Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
What is it and how can we defend against them
An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) in cybersecurity refers to a prolonged and targeted cyberattack in which an intruder gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. These attacks are typically carried out by well-funded and highly skilled threat actors, often linked to nation-states or organized cybercriminal groups.
Key Characteristics of APTs:
- Advanced: Attackers use sophisticated techniques, including zero-day vulnerabilities, custom malware, and social engineering.
- Persistent: The goal is long-term access. Attackers maintain a foothold in the network to continuously extract data or monitor activity.
- Targeted: APTs are not random. They are aimed at specific organizations, often for espionage, intellectual property theft, or sabotage.
Common APT Lifecycle Stages:
- Reconnaissance – Gathering information about the target.
- Initial Intrusion – Gaining access via phishing, malware, or exploiting vulnerabilities.
- Establishing Foothold – Installing backdoors or remote access tools.
- Lateral Movement – Expanding access within the network.
- Data Exfiltration – Stealing sensitive data.
- Maintaining Presence – Ensuring continued access even if discovered.
Notable APT Examples:
- APT28 (Fancy Bear) – Linked to Russian military intelligence.
- APT29 (Cozy Bear) – Also Russian, known for targeting government and political entities.
- APT1 – Believed to be a Chinese group targeting U.S. companies.