Who the Attackers Are
Understand who attacks systems: script kiddies, hacktivists, cybercriminals, nation-states, and insiders.
Who the Attackers Are is a free Cyber Security Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 3 of 3. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Cyber Security Academy learning path, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
Know your opponents
To defend well, it helps to know who's knocking. Don't worry, we'll keep it light and clear. 🙂
Not all the same
Attackers aren't one type. They have different skills, goals, and motives. Let's meet the main ones.
Script kiddies
Script kiddies use ready-made tools without deep skill. Think pranksters poking at locks for fun.
Cybercriminals
Cybercriminals are in it for money. Stolen cards, ransomware, scams. They treat hacking like a business. 💰
Hacktivists
Hacktivists attack to push a cause or message. It's protest, but done through computers.
Nation-state actors
These are government-backed teams. Highly skilled, well funded, often after secrets or sabotage.
Insiders
Sometimes the threat is inside. An employee, by mistake or on purpose, can cause real damage.
The white hats
Not everyone is bad! White-hat hackers break in legally to help fix weak spots. They're on your team. 🛡️
Why motives matter
Knowing the motive helps you predict the attack. Money, ego, politics, or a slip-up all look different.
You did it!
You finished your first cybersecurity course! You know the basics, the goals, and the players. Proud of you! 🎉
Quick Check
Last one! Which attacker type is mainly driven by making money?
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Who the Attackers Are” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Who the Attackers Are” is free to read here on the web, and the Cyber Security Academy course includes 3 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Cyber Security Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Who the Attackers Are”?
Understand who attacks systems: script kiddies, hacktivists, cybercriminals, nation-states, and insiders. You practise Cyber Security Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Cyber Security Academy?
No prior experience is required. Cyber Security Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 3 of 3, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Who the Attackers Are” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Cyber Security Academy lesson?
Yes. Every Cyber Security Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- What is Cybersecurity?
- The CIA Triad
- Who the Attackers Are