How best describes unskilled attackers in a security context?

Unskilled attackers are individuals who lack the necessary skills or technical knowledge to execute sophisticated attacks on systems and networks. They often rely on basic tactics, techniques, and tools that are readily available or commonly found from online resources. Their approaches may include simple phishing attempts, using common malware, or trying known exploits without in-depth understanding or preparation.

This description differentiates unskilled attackers from more organized and experienced threat actors, such as advanced persistent threats, who are typically well-resourced and strategically motivated, and thus capable of blending technical expertise with patience and stealth to achieve their objectives over an extended period. It also sets them apart from low-level criminals, who may have some degree of organization or intent behind their actions, and insider threats, which typically involve individuals who have legitimate access to an organization’s information systems and use that access to harm the organization.

By focusing on the characteristics of unskilled attackers, it illustrates a category of threat that often poses risks due to sheer volume rather than sophisticated tactics, underscoring the importance of basic defense strategies that every organization should implement, regardless of the attackers' skill level.