Cyber Threat Actors Are the New Face of Cybercrime

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, rethink what a threat really looks like.

When most people picture cybercrime, they imagine a hacker in a dark room, screens glowing, fingers flying across a keyboard. But in 2025, that image is outdated. Modern cyber threat actors act far more subtly, and they hit much closer to home.

Today, your biggest cybersecurity risks often come from inside your organization. Employees, trusted vendors, and even the AI tools your team relies on daily can unintentionally create openings for attacks. The problem isn’t bad intent; rather, it stems from lack of awareness and clear processes.

Why Human Cyber Threat Actors Are a Weak Spot

Data breaches involve more than technology. They reflect behavior and decision-making. According to a Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, roughly 60% of cyber incidents involve the human element. In addition, breaches tied to third parties doubled, jumping from 15% to 30%. Therefore, cyber threat actors now include employees, partners, and AI tools, not just hackers in hoodies.

For instance, a well-meaning employee might click a phishing link, share credentials with a vendor, or upload sensitive files to an unsecured AI platform. Similarly, third-party systems with weaker protections can become an unintentional path for attacks. To prevent breaches, leadership must actively shape a culture of cybersecurity.

The Rise of Everyday Cyber Threat Actors

Cyber threat actors embed themselves in daily workflows and trusted relationships. In fact, every person or process connected to your network represents both an asset and a potential risk.

• Employees: Hybrid work and personal devices blur security boundaries. For example, employees may forward files to personal inboxes or use unsecured networks, which in turn creates gaps that attackers can exploit. Additionally, rushed or distracted behavior increases the likelihood of mistakes that cyber threat actors can capitalize on.
• Vendors: Similarly, every third-party partnership extends your digital footprint. If vendors maintain weaker security practices, they can unintentionally act as cyber threat actors, thereby exposing your organization to risks that are outside your immediate control.
• AI Tools: Generative AI accelerates work but also collects data continuously. Often, teams paste client or internal information into platforms without knowing where it goes or whether it remains secure. As a result, AI tools can inadvertently become a channel for cyber threat actors, creating hidden vulnerabilities.

Leadership and Cyber Threat Actor Awareness

Business leaders play a critical role in setting the tone for cybersecurity. If leadership treats cybersecurity as an afterthought, employees will too. Instead, make it part of the company culture. Here’s how:

• Invest in Human-Centric Training: Make cybersecurity education engaging and relevant. Use real-world examples that resonate with your team.
• Audit Your Tech Stack and Vendors: Regularly review access privileges and ensure vendors meet your security standards.
• Create Policies for AI Use: Clarify what data can and cannot be shared with AI tools to prevent accidental exposure.
• Model Good Behavior: When executives follow security best practices, employees take notice.
• Close the Loop: Encourage employees to report suspicious activity or mistakes without fear of punishment. When security is a safe conversation, prevention becomes proactive.

Security as a Strategic Advantage

Strong cybersecurity isn’t just about avoiding a breach, it’s about protecting your reputation, your operations, and your bottom line. Clients and partners trust organizations that take security seriously. By fostering a culture of awareness and accountability, you not only minimize risk but also strengthen your competitive edge.

Cyber threats are evolving, and so must leadership. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, remember that the enemy isn’t always who, or what, you think. The next data breach might not come from a hacker in a hoodie. It might come from someone who already has your login credentials. Or it may even come from someone you’ve already paid an invoice to.

The good news? You can get ahead of it. Partner with your MSP to review your people, processes, and platforms. A modern security strategy doesn’t just protect your business empowers it.