Which type of threat actor is primarily focused on seeking criminal profit through financial fraud or blackmail?

The type of threat actor primarily focused on seeking criminal profit through financial fraud or blackmail is organized crime. These groups are characterized by their structured operations and methods aimed at maximizing financial gain through illegal activities. They often engage in sophisticated schemes such as identity theft, credit card fraud, ransomware attacks, and various forms of extortion, leveraging their resources to exploit vulnerabilities in systems for monetary benefits.

Organized crime operates with intent and typically has hierarchies and varying levels of specialization, allowing them to execute complex attacks or scams. Their focus on profit drives them to continuously evolve tactics and develop new methods of attack, often staying ahead of detection and prevention mechanisms put in place by organizations and law enforcement.

The other categories of threat actors do not primarily emphasize financial gain in the same way. Hacktivists are motivated by political or social causes rather than direct profit. Competitors may engage in unethical practices but generally don’t fall into the criminal profit-driven model that organized crime exemplifies. Insider threats involve individuals within an organization who may cause harm or theft but do not specifically represent a group structured around financial gain as their main objective.