Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
An
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a term in
which an unauthorized user gains access to a network or system and remains
undetected for an extended period, typically to steal sensitive information or
cause damage. APT attacks are characterized by their sophistication, targeted
nature, and persistence, often involving multiple stages and methods to evade
detection. APT attacks are typically carried out by well-funded, skilled
attackers who have specific goals and are willing to invest significant time and
resources to achieve them.
How does APT work?
Advanced Persistent
Threats (APTs) typically follow a multi-stage attack process that can be broken
down into the following steps:
● Reconnaissance: The attacker
collects information about the target, such as discovering the system,
application, and user vulnerabilities.
● Gain
access: The attacker gains access
to the target system or network, typically using a combination of social
engineering, spear-phishing, or zero-day exploits.
● Establish
a foothold: The attacker creates a
persistent presence on the target system, using techniques such as backdoors,
remote access trojans, or command-and-control channels.
● Deepen access: The attacker seeks additional access and control, often by
stealing user credentials or exploiting vulnerabilities in the system or
application.
● Move laterally: The attacker moves laterally across the network to access other
systems and data.
● Look, learn, remain: Attackers can closely investigate how the system operates and
where it is susceptible. It is now simple for them to obtain the information
they require. They can then continue in the system until they achieve their
goal—or they can stay inside without the intention of ever leaving.
APT Technique
Advanced Persistent
Threats (APTs) use various techniques to infiltrate and remain undetected in a
target system or network. Some of the common techniques used by APTs include:
●
Social engineering: Using tactics such as phishing or spear-phishing to trick users into
divulging sensitive information or clicking on a malicious link.
●
Zero-day exploits: Taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software or systems that are
not yet known or patched.
●
Backdoors and trojans: Using malicious software to create a
persistent backdoor into a system or network, allowing attackers to access and
control the compromised system.
●
Credential theft: Stealing login credentials to gain access to a system or network.
●
Command and control (C2) channels: Using hidden communication channels to
communicate with and control compromised systems.
●
Lateral movement: Moving laterally across a network to gain access to additional systems
or data.
● Data exfiltration: Stealing sensitive data and exfiltrating it from the target system or network.
How can InfosecTrain help?
APTs have become a more
significant cybersecurity concern after the Covid-19 pandemic. Several APT
cybercrime organizations have begun employing phishing attacks based on
coronaviruses to obtain access to the company’s systems or network and
subsequently conduct very destructive cyberattacks. If you desire to learn more
about these kinds of cyberattacks, you can check out various training courses
from InfosecTrain.
