CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Cert Guide, 5th Edition

Chapter 5

Understanding Different Threat Actors, Vectors, and Intelligence Sources

This chapter covers the following topics related to Objective 1.5 (Explain different threat actors, vectors, and intelligence sources) of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 certification exam:

• Actors and threats

  • Advanced persistent threat (APT)

  • Insider threats

  • State actors

  • Hacktivists

  • Script kiddies

  • Criminal syndicates

  • Hackers

    • Authorized

    • Unauthorized

    • Semi-authorized

  • Shadow IT

  • Competitors

• Attributes of actors

  • Internal/external

  • Level of sophistication/capability

  • Resources/funding

  • Intent/motivation

• Vectors

  • Direct access

  • Wireless

  • Email

  • Supply chain

  • Social media

  • Removable media

  • Cloud

• Threat intelligence sources

  • Open source intelligence (OSINT)

  • Closed/proprietary