Which threat actor is primarily motivated by political beliefs and aims to promote change?

The choice of hacktivists as the correct answer is rooted in their distinct motivation and objectives. Hacktivists are individuals or groups that engage in cyber activities, such as hacking or website defacement, to promote political agendas or social change. Their actions are often driven by ideological beliefs, and they seek to raise awareness about particular causes, protest against organizations or governments, or influence public opinion.

This category of threat actor contrasts starkly with others in the list. Script kiddies tend to be less motivated by ideology, using existing tools and scripts primarily for fun or notoriety rather than political objectives. Insiders are typically current or former employees who may pose a threat due to personal grievances or financial motivations, but their actions are not usually aligned with political aims. Cybercriminals primarily focus on financial gain, engaging in illegal activities like theft, fraud, and extortion rather than advocating for socio-political changes.

Thus, hacktivists represent a unique blend of political motivation and technological engagement, distinguishing them clearly from other types of threat actors.