What is an advanced persistent threat (APT)? APTs are cyberattacks in which an intruder, or a group of intruders, quietly infiltrates a system or a network for an extended period to steal sensitive data. APTs are sophisticated and require careful planning, targeting large-scale organizations or government networks. Here’s how you can identify an APT:
The APT protection market is predicted to exceed US$29 billion by 2031, indicating a rise in this concerning cyber trend. As large enterprises incorporate advanced digital tools, including cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), into their workflows, they also expand their attack surface — making them vulnerable to APT attacks.
One of the most shocking APT attacks of the decade was the SolarWinds cyberattack in 2020, believed to have been carried out by a Russian-state-sponsored hacker group. Through this attack, the hackers obtained sensitive information related to several high-profile entities, including Fortune 500 companies and U.S. government agencies.
The Lifecycle of an APT
The imperative term in APTs is “persistent” – these attacks are a waiting game masterfully executed through advanced hacking tactics. Here’s how the process plays out:
Reconnaissance: During this stage, attackers gather key information about the target using open-source intelligence (OSINT) or social engineering tactics to spot entry points.
Attackers infiltrate the target’s systems using attack vectors like malware.
Attackers stealthily move between systems (laterally) to extract valuable data or assets. To do this, they may log in as authorized users with stolen credentials or use Pass-the-Hash attack techniques to get in.
Attackers use encrypted channels to exfiltrate the sensitive data they have obtained.
Being aware of an APT’s lifecycle can help large enterprises plan strategies that interrupt attackers at each stage, preventing the next possible breach and limiting the amount of stolen data. Understanding the APT process can also help you set up proactive defenses, such as deploying honeypots or decoy systems within your network or hardening defenses at critical entry points.
Why APTs Are a Significant Threat to Enterprises
All cyberattacks have serious consequences, but APTs burrow deep within your system like a mole, siphoning sensitive information that causes major financial, reputational, and operational losses.
Financial losses include not only the attack-response cost but also possible fines for flouting regulatory standards and revenue loss due to system downtime.
Reputational damage is common after an APT breach, which compromises customer and client information, trade secrets, and confidential business plans. It leads to a loss of trust from investors. Enterprises may take years to recover from such a reputational setback.
Even more damaging is the loss of intellectual property, such as proprietary technology or R&D data, which likely required years of research. This can severely impact government policies and long-term plans of major companies.
Sectors Most at Risk
Certain sectors are more vulnerable to APTs because they store highly valuable national and public data. Many of these industries rely on older, legacy systems that may not be capable of combating an advanced APT attack.
The financial sector is one of the most common targets of APTs due to obvious reasons. Once attackers gain a foothold in the financial system, they mine for customer and credit card data worth millions, if not billions. Banks, investment firms, and fintech companies are most exposed to such attacks.
A prime example of the prevalence of APTs in this sector is the 2016 Bangladesh cyber heist case. In this case, hackers injected malware into the central bank system and monitored them closely for weeks. Next, they attempted to steal nearly US$80 million using the SWIFT messaging system.
The healthcare and critical infrastructure sectors are equally vulnerable to APTs, as they store vast amounts of personal health information, medical research, and critical trade and development plans that attackers may want to steal.
Defense and aerospace industries are also at risk from APTs planned as state-sponsored cyber espionage. Such APTs may aim to steal classified weapon designs or military intelligence. This is much like the Chinese APT 31 Group, which has consistently targeted the U.S. defense, IT, and energy sectors.
Key Strategies for Staying Ahead of APTs
Traditional security measures don’t work because of the complex nature of APTs, so here’s what your enterprise can do to stay ahead of such threats:
Advanced Threat Detection: AI and machine learning (ML) systems can detect under-the-radar patterns seen in APT attacks thanks to their ability to analyze copious amounts of network traffic and user activity.
Behavior analytics works similarly, catching deviations from prescribed user baselines, such as unusual file transfers or login times. These tools can help spot anomalies early in an APT operation. That way, your IT team can respond to incidents faster.
Zero Trust Architecture: This solution is based on the “never trust, always verify” principle. As a result, users from both inside and outside the network are considered threats until they undergo verification, either by multi-factor authentication (MFA) or encryption.
This helps your enterprise limit access to critical networks and reduce attack surfaces where APTs can “make their (lateral) move.”
Threat Intelligence Sharing: Collaborating with industry peers and security firms is a good way to keep your enterprise up-to-date about the latest APT threats, attack vectors, and countermeasures.
You can exchange information through platforms like the Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) or by partnering with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other government agencies.
Incident Response Plans: Incident response plans (IRPs) help you respond swiftly and effectively to an APT attack. They help your enterprise isolate affected systems so you can contain the attack. However, simply having an IRP isn’t enough. Enterprises should keep them regularly updated against new APT tactics by conducting simulated red team exercises and security audits.
Best Practices for Enterprises
Aside from reactive plans, your enterprise must ensure that each employee is aware of potential risks and can identify system vulnerabilities.
Company-wide employee awareness modules should include training staff on social engineering tactics, a common tactic bad actors use to manipulate employees into sharing sensitive credentials. For example, your enterprise can conduct periodic phishing simulations to help employees identify phishing emails or spear-phishing campaigns.
Threat actors are notorious for sniffing out software gaps to infiltrate the system. A case in point is the WannaCry attack, which targeted systems that hadn’t updated their Microsoft Windows OS. With a strong patch management policy that automates patches remotely, your enterprise can seal potential security gaps before they attract such threats. As such, you must ensure regular software patching via reliable patch management and security tools, including NinjaOne or SolarWinds.
Integrating security tools is just as important. They can improve endpoint protection and provide a more centralized view of your organization’s connected networks, allowing you to get real-time alerts and react to exposed vulnerabilities. This includes integrating:
You must also continuously monitor various aspects of your enterprise’s network to spot unusual patterns since APTs operate unnoticed for months and years. You can use real-time analytics tools to alert you to early signs of a system breach. Automated vulnerability scanning measures and manual assessment can also help spot holes in your systems before APTs get a foot in the door.
Future Outlook for APT
Advanced persistent threats are using evasive techniques such as fileless malware or AI and machine learning to carry out automated attacks. Enterprises can combat these growing threats using advanced technologies, including the following:
The secret to deflecting APTs is to ensure your enterprise proactively adapts to shifting technologies in the cybersecurity landscape. With a proactive mindset and cutting-edge tools, you can create a safer future for your business and stakeholders.