Who are highly trained professionals working for government agencies?

State sponsored hackers are highly trained professionals who work for government agencies and are often engaged in cyber espionage, cyber warfare, and other forms of cyber activities that serve the interests of their nation. These individuals possess advanced skills and knowledge in information technology, cyber security, and hacking techniques, which enable them to conduct operations that can include intelligence gathering, disrupting adversary networks, or protecting their government’s infrastructure from cyber threats.

The distinction of state sponsored hackers lies in their affiliation with national government objectives, which typically involves organized and funded operations aimed at achieving strategic advantages in both security and intelligence. Their work is often backed by significant resources and training, enhancing their effectiveness compared to other types of hackers who may pursue different motivations such as personal gain or activism.

Other options depict different categories of hackers with distinct motives. For example, cyborg hackers generally refer to individuals using technology to enhance their hacking abilities, while red hat hackers focus on actively combating and stopping malicious hackers. Blue hat hackers are typically individuals invited to test systems security, but they are not officially sanctioned by a government agency.