Which of the following terms refers to individuals who conduct hacking activities primarily for monetary gain?

The correct answer, which identifies individuals who conduct hacking activities primarily for monetary gain, is organized crime. This term encompasses groups or individuals that execute cybercrimes as part of structured operations with the aim of financial profit. Organized crime can involve a variety of malicious activities such as data breaches, identity theft, banking fraud, and the distribution of ransomware.

Organized crime is characterized by its level of professionalism, with members often possessing advanced skills and capabilities that allow them to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain. These actors may work in groups or networks, sharing tools, resources, and information to enhance their operational effectiveness.

Other terms, while related to hacking, describe different motivations or characteristics. Hacktivists, for example, are driven by political or social causes rather than financial gain, working to promote their agenda through cyber actions. Script kiddies typically refer to less-skilled individuals who use existing tools or scripts to hack without understanding the underlying technology. Blue hats are often security professionals who test systems for vulnerabilities but generally do this in a responsible manner, often in controlled environments, and are not focused on malicious or profit-driven activities. Therefore, organized crime is the term that specifically encapsulates the intent of conducting hacking for monetary reasons.