Which type of threats are classified as external threats in cybersecurity?

In the context of cybersecurity, external threats refer to any potential risks to an organization's information systems that originate from outside its internal environment. Hacktivists are individuals or groups that use hacking techniques to promote a political agenda or social change, making them quintessential examples of external threats. They often attack organizations to disrupt services or steal sensitive information and do so without being part of the organization, which distinguishes them from internal threats.

In contrast, individuals labeled as insiders, such as employees or contractors, pose internal threats because they have authorized access to the organization's systems and data. Insider trading involves legal and financial actions rather than cyber threats, and internal auditors are roles within an organization focused on examining and improving the effectiveness of risk management and control processes, further emphasizing their internal nature compared to external threats.