What are Advanced Persistent Threats?

8th July 2025

Any cyber-attack can be devastating: an APT attack is worse.

When people collaborate in cyber security, a lot can be achieved. If teams that monitor and detect cyber threats work with those who create EDR and firewalls, it increases the chance of threats being stopped before they can reach your systems.

Sadly, the same goes for cyber criminals: when they unite their resources, cyber attacks become far more dangerous. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) refer to cyber-attacks that are long term, implemented by talented threat actors and are often supported by organised crime groups of even entire nations. Here are their key characteristics:

Stealth and persistence – these attacks are design to remain hidden in systems for months or years, remaining unnoticed while accomplishing their goals.

Advanced techniques – APTs use the latest malware, custom tools and a variety of techniques to circumvent even the best cyber security.

Specific targets – unlike a lot of cyber attacks that are scattershot, designed to impact anyone they can, APTs have designated objectives, including espionage, IP theft, sabotage and disruption.

Additionally, the individuals or organisations targeted by APTs are well researched by cyber criminals, meaning that every aspect of the attack is focused.

Phased approach – APT attacks don’t just happen instantly: they unfold in stages. An initial breach can give groups more information that they can then use to escalate, building and building to devastating effect.

Backed attacks – many cyber attacks are done independently (after all, criminals aren’t known to be particularly trusting). However, APTs are often backed by governments or groups of criminals: with increased motivation, funding and resources, a bad cyber attack can become a terrible one.

Hopefully you’ll never be targeted by an APT attack, but if you are a likely candidate (i.e. profitable organisation or government), we recommend the best cyber security infrastructure possible.

If you’d like more information on APTs, please contact Interfuture Security.