{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-dictionary-term-tsx","path":"/dictionary/advanced-persistent-threat-apt","result":{"data":{"contentfulDictionaryTerm":{"title":"Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)","slug":"advanced-persistent-threat-apt","descriptionMeta":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"rawMarkdownBody":"This article delves into advanced persistent threats (APT), explains what they and provides some tips on how to avoid an attack."}},"body":{"body":"# Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)\nAdvanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are sophisticated, targeted cyberattacks aimed at stealing valuable data, compromising sensitive information, or sabotaging critical infrastructure. Unlike other forms of cyber threats that might seek immediate financial gain, APTs are designed for long-term espionage and strategic disruption.\n\n![Advanced persistent threat-min](//images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/BwKGKYEXuGrzYAnts7BRj/29c45977576a5b75abed3394e76d2550/Advanced_persistent_threat-min.jpg)\n## Targeting and complexity: \nAPTs focus on high-value targets such as large corporations and government agencies. These attacks are meticulously planned and executed, making them significantly more complex than typical web application threats.\n\n### Consequences of APT attacks:\n\n__Intellectual property theft:__ This includes trade secrets, patents, and other proprietary data critical to a company's competitive advantage.\n\n__Compromise of sensitive information:__ Personal data of employees and users can be exposed, leading to massive privacy breaches.\n\n__Sabotage of critical infrastructure:__ This might involve deleting crucial databases or taking over entire sites, severely disrupting operations.\n\n__Total site takeovers:__ Attackers gain control over an organization’s entire digital presence, manipulating it at will.\n\n__Execution and resources:__ Executing an APT requires substantial resources, including a team of skilled cybercriminals with considerable financial backing. Some are even government-funded, serving as tools of cyber warfare.\n\n### APT attack progression:\n\n__Infiltration:__ Attackers gain initial access through compromised web assets, network resources, or human operators, often using techniques like SQL injection, remote file inclusion, or spear phishing. DDoS attacks may be used as a distraction and to weaken security perimeters.\n\n__Expansion:__ Once inside, attackers expand their foothold, moving laterally through the network to compromise high-level accounts and gather critical business information. This stage might involve placing Trojans and backdoors that appear as legitimate software, enabling stealthy, remote operations.\n\n__Extraction:__ Stolen data is collected and stored securely within the compromised network. Extraction is carefully timed, often accompanied by diversion tactics like DDoS attacks to mask the data exfiltration process.\n\nAPTs represent a major security challenge due to their stealth, sophistication, and the significant damage they can inflict. Protecting against them requires advanced security measures, continuous monitoring, and a proactive incident response strategy. By implementing advanced [cybersecurity solutions](https://guard.io/plans \"Guardio Plans page\") like as Guardio, organizations can significantly enhance their ability to detect and respond to these threats before they cause irreparable damage, ensuring a robust defense against the complexities of APTs. \n\n[Guardio](https://guard.io/plans \"Guardio Plans page\") offers comprehensive monitoring and security features designed to identify suspicious activities and potential breaches early in the attack cycle. This proactive approach allows for immediate containment and mitigation of threats, safeguarding critical data and maintaining the integrity of network infrastructure. Utilizing such [cybersecurity software](https://guard.io/plans \"Guardio Plans page\") is a vital component in the defense strategy against the sophisticated and covert nature of APTs, ensuring that businesses can operate securely in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.\n","childMarkdownRemark":{"htmlAst":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"h1","properties":{"id":"advanced-persistent-threat-apt","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#advanced-persistent-threat-apt","ariaLabel":"advanced persistent threat apt permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are sophisticated, targeted cyberattacks aimed at stealing valuable data, compromising sensitive information, or sabotaging critical infrastructure. Unlike other forms of cyber threats that might seek immediate financial gain, APTs are designed for long-term espionage and strategic disruption."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"span","properties":{"className":["gatsby-resp-image-wrapper"],"style":"position: relative; display: block; ; max-width: 500px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n        "},{"type":"element","tagName":"span","properties":{"className":["gatsby-resp-image-background-image"],"style":"padding-bottom: 100%; position: relative; bottom: 0; left: 0; background-image: url('data:image/jpeg;base64,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'); background-size: cover; display: block;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n          "},{"type":"element","tagName":"img","properties":{"className":["gatsby-resp-image-image"],"style":"width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0; vertical-align: middle; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; box-shadow: inset 0px 0px 0px 400px white;","alt":"Advanced persistent threat-min","title":"","src":"https://images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/BwKGKYEXuGrzYAnts7BRj/29c45977576a5b75abed3394e76d2550/Advanced_persistent_threat-min.jpg","srcSet":["https://images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/BwKGKYEXuGrzYAnts7BRj/29c45977576a5b75abed3394e76d2550/Advanced_persistent_threat-min.jpg?w=125 125w","https://images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/BwKGKYEXuGrzYAnts7BRj/29c45977576a5b75abed3394e76d2550/Advanced_persistent_threat-min.jpg?w=250 250w","https://images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/BwKGKYEXuGrzYAnts7BRj/29c45977576a5b75abed3394e76d2550/Advanced_persistent_threat-min.jpg?w=500 500w"],"sizes":"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px","loading":"lazy"},"children":[]},{"type":"text","value":"\n        "}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n      "}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{"id":"targeting-and-complexity","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Targeting and complexity:"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#targeting-and-complexity","ariaLabel":"targeting and complexity permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"APTs focus on high-value targets such as large corporations and government agencies. These attacks are meticulously planned and executed, making them significantly more complex than typical web application threats."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{"id":"consequences-of-apt-attacks","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Consequences of APT attacks:"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#consequences-of-apt-attacks","ariaLabel":"consequences of apt attacks permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Intellectual property theft:"}]},{"type":"text","value":" This includes trade secrets, patents, and other proprietary data critical to a company's competitive advantage."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Compromise of sensitive information:"}]},{"type":"text","value":" Personal data of employees and users can be exposed, leading to massive privacy breaches."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Sabotage of critical infrastructure:"}]},{"type":"text","value":" This might involve deleting crucial databases or taking over entire sites, severely disrupting operations."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Total site takeovers:"}]},{"type":"text","value":" Attackers gain control over an organization’s entire digital presence, manipulating it at will."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Execution and resources:"}]},{"type":"text","value":" Executing an APT requires substantial resources, including a team of skilled cybercriminals with considerable financial backing. Some are even government-funded, serving as tools of cyber warfare."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h3","properties":{"id":"apt-attack-progression","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"APT attack progression:"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#apt-attack-progression","ariaLabel":"apt attack progression permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Infiltration:"}]},{"type":"text","value":" Attackers gain initial access through compromised web assets, network resources, or human operators, often using techniques like SQL injection, remote file inclusion, or spear phishing. DDoS attacks may be used as a distraction and to weaken security perimeters."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Expansion:"}]},{"type":"text","value":" Once inside, attackers expand their foothold, moving laterally through the network to compromise high-level accounts and gather critical business information. This stage might involve placing Trojans and backdoors that appear as legitimate software, enabling stealthy, remote operations."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"strong","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Extraction:"}]},{"type":"text","value":" Stolen data is collected and stored securely within the compromised network. Extraction is carefully timed, often accompanied by diversion tactics like DDoS attacks to mask the data exfiltration process."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"APTs represent a major security challenge due to their stealth, sophistication, and the significant damage they can inflict. Protecting against them requires advanced security measures, continuous monitoring, and a proactive incident response strategy. By implementing advanced "},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"https://guard.io/plans","title":"Guardio Plans page"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"cybersecurity solutions"}]},{"type":"text","value":" like as Guardio, organizations can significantly enhance their ability to detect and respond to these threats before they cause irreparable damage, ensuring a robust defense against the complexities of APTs."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"https://guard.io/plans","title":"Guardio Plans page"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Guardio"}]},{"type":"text","value":" offers comprehensive monitoring and security features designed to identify suspicious activities and potential breaches early in the attack cycle. This proactive approach allows for immediate containment and mitigation of threats, safeguarding critical data and maintaining the integrity of network infrastructure. Utilizing such "},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"https://guard.io/plans","title":"Guardio Plans page"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"cybersecurity software"}]},{"type":"text","value":" is a vital component in the defense strategy against the sophisticated and covert nature of APTs, ensuring that businesses can operate securely in an increasingly hostile digital landscape."}]}],"data":{"quirksMode":false}}}}}},"pageContext":{"title":"Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)","slug":"advanced-persistent-threat-apt","keepLearning":[{"title":"Adware","slug":"adware"},{"title":"Anonymizing proxy","slug":"anonymizing-proxy"},{"title":"Antispyware","slug":"antispyware"}],"breadcrumb":{"location":"/dictionary/advanced-persistent-threat-apt","crumbs":[{"pathname":"/","crumbLabel":"Homepage"},{"pathname":"/dictionary","crumbLabel":"dictionary"},{"pathname":"/dictionary/advanced-persistent-threat-apt","crumbLabel":"advanced-persistent-threat-apt"}]}}},"staticQueryHashes":["1614255152"]}