# threat actor

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A person or entity that conducts malicious activities against digital targets, particularly cyberattacks.

## Etymology
Likely US Government jargon, derived from actor (“one that takes part in an action”). First attested in 2000.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/threat-actor