Which of the following is an example of an internal actor within an organization?

An internal actor within an organization refers to individuals or groups that operate from within the organization itself. Disgruntled employees exemplify this because they are part of the organization and have direct access to its resources and systems. Such individuals may possess knowledge of internal processes, sensitive information, and vulnerabilities, which could pose a risk if their dissatisfaction leads them to engage in harmful activities, such as data breaches or sabotage.

In contrast, the other options represent external influences or forces that do not belong to the organization. Government agencies may have regulatory or oversight roles but are not considered internal actors. Cybercriminals operating from outside are outsiders looking to exploit vulnerabilities, and third-party contractors, while they may work closely with the organization, are not direct employees and do not inherently operate as internal actors. Hence, the presence of disgruntled employees distinctly categorizes them as internal actors, highlighting the potential threat they may pose to an organization’s security.