CyberSecurity

01- Definition:

An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a sophisticated, targeted cyberattack — usually by skilled actors (often state-sponsored) — aimed at stealing data, spying, or sabotaging a specific organization over a long time. 

Keywords:

🔹 Advanced → uses complex techniques.

🔹 Persistent → stays undetected for weeks/months.

🔹 Threat → motivated & capable attacker. 

02- Lifecycle: 

Similar to a kill chain. Typical phases:
1️⃣ Reconnaissance → gather intel on target (OSINT, scanning).
2️⃣ Initial Compromise → phishing, zero-day exploit, supply chain attack.
3️⃣ Establish Foothold → drop malware, backdoors.
4️⃣ Lateral Movement → move inside the network, escalate privileges.
5️⃣ Maintain Persistence → use hidden accounts, scheduled tasks, rootkits.
6️⃣ Data Exfiltration → steal sensitive data silently.
7️⃣ Cover Tracks & Remain → clean logs, re-infect if removed.

03- Who is using APTs? 

1. Nation-States

• Example: APT1 (China), APT29 (Russia), APT33 (Iran)

• Motivation: Espionage, sabotage, political advantage

2. Cybercrime Groups

• Example: FIN7, Lazarus Group

• Motivation: Financial gain, crypto theft, fraud

3. Hacktivists

• Example: Anonymous (rarely use full APT lifecycle)

• Motivation: Ideological or political causes

04- Common APT Targets 

• Governments

• Military

• Critical Infrastructure

• Telecom & Energy

• Finance and Banking

• Tech and Research