Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are highly sophisticated and prolonged cyber attacks carried out by skilled and organised groups, often linked to nation-states or criminal organisations. Their goal is to infiltrate a target's network, remain undetected for an extended period, and steal sensitive data or disrupt critical operations. APTs are characterised by their persistence, stealth, and strategic planning.

 

Unlike typical cyber attacks, which may be opportunistic, APTs are carefully planned and target specific organisations, usually in sectors like government, finance, or critical infrastructure.

An APT typically follows a multi-stage process. First, attackers use social engineering or vulnerabilities to gain initial access. Once inside the network, they establish backdoors or malware to maintain long-term control.

 

The attackers then escalate their privileges to access more sensitive systems and data. They use lateral movement to explore the network, collecting valuable information without triggering detection mechanisms. Finally, they exfiltrate the data or deploy malicious payloads, all while remaining undetected.

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APTs differ from other cyber threats due to their persistence and resources. They often use custom-built malware, zero-day exploits, and advanced techniques to evade detection. Defending against APTs requires robust, multi-layered security strategies, including continuous monitoring, incident response planning, and collaboration with threat intelligence networks. The main objective is to detect and mitigate these attacks before they can cause significant harm.