threat actor

English

Etymology

Likely US Government jargon, derived from actor (“one that takes part in an action”). First attested in 2000.

Noun

threat actor (plural threat actors)

  1. (computer security) A person or entity that conducts malicious activities against digital targets, particularly cyberattacks.
    Threat actors have repeatedly attempted to breach our systems, without success.
    • 2000 August, Bill Flynt, “Threat Kingdom”, in Military Review, volume 80, number 4, United States Army Combined Arms Center, page 17:
      A pure threat actor is less complex in capabilities and intent than a mixed type. The most complex actor would possess “the highest and most encompassing” capabilities and intent and compromise a threat kingdom of potential strategies.
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