Cyber Security – Looking at Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
This article discusses the Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) cyber attack, and covers both the strategies used during an attack, and how to defend against them.
APT – What is an APT attack?
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) in cyber security refers to a prolonged and targeted cyber attack, characterised by persistence over a long period with extensive resources used as well as a high level of sophistication. In simpler terms it’s like a stealthy thief who breaks into your house, hides for a long time, and steals your valuables bit by bit.
The level of sophistication that tends to accompany APTs typically points to a well-resourced groups such as a nation-state or a highly skilled cyber criminal organisations.
APT’s tend to differ from regular cyber attacks in their duration, complexity and motivation.
The APT Strategy:
- Highly Advanced: APTs tend to employ advanced sophisticated techniques carried out by skilled attackers. They may exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities (zero-day exploits), spear phishing / social engineering, or advanced persistent malware to gain access to target systems.
- Persistence: APTs are not one-time attacks; instead, they establish a persistent long-term presence within the victim’s environment, designed to maintain a low profile and operate under the radar for extended periods. The attackers maintain access to the compromised systems for often months, or maybe even years, to enable them carry out their objectives.
- Stealth: APT attackers prioritise remaining undetected within the target network for as long as possible. They employ various techniques to hide their presence, such as using encryption, masquerading as legitimate users, or manipulating system logs.
- Motivation: APT attacks are typically targeted at specific organisations or individuals with valuable assets, such as intellectual property, sensitive data, or strategic information. The attackers may have well-defined objectives and motives, such as stealing classified information, disrupting critical infrastructure, or conducting espionage.
How to defend against APT attacks:
Defending against APTs requires a highly pro-active and multi-layered approach to cyber security, as these attacks are designed to be persistent and difficult to detect. Combating APTs requires a robust security posture with an emphasis on proactive threat hunting, so consider Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) to help identify and mitigate APT activities before they cause significant damage. Continuously monitor your network for Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) activity including unusual login attempts, data exfiltration, and unauthorised access attempts. It goes without saying you should employ anti- virus, anti-malware, and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions to monitor devices for suspicious activity.
Consider regular penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses, and conduct vulnerability assessments against a formal cyber framework such as NIST, CIS, ISO etc.
Other strategies in the battle against APT to consider are:
- Network Segmentation and Access Control: Implement network segmentation and micro-segmentation to isolate critical systems and limit lateral movement within the network. Enforce the principle of least privilege to restrict access to sensitive systems and data based on users’ roles and responsibilities.
- Patch Management: Regularly update and patch operating systems, applications, and software to address known vulnerabilities and reduce the attack surface available to potential adversaries.
- Encryption and Data Protection: Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit to protect it from unauthorised access. Implement data loss prevention (DLP) solutions to monitor and control the movement of sensitive information within the organisation, and ensure your network and security logs cannot be overwritten.
- Employee Awareness: Educate employees on common social engineering tactics used in phishing attacks and how to identify suspicious emails and messages. Train them on secure password practices and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.
- Incident Response Plan: Have a plan in place for how to respond to a suspected APT attack. This plan should include procedures for isolating the attack, containing the damage, and eradicating the threat. Regularly test your incident response plan to ensure that everyone knows their role and that the plan is effective.
In summary:
APT attacks can be hugely damaging and disruptive to organisations, but understanding the nature of these threats and implementing a comprehensive security strategy can help minimise the risk and protect valuable assets. Remember, APTs are not just a concern for large enterprises and governments; organisations of all sizes can be targeted. Staying vigilant and proactive is key to staying safe from these advanced threats. It’s important to remember that defending against APTs is an ongoing process, as attackers constantly develop new techniques.