Which term describes the end state that a threat actor aims to achieve?

The term that best describes the end state that a threat actor aims to achieve is "objective." In cybersecurity, the objective refers to the specific outcome or target that a threat actor is trying to reach through their malicious activities. This could involve stealing data, disrupting services, or gaining unauthorized access to systems. Understanding the objective helps organizations to better prepare their defenses by anticipating potential attacks and the motives behind them.

While the terms "goal," "intent," and "aim" might seem similar, they don't specifically convey the notion of a defined end state as clearly as "objective" does. "Goal" generally refers to a broader ambition or aspiration, often less concrete. "Intent" focuses on the motivation or purpose behind an action rather than the final outcome. "Aim" can imply direction but does not encapsulate the same precise and targeted outcome as an objective. Hence, in the context of cybersecurity and threat assessment, "objective" is the most precise term to identify what a threat actor ultimately seeks to accomplish.