What is the primary motivation behind most cyber threats today?

The primary motivation behind most cyber threats today is making money for the attacker. Financial gain drives a significant portion of cybercrime, as attackers utilize various methods to exploit vulnerabilities in order to steal sensitive information, deploy ransomware, or engage in fraud. This monetary incentive is often the primary reason behind an attack, with attackers seeking to profit from stolen data, either by selling it on the dark web or by directly extorting individuals or organizations.

While disrupting services, stealing data, and gaining unauthorized access are also important aspects of cyber threats, they are often means to achieve that ultimate goal of financial gain. For example, stealing data may allow attackers to commit identity theft or sell valuable information, while disrupting services can be a tactic used in ransom scenarios where attackers demand payment in exchange for restoring access. However, these activities are typically not the end goal but rather methods employed to achieve the overarching aim of making money.