Which group of threat actors is most likely to engage in malicious activities for financial gain?

Organized crime groups are primarily driven by the pursuit of financial gain through various illegal activities, including cybercrime. These actors typically operate with a structured hierarchy and often exploit technology to facilitate their criminal enterprises, which can include activities like identity theft, ransomware attacks, and fraud. Their focus is on profit, and they often leverage sophisticated techniques and tools to maximize their financial outcomes.

In contrast, other groups like hacktivists engage in activities primarily for ideological reasons rather than monetary gain, aiming to promote political causes or social change. Nation-state attackers typically target information that could provide strategic advantages, often for national security or espionage purposes, rather than seeking financial rewards. Insider threats, which can involve employees or contractors misusing their access to company systems, may sometimes result in financial damage but are not exclusively driven by a financial motive. Thus, when considering motivations and methods, organized crime emerges as the group most aligned with malicious activities aimed directly at financial gain.