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What Are Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)?

Unlike traditional cyberattacks, advanced persistent threats are often carried out by well-funded and highly skilled threat actors who use a range of techniques to gain and maintain access to a target’s network and data for an extended period of time. As the number of APT attacks continues to rise, businesses of all sizes need to understand the threat landscape and take steps to protect their networks and data against APTs. 

In this blog post, we will explore APTs, how they work, the potential consequences of a successful APT attack, and best practices for preventing APTs.

What Is an Advanced Persistent Threat?

An Advanced Persistent Threat is a type of cyber attack or hacker organization that uses sophisticated attack vectors to launch and maintain long-term attacks against public and private organizations. These are typically carried out by a well-funded, highly skilled, and organized group of hackers with specific targets, often state-sponsored and associated with a government agency (tangentially or otherwise). 

APTs are characterized by their ability to persistently and stealthily target a victim over a prolonged period, often to exfiltrate sensitive data or disrupt critical operations. APTs use sophisticated social engineering techniques, targeted malware, and other stealthy methods to access a victim’s network and maintain their presence undetected.

A defining aspect of any APT is the concept of “lateral movement,” where the organization uses access to gain escalated privileges that allow them to move successfully across connected systems. This points to one of the most threatening aspects of an APT–they can spend months, or even years, burrowing into It or cloud systems before they are detected.

 

What Are the Common Attack Vectors of an Advanced Persistent Threat?

APTs use a variety of attack vectors to gain access to their victims’ networks and maintain persistence over time. Here are some of the most common attack vectors used by APTs:

It’s worth noting that APTs often use a combination of these attack vectors and other techniques to carry out their attacks. This can make them extremely difficult to detect and defend against.

 

What Are Some Notable Advanced Persistent Threats?

There have been several high-profile examples of APTs in recent years. 

 

What Are Some of the Consequences of a Successful APT Attack?

APTs are at a different scale than typical hacks. They are purpose-built and organized to threaten large industries, public agencies, and massive tech companies with long-term data breaches. 

The consequences of a successful APT attack can be severe and far-reaching. Here are some of the potential products of a successful APT attack:

 

What Are the Best Practices for Preventing APTs?

Preventing APT threats requires a comprehensive and multi-layered approach to security that doesn’t take for granted any threats, specific or general.

Some best practices that organizations can implement to reduce these risks include:

It’s important to note that APTs are highly sophisticated and well-funded attackers, so there is no silver bullet solution for preventing them. However, by implementing a multi-layered approach to security and following best practices, organizations can reduce their risk of falling victim to an APT attack.

 

Stay Ahead of APTs With Lazarus Alliance

APTs are the leading threat to large and small businesses in the twenty-first century. While there isn’t a one-shot prevention method, a commitment to regular security assessments, rigorous compliance adherence, and ongoing development of risk and mitigation strategies can minimize your attack surface. 

How can you juggle all those responsibilities while still focusing on your business? Trust Lazarus Alliance.

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