<aside> <img src="/icons/currency_gray.svg" alt="/icons/currency_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Nation-state actors are groups or individuals that are sponsored by a government to conduct cyber operations against other nations, organizations, or individuals

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Sometimes, these threat actors attempt what is known as a false flag attack. A False Flag Attack is an attack that is orchestrated in such a way that it appears to originate from a different source or group than the actual perpetrators, with the intent to mislead investigators and attribute to someone else

Nation-state actors possess advanced technical skills and extensive resources and they are capable of conducting complex, coordinated cyber operations that employ a variety of techniques such as:

• Creating custom malware
• Using zero-day exploits
• Becoming an advanced persistent threat

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)

• Term that was used synonymously with a nation-state actor because of their long-term persistence and stealth
• A prolonged and targeted cyberattack in which an intruder gains unauthorized access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period while trying to steal data or monitor network activities rather than cause immediate damage
• These advanced persistent threats are often sponsored by a nation-state or its proxies, like organized cybercrime groups

What motivates a nation-state actor?

• Nation-state actors are motivated to achieve their long-term strategic goals, and they are not seeking financial gain