Learn about the threat actor behind ransomware-as-a-service and why it’s a concern for CISOs. Discover the link between organized crime and this growing cybersecurity threat in this CompTIA Security+ exam question breakdown.
Table of Contents
Question
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) wants to explicitly raise awareness about the increase of ransomware-as-a-service in a report to the management team. Which of the following best describes the threat actor in the CISO’s report?
A. Insider threat
B. Hacktivist
C. Nation-state
D. Organized crime
Answer
D. Organized crime
Explanation
Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) is a business model adopted by organized criminal groups, where ransomware developers lease or sell their malicious software to affiliates who then carry out the attacks. The developers receive a percentage of the ransom, while the affiliates keep the rest.
Organized crime groups are increasingly turning to RaaS due to its low barrier to entry, potential for high profits, and reduced risk of getting caught. These factors make RaaS an attractive option for cybercriminals, leading to a surge in ransomware attacks.
Other threat actors mentioned in the options are less likely to be associated with RaaS:
- Insider threats are individuals within an organization who misuse their access to cause harm, rather than external criminal groups.
- Hacktivists are typically motivated by political or social causes, not financial gain.
- Nation-states engage in cyber espionage and sabotage to advance their national interests, but are less likely to be involved in RaaS schemes.
Therefore, organized crime best describes the threat actor behind the rise of ransomware-as-a-service.
CompTIA Security+ 2021 SY0-601 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA Security+ 2021 SY0-601 exam and earn CompTIA Security+ 2021 SY0-601 certification.