An advanced persistent threat (APT) group is a highly sophisticated, well-resourced, and typically state-sponsored or state-affiliated cyber actor that conducts targeted, long-term cyber operations against specific organizations or sectors. These groups are distinguished by their ability to maintain a stealthy, persistent presence within target networks for extended periods—often weeks, months, or even years—while continuously adapting to defensive measures and persistently pursuing their objectives.
Key characteristics of APT groups include:
APT groups use advanced, custom-developed malware, zero-day exploits, and complex intrusion techniques tailored to bypass specific security controls. Their operations are not one-off attacks but long-term campaigns designed to maintain access and exfiltrate data or achieve other strategic objectives over time.
APT groups are usually well-funded, with access to cutting-edge technology, intelligence, and skilled personnel. They select high-value targets such as governments, critical infrastructure, defense, large corporations, and NGOs, often for espionage, intellectual property theft, or geopolitical advantage.
APT groups employ a range of techniques to avoid detection, including encryption, obfuscation, living-off-the-land tactics (using legitimate system tools), and polymorphic malware. They evolve their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) in response to security countermeasures, making them difficult to detect and mitigate.
APTs typically follow a multi-stage attack lifecycle: initial infiltration (often via spear-phishing or exploiting vulnerabilities), escalation and lateral movement within the network, and finally, exfiltration of sensitive data or achieving their objectives. Notable examples of APT groups include Mustang Panda, APT29 (Cozy Bear), APT10, and Hafnium.