against a large retail chain to demand payment?

Organized crime is most likely to launch a ransomware attack against a large retail chain to demand payment due to their structured and profit-driven approach to cybercrime. These groups often have the resources, skills, and motivations needed to execute such sophisticated attacks, which typically involve encrypting sensitive data or locking access to critical systems until a ransom is paid.

Organized crime syndicates are experienced in developing and deploying ransomware, often as a business model, which leads them to target entities like large retail operations that are likely to have significant financial resources and potentially less preparedness for such attacks. As retail chains handle a vast amount of consumer data and transactions, the potential for financial gain makes them attractive targets for organized crime. Their emphasis on profit results in a systematic approach to extortion, increasing the likelihood of them employing ransomware tactics efficiently and effectively.

In contrast, the motivations and methods of the other threat actors typically do not align as closely with the characteristics of ransomware attacks. For example, hacktivists generally target organizations to promote political agendas rather than for financial gain. Competitors might aim to sabotage rivals but are less likely to employ the covert tactics associated with ransomware. Insider threats, while capable of causing significant damage, usually arise from employees with access to systems and data