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What Is an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) and How EDR Helps
#DrivingExpertLedTransformation
Rajesh Kumar
Director – Service Delivery (Infra & Cloud Management)
July 23, 2025
Table of Content
What is an Advanced Persistent Threat?
An advanced persistent threat, or APT, is a highly sophisticated and prolonged cyberattack in which an intruder gains access to a network and remains undetected, often quietly, with the goal of stealing sensitive information over time. Unlike more opportunistic attacks, APTs are carefully planned and specifically tailored to target a particular organization. These attackers work deliberately to bypass security measures and avoid detection for as long as possible.
What makes APTs especially dangerous is the level of effort and expertise that goes into them such as attacks being carried out by well-experienced cybercriminals or state actors who are backed by sufficient funding.
There are four reasons why such an attack would be carried out.
- Cyber espionage, such as stealing intellectual property or government secrets.
- Financial gain through electronic crime.
- Ideological or political activism, commonly referred to as hacktivism.
- Outright destruction, aimed at disrupting or damaging critical systems.
What Are the Three Stages of an APT Attack?
To stop an advanced persistent threat, or APT, you first need to understand how it works. Most APTs follow a familiar pattern. They start by sneaking into a network, then spread out to find important information, and finally, they quietly steal that data.
Stage One: Infiltration
The attackers usually begin by tricking someone into letting them inside. They often employ social engineering tactics, such as sending phishing emails that appear genuine. These emails may target top executives or IT leaders within the company. Sometimes, attackers use details they have learned from other employees they have already hacked. When an email is carefully aimed at one person, it is called spear-phishing.
For example, you might receive an email that appears to be from a coworker and discusses a project you are currently working on. If many leaders in your company fall for these emails, it is a strong sign that an APT attack could be happening.
Stage Two: Escalation and lateral movement
Once inside, the attackers don’t stop. They put malicious software into the network and start exploring. They look for ways to get more access by collecting usernames and passwords. They map out the network to find where the most valuable data is stored.
They also set up secret ways to get back in later without being noticed. These hidden entrances make sure they can keep coming back even if one entry point is discovered and closed.
Stage Three: Exfiltration
After gathering enough information, the attackers get ready to take it. They usually hide the stolen data somewhere safe inside the network until they have enough to make their move. When they are ready, they quietly send the data out. Sometimes, they create distractions like a denial-of-service attack to keep the security team busy while they steal the data. Even after the theft, the network may still be vulnerable, allowing the attackers to come back anytime they want.
Characteristics of an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Attack
Advanced persistent threats stand out from typical cyberattacks because they use more sophisticated strategies and leave behind unique signs. In addition to highly targeted spear-phishing campaigns aimed at organizational leaders, there are several other symptoms that may indicate an APT attack is underway.
Some common characteristics include:
- Unusual activity on user accounts, such as a noticeable increase in high-level logins during late-night hours, when such activity is not expected.
- The widespread presence of backdoor Trojans, which are malicious programs designed to give attackers ongoing secret access to the network.
- The appearance of unexpected or unusual data bundles, which could suggest that large amounts of information are being collected in preparation for data theft or exfiltration.
- Unusual information flows, such as anomalies in outbound data or a sudden and significant increase in database operations involving large volumes of data, which may signal that sensitive information is being moved out of the organization.
APT attacks are also characterized by their persistence and stealth. Attackers often remain hidden within a network for extended periods, sometimes months or even years, continuously monitoring and adapting to avoid detection. These attacks are usually carried out by highly skilled and well-funded groups, often linked to nation-states or organized crime, who carefully plan their operations to achieve specific, high-value objective.
Examples of Advanced Persistent Threats
CrowdStrike monitors more than 150 adversaries worldwide, including groups backed by nation-states, cybercriminal organizations, and hacktivist collectives.
Some notable advanced persistent threat groups identified by CrowdStrike include the following:
- GOBLIN PANDA, also known as APT27, was first observed in September 2013 when CrowdStrike detected signs of attack in the network of a technology company operating across several sectors. This group, based in China, uses Microsoft Word documents with training themes to deliver malicious files when the documents are opened.
- FANCY BEAR, also known as APT28, is a Russian group that uses phishing emails and fake websites designed to look like legitimate ones. Their goal is to gain access to both computers and mobile devices.
- Cozy Bear, also known as APT29, is believed to operate on behalf of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. This group is known for launching large spear-phishing campaigns and using a wide variety of malware to target political, scientific, and national security organizations.
- Ocean Buffalo, also known as APT32, is a group from Vietnam that has been active since at least 2012. This adversary uses a mix of custom and commercially available tools, along with malware delivered through compromised websites and spear-phishing emails containing harmful attachments.
- HELIX KITTEN, also known as APT34, is likely based in Iran and has been active since at least late 2015. This group targets industries such as aerospace, energy, finance, government, hospitality, and telecommunications, often using well-researched spear-phishing messages tailored to specific individuals.
- Wicked Panda, also known as APT41, is one of the most prolific and effective groups based in China. This group includes several contractors who work for the interests of the Chinese state while also engaging in criminal activities for profit, likely with some level of approval from Chinese officials.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Advanced Persistent Threats
Defending against advanced persistent threats, or APTs, can feel overwhelming, but there are practical steps your organization can take to stay safe. Here’s how you can build a strong defense:
Make Sure You Can See Everything
First, you need to know what is happening across your entire network. Think of it like turning on all the lights in your house so there are no dark corners for intruders to hide in. Use security tools that give your team a clear view of every part of your environment, so nothing goes unnoticed.
Use Smart Intelligence
It helps to have information about what attackers are doing elsewhere. By collecting and using indicators of compromise like suspicious files or unusual login patterns. You can spot threats before they become a problem. Feeding this information into your security systems makes it easier to connect the dots and catch attackers early.
Get Help from the Experts
Sometimes, you need a little backup. Partnering with a reliable cybersecurity company means you have experts on call if something goes wrong. They can help you respond quickly and limit any damage if an attack does happen.
Protect Your Web Applications
A web application firewall acts like a security guard for your online services. It checks all the traffic coming in and out, blocking anything suspicious before it reaches your sensitive data.
Stay Informed About Threats
Knowing who is out there and what they are after is half the battle. Threat intelligence helps you understand the people behind the attacks, what they are targeting, and how they operate. This context lets you prepare more effectively and respond with confidence.
Hunt for Threats Before They Strike
Don’t just wait for alarms to go off. Proactive threat hunting means having skilled security professionals actively looking for signs of trouble, day and night. Their expertise can catch subtle threats that automated systems might miss.
Keep Up with Good Security Habits
Finally, remember the basics. Regularly update and patch your software to fix any security holes. Divide your network into sections so attackers cannot move freely if they get in. Have a clear incident response plan so everyone knows what to do if there is a breach. And always keep an eye on your systems, using the latest threat intelligence to stay ahead of attackers.
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FAQs about Advanced Persistent Threat
What exactly is an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)?
APT attacks are cybersecurity threats posed by highly skilled and well-funded hackers and cybercriminals. These malicious actors breach networks and remain in the systems for a long period without getting noticed. Their aim is usually to steal sensitive information or carry out espionage on an organization. If you’re in New York city, chances are you are facing a lot of APTs. Hence, you could search for managed IT services New York to find IT solutions provider.
How do these APT attacks usually happen?
APT attacks are often initiated through phishing, where users are tricked into clicking a harmful link or opening an infected file. Once hackers gain access to an organization’s systems, they quietly collect sensitive information and attempt to remain undetected for long periods. This is why partnering with a provider that offers managed IT services and cybersecurity services is essential. These services help monitor network activity, detect suspicious behavior early, and implement proactive defenses to reduce the risk of advanced threats like APTs.
Who do APTs usually target?
APTs typically focus on large organizations such as government agencies, financial institutions, technology companies, or critical infrastructure. These groups often hold valuable data or intelligence that attackers are after.
Is there any way to spot or stop an APT?
Yes, but it requires a strong security strategy. This includes monitoring network activity, using advanced detection tools, keeping software up to date, and training employees to recognize threats like phishing attempts. Quick response and regular system checks are also important.
How is an APT different from a typical cyberattack?
Most cyberattacks are fast and often cause immediate disruption or damage. APTs are slower and more methodical. The attackers aim to stay hidden while they gather information over time, making them harder to detect and stop.
