{"id":4015,"date":"2025-09-03T07:36:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T05:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enthec.com\/?p=4015"},"modified":"2025-09-03T07:36:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T05:36:16","slug":"threat-actors-and-your-information-security-what-every-consumer-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enthec.com\/en\/threat-actors-and-your-information-security-what-every-consumer-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Threat actors and your information security: what every consumer should know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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, <\/span>this information is valuable.<\/b><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n Before delving into the subject, it is worth introducing<\/span> Qondar, <\/span><\/a>Enthec\u2019s cyber surveillance tool designed specifically for individuals. It is not an antivirus or a simple ad blocker: <\/span>Qondar performs Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM),<\/b> proactively monitoring potential leaks or risks in your digital footprint, so you can act before an incident occurs.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n Although the term may sound technical, in practice, it refers to the<\/span> identity behind a cyberattack,<\/b>. and knowing it is the first step to preventing risks.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cybersecurity experts often classify threat actors into several categories based on their <\/span>motivations, resources, and methods.<\/b>. Let’s look at the most common ones:<\/span><\/p>\n They seek direct financial gain. They carry out attacks by threat actors such as <\/span>phishing<\/span><\/a>, credential theft, or malware installation to steal banking data. They often operate in clandestine networks and sell information on the dark web. <\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n Their actions are linked to espionage, sabotage, and cyberwarfare. They have highly advanced resources, and their attacks can last for months without detection. <\/span><\/p>\n Users with limited technical knowledge who employ pre-made tools to attack systems. Although less sophisticated, they can cause significant damage. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Methods change over time, but some patterns repeat themselves:<\/span><\/p>\n The key is that<\/span> each attack has an actor with a specific motivation behind it.<\/b>. And that motivation dictates the type of threat.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There is a common misconception that only large companies or public figures are targets of cybersecurity threat actors. However, <\/span>individuals are also exposed<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n According to the report<\/span> \u201cData Breach Investigations Report 2025\u201d<\/span><\/a> from Verizon<\/span>, 60% of data breaches include a human element,<\/b> whether it be an error, a misconfiguration, or the voluntary (albeit deceived) provision of information.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The good news is that<\/span> protecting yourself is possible<\/b> if preventive measures are taken and the appropriate tools are used.<\/span><\/p>\n Search your name online to see what information is publicly available. Set your social media privacy settings appropriately. <\/span><\/p>\n You may be interested in\u2192<\/span> How to erase or reduce your digital footprint and minimize the risk of cyberattacks<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Avoid using the same password for everything. Learn <\/span>how to manage passwords<\/span><\/a> or use a password manager and enable two-step authentication.<\/span><\/p>\n Updates not only bring improvements, but also<\/span> security patches<\/span><\/a> against vulnerabilities.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a threat actor?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Types of threat actors in cybersecurity<\/b><\/h2>\n
1. Cybercriminals<\/b><\/h3>\n
2. Hacktivists<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Insiders or internal threats<\/b><\/h3>\n
4. States or government-sponsored groups<\/b><\/h3>\n
5. Script kiddies<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nHow threat actors act<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Why are individuals also targeted?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How to protect your information from threat actors<\/b><\/h2>\n
1. Control your digital footprint<\/b><\/h3>\n
2. Use strong and unique passwords<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Keep your devices updated<\/b><\/h3>\n
4. Be wary of links and attachments<\/b><\/h3>\n