We all leave a trail of information on the internet: photos on social networks, bank details, medical records, online purchases… and, although it may seem exaggerated, this information is valuable.
So-called threat actors are responsible for trying to exploit this data, whether for financial gain, espionage, extortion, or even for fun. Knowing who they are, how they operate, and what tools exist to protect us is essential to keeping our digital lives safe.
Before delving into the subject, it is worth introducing Qondar, Enthec’s cyber surveillance tool designed specifically for individuals. It is not an antivirus or a simple ad blocker: Qondar performs Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), proactively monitoring potential leaks or risks in your digital footprint, so you can act before an incident occurs.
What is a threat actor?
In the context of cybersecurity, a threat actor is any person, group, or organization with the intent and capability to carry out malicious activities against systems, networks, or information. They aren’t always isolated hackers in a dark room; sometimes they are companies, organized groups, or even government entities.
Although the term may sound technical, in practice, it refers to the identity behind a cyberattack,. and knowing it is the first step to preventing risks.
Types of threat actors in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity experts often classify threat actors into several categories based on their motivations, resources, and methods.. Let’s look at the most common ones:
1. Cybercriminals
They seek direct financial gain. They carry out attacks by threat actors such as phishing, credential theft, or malware installation to steal banking data. They often operate in clandestine networks and sell information on the dark web.
2. Hacktivists
Motivated by political or social causes, they use cyberattacks to draw attention to a cause. They may leak confidential information from governments or companies as a form of protest.
3. Insiders or internal threats
They are employees, former employees, or collaborators who already have access to the information and use it for their own benefit or out of revenge. This type of threat is difficult to detect because it comes from within.
4. States or government-sponsored groups
Their actions are linked to espionage, sabotage, and cyberwarfare. They have highly advanced resources, and their attacks can last for months without detection.
5. Script kiddies
Users with limited technical knowledge who employ pre-made tools to attack systems. Although less sophisticated, they can cause significant damage.
How threat actors act
Methods change over time, but some patterns repeat themselves:
- Phishing and smishing: emails or messages that impersonate companies to steal data.
- Malware and ransomware: Malicious programs that steal information or block access in exchange for a ransom.
- Brute force attacks: automated attempts to guess passwords.
- Exploitation of vulnerabilities: involves exploiting security flaws in software or devices.
- Social engineering: through social engineering, people are manipulated into providing data or performing unsafe actions.
The key is that each attack has an actor with a specific motivation behind it.. And that motivation dictates the type of threat.
Why are individuals also targeted?
There is a common misconception that only large companies or public figures are targets of cybersecurity threat actors. However, individuals are also exposed:
- Personal data is sold on the dark web.
- Access to bank or cryptocurrency accounts.
- Kidnapping of essential photos or documents.
- Identity theft for fraud.
According to the report “Data Breach Investigations Report 2025” from Verizon, 60% of data breaches include a human element, whether it be an error, a misconfiguration, or the voluntary (albeit deceived) provision of information.
How to protect your information from threat actors
The good news is that protecting yourself is possible if preventive measures are taken and the appropriate tools are used.
1. Control your digital footprint
Search your name online to see what information is publicly available. Set your social media privacy settings appropriately.
You may be interested in→ How to erase or reduce your digital footprint and minimize the risk of cyberattacks.
2. Use strong and unique passwords
Avoid using the same password for everything. Learn how to manage passwords or use a password manager and enable two-step authentication.
3. Keep your devices updated
Updates not only bring improvements, but also security patches against vulnerabilities.
4. Be wary of links and attachments
Before clicking on a link or opening a file, verify its source. If in doubt, it’s best not to interact.
5. Use continuous threat exposure management solutions
This is where Qondar becomes an ally. This tool, developed by Enthec, continuously analyzes your digital footprint, detects if your information appears in leaked databases or if there are risks associated with your credentials, and alerts you so you can take immediate action.
Qondar: Your personal defense against threat actors
While many security solutions are reactive (acting only after an attack has already occurred), Qondar is proactive. Thanks to the CTEM (Continuous Threat Exposure Management) capabilities, the tool:
- Monitors continuously for possible leaks of your data.
- Identifies threats on forums, social media, the dark web, and other sources.
- Prioritizes the risks so you know what to attend to first.
- Notifies immediately when exposure is detected.
This means that it not only protects you from a targeted attack, but it also helps you reduce your exposure before threat actors can act.
Cybersecurity is not an issue exclusive to companies or governments. Every person is a potential target for a threat actor.. And while we can’t prevent them from happening, we can reduce our exposure and react in time.
With tools like Enthec’s Qondar, prevention ceases to be a complex task and becomes an accessible habit for anyone. Continuous threat exposure management is not just a technical concept; it’s the most effective way to keep your information under control and out of the reach of those who want to take advantage of it.
Start today to discover your digital footprint and protect it before it’s too late.