Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

To which class of hackers does Allen belong if he uses APTs to intrude on a competitor's network to steal critical information?

1. Industrial spies

2. State-sponsored hackers

3. Cybercriminals

4. White hat hackers

The correct answer is: Industrial spies

Allen belongs to the class of industrial spies because his actions involve using advanced persistent threats (APTs) to infiltrate a competitor's network with the intent to steal critical information. Industrial espionage typically refers to the practice of espionage conducted for commercial or financial purposes, where one entity seeks to gain a competitive advantage by accessing proprietary information held by another entity. This type of hacking is characterized by its focus on obtaining trade secrets, intellectual property, or sensitive information that can give the hacker an edge in the market. While state-sponsored hackers might also use APTs, their primary motivation is usually tied to national interests, political gain, or national security rather than direct commercial advantage. Cybercriminals typically engage in illegal activities for personal financial gain without the focus on trade secrets or corporate competition. White hat hackers, on the other hand, operate ethically, often working to protect organizations from such attacks rather than engaging in them. Thus, the actions described align most closely with industrial espionage.