Comment by dangus

16 hours ago

State sponsorship can include the state looking the other way.

Not really? APTs would seem to be either criminal enterprises or state-sponsored because SOMEBODY has to be paying the big bucks.

So yes, probably 100% of criminal enterprises are paying off officials, but if that's the definition of "state sponsored" then the term loses any meaning.

EDIT I guess there's also "legit" businesses like Palantir/NSO group, but I would argue any firm like that is effectively state-sponsored as they are usually revolving doors with NSA-type agencies, the military etc.

So all attacks anywhere are state sponsored?

  • > > State sponsorship can include the state looking the other way.

    > So all attacks anywhere are state sponsored?

    There's a difference between a deliberate decision to look away, and unawareness through lack of oversight.

    You steal candy from a store. There's a difference between the security guard seeing you and deliberately looking away, compared to just not seeing you at all.