Which type of threat actor is typically motivated by financial gain?

Cybercriminals are primarily motivated by financial gain, which distinguishes them from other types of threat actors. Their activities often include stealing personal, financial, or corporate information to sell on the dark web or to commit fraud. These individuals or groups employ various methods, such as ransomware, identity theft, and phishing scams, to generate profit.

In contrast, other categories of threat actors have different motivations. Nation State Actors, for example, usually engage in cyber activities to advance their government's agenda, which might include espionage or disruption rather than direct financial gain. Corporate spies focus on stealing sensitive information or trade secrets to benefit their employer, which may indirectly lead to financial advantages but isn't their sole motivation. Research hackers, often affiliated with educational or security institutions, are generally driven by curiosity or the desire to improve security rather than financial incentives. This clarification reinforces why cybercriminals are specifically associated with a financial motivation.