What is the most likely motivation for an internal threat actor?

The most likely motivation for an internal threat actor often stems from personal grievances or feelings of betrayal within the organization, which can manifest as a desire for revenge. Internal threat actors have unique access to systems and sensitive data, and their motivations may arise from situations involving perceived mistreatment, lack of recognition, or conflicts with management or colleagues. Such emotional responses can lead them to act in ways that they believe will either retaliate against the organization or expose its vulnerabilities.

The motivation of revenge captures the psychological and emotional aspects of why someone who is part of the organization might decide to exploit their insider knowledge. Unlike external threats, which primarily focus on theft or disruption for financial gain, internal actors are often driven by deeper personal motives rooted in their experiences within the company.

In contrast, other motivations like achievement of personal goals or financial gain may apply to some individuals but are less commonly cited as a primary motivation for an internal threat actor compared to the strong emotional undertones associated with revenge. Blackmail, although a possible motivation, typically involves external actors who manipulate internal employees rather than being an intrinsic goal of the internal actor themselves. Thus, the focus on revenge aligns most closely with the driving factors seen in cases of internal threats.