APTs Explained: Impact on Cybersecurity

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are a kind of cyberattack in which unauthorized persons gain access to a system or network and remain undiscovered for a long time of time. Unlike other types of cyberattacks, APTs are often coordinated with more complex motives, such as spying or data theft over time.

APTs are compound attacks with several stages and a range of attack methods. The most notable examples of several typical attack vectors that were first deployed as a part of an APT operation are zero-day exploits and malware, specialized credential theft, and lateral movement tools. APT campaigns frequently use several access points and attack techniques.APTs exhibit unique attributes distinguishing them from common cyberattacks:

• Long-term Presence: APTs are designed to remain hidden, enabling the attacker to listen in and gather data over extended periods.
• Targeted Attacks: APTs usually target organizations in sectors with high-value information, such as defense, manufacturing, and finance.
• Highly Organized: Behind APTs are usually well-funded and highly organized groups, often with backing from nation-states.
• Use of Advanced Techniques: These attackers employ sophisticated methods, often exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, to ensure stealth and persistence.

Stages of an Evolving APT

The whole purpose of an APT attack is to gain ongoing access to the system. Hackers achieve this in a series of five stages:

1. Initial Access  

APTs begin their campaign by getting network access through one of three attack surfaces: web-based systems, networks, or human users. They often gain access by performing malicious uploads, searching for and exploiting application vulnerabilities, exploiting gaps in security tools, and, most commonly, spear-phishing employees with privileged accounts. The target will be infected with malicious software.

2. Establishing Penetration

After gaining access, attackers compromise the penetrated system by installing a backdoor shell, a trojan disguised as legitimate software, or other malware that allows them network access and remote control of the penetrated system. Establishing an outbound connection to their Command and Control system is an important milestone. APTs may use advanced malware techniques such as encryption, obfuscation, or code rewriting to hide their presence.

3. Access Expansion

Attackers employ the first penetration to learn more about the target network. They can use brute force attacks or other weaknesses discovered within the network to obtain deeper access and control over additional, more sensitive systems. Attackers construct new backdoors and tunnels, allowing them to transport data and undertake lateral movement throughout the network at will.

4. Staging the Attack

Once they have established their presence, attackers identify the data or assets they seek and transfer them to a secure area within the network, typically encrypted and compressed to prepare for exfiltration. This stage may take some time as attackers continue to breach additional sensitive systems and transfer their data to secure storage.

Ultimately, malicious actors get ready to move the information out of the system. They frequently execute a strategy like launching a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack to divert the attention of security teams while they transport the data beyond the network's boundaries. Following this, they will proceed to eliminate any traces of the data transfer that could be used for forensic analysis.

Depending on the objectives of the attack, at this stage, the APT group might either inflict extensive harm, crippling the organization or seizing control of vital assets like websites or data centers.

If the APT attack involves quietly taking data without anyone noticing, the attackers will stick around in the network and wait for more chances to attack. Over time, they might get more secret information and do the same thing again. They'll also try to create hidden ways to get back in, so even if they get caught, they can still access the system later.

How to Prevent APTs

Preventing APTs in cybersecurity involves a combination of proactive measures and ongoing vigilance. Here's a simplified overview of some important strategies:

• Employee Training: Educating your employees is crucial because many APT attacks start with a human error, such as clicking on a malicious link or downloading a harmful attachment in a phishing email. Training can help them recognize and avoid these traps.
• Strong Authentication: Implementing strong authentication methods adds an extra layer of security. It ensures that even if an attacker steals login credentials, they won't be able to access the system without the second authentication factor.
• Network Segmentation: Network segmentation involves dividing your network into smaller, isolated segments. This helps contain an APT if it manages to infiltrate one part of your network, preventing it from easily spreading to other areas.
• Regular Patching: Keeping your software and systems up to date with security patches is essential. APT attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software, so patching helps close these potential entry points.
• Endpoint Protection: Endpoint security solutions safeguard individual devices within your network. They detect and respond to threats on each device, making it harder for APTs to compromise endpoints.
• Network Monitoring: Continuous network monitoring involves watching for unusual or suspicious activities. It helps identify APTs in the early stages when they are still attempting to establish a foothold in your network.
• Access Control: Limiting user privileges and controlling access to sensitive areas of your network reduces the surface area that attackers can target. Even if attackers gain access to one account, they won't have unfettered access to your systems.

For more insights and detailed explanations on the impact APTs have on cybersecurity, make sure to engage in our Introduction to Cybersecurity Online Training.