Know Your Enemy: The 8 Types of Cyber Threat Actors

Cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern—it’s a frontline issue for local governments. From ransomware attacks that paralyze public services to data breaches that expose sensitive resident information, the threat landscape is growing more complex and dangerous. At the heart of this digital battleground are the cyber threat actors, often referred to as “bad actors.” These individuals or groups exploit technology to conduct malicious activities such as hacking, phishing, and malware deployment.

Bad Actors vs. Defenders: The Asymmetry of Cyber Conflict

The economic dynamics of cybersecurity are starkly imbalanced. Attackers only need to succeed once, while defenders must be flawless every time. This asymmetry creates a daunting challenge for local government cybersecurity teams.

• Low Cost of Entry for Attackers: The barrier to entry for launching cyberattacks has never been lower. On the dark web, malicious tools and services are readily available for purchase or rent. For example:
  • Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms allow even non-technical criminals to deploy sophisticated attacks.
  • Phishing kits with pre-built templates and spoofing tools can be bought for under $50.
  • DDoS-for-hire services can be used to overwhelm public websites or internal systems for as little as $200.
• High Cost for Defenders: In contrast, defenders must secure every endpoint, every user, and every system—24/7. Even a single overlooked vulnerability can lead to catastrophic consequences. For local governments, this means:
  • Maintaining up-to-date patches across legacy systems that may not be easily upgradeable.
  • Training staff to recognize and report phishing attempts, despite high turnover or limited cybersecurity awareness.
  • Monitoring networks for anomalies, often without a dedicated security operations center (SOC).
  • Complying with regulations and reporting requirements, which add administrative overhead.

This uneven playing field means attackers can afford to be opportunistic, while defenders must maintain constant vigilance.

The Imbalance in Risk and Reward

This asymmetry creates a risk-reward imbalance:

Aspect	Attackers	Defenders
Cost	Low (tools are cheap or free)	High (tools, staff, training, compliance)
Effort	One successful exploit is enough	Must defend all vectors, all the time
Risk	Often anonymous, low legal risk	High accountability, legal and reputational consequences
Scale	Can automate and replicate attacks	Must tailor defenses to each system and user

For defenders, the cost of failure is steep:

• Financial Losses: Ransom payments, recovery costs, and lost revenue.
• Reputational Damage: Loss of public trust, especially if resident data is compromised.
• Operational Disruption: Downtime in essential services like emergency response, utilities, or public records.
• Legal and Regulatory Penalties: Non-compliance with data protection laws can result in fines and audits.