An Advanced Persistent Threat is a cyberattack where an attacker gains unauthorized access to your network and stays undetected for a long time. The typical goal of APT attacks is to steal valuable data or to disrupt the regular operation of an organization’s network.
Well-funded and technologically skilled hacking groups usually conduct APT attacks. Such groups initiate their activity by using a combination of tactics, techniques, and procedures to infiltrate the target network, create a foothold, and move laterally across the portions of the network for intelligence gathering or data collection. Such attacks are usually hard to defend because the attackers can often change and develop their tactics to defeat the defenses of the target organization.
How Advanced Persistent Threats Work
APT attacks differ from traditional cyber threats in several ways. First, APT attacks are usually highly targeted and well-planned. The attackers will often spend a lot of time researching their target and gathering intelligence about the network and its defenses before launching the attack. This enables the attackers to tailor their tactics to the specific target and to remain undetected for the longest possible time.
It can be challenging to guard against APT attacks since their attackers are responsive and evolve even before the defense organization identifies or implements the threat. Generally, standard security measures, such as antivirus software or firewalls, can be useless when these attacks happen.
In order to protect organizations from APT attacks, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive security strategy that entails not only traditional defenses but also advanced threat detection and response capabilities.
APT Security Strategies for Network Protection
Access Control
Access control is your first line of defense against APT attacks because it keeps unauthorized elements from gaining access to your sensitive systems and data. Access control is critical as it helps prevent attackers from viewing or tampering with sensitive systems and data. Through the implementation of access controls, an organization ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive information and resources while denying the same to unauthorized users.
This prevents APT attackers from accessing the organization’s network and systems and stealing sensitive data.
Endpoint Monitoring and Detection Tools
Using EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) tools is a significant strategy to defend against APT attacks, as it helps organizations detect and respond to threats in real-time.
EDR and XDR tools are built to gain a critical view of activity by individual devices on your network, whether that is by computers, servers, or mobile devices. These tools can help spot and alert to suspicious or malicious behavior, such as the execution of known malware or communication with known malicious servers.
Advanced endpoint protection tools help an organization gain more detailed knowledge of the tactics and techniques an APT attacker uses.
Penetration Tests
Penetration testing, also called pen testing, is a vital defense strategy against APT attacks since it allows the organization to detect and rectify its network and systems vulnerability before being exploited by an attacker. The result of pen testing is the simulation of a cyberattack into the organization’s network and systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that APT attackers could exploit.
Traffic Monitoring
Traffic monitoring is an important defense strategy because it allows organizations to identify anomalous network activities. Monitoring network traffic will enable organizations to look for known malware, communicate with known malicious command-and-control servers, or even exfiltrate large amounts of data indicating an attack. Network traffic should be regularly monitored to detect an APT attack effectively.
Securify- Connecting with the Leading Security Service Provider in the USA
Advanced persistent threats are a major concern for businesses of all sizes. To protect against APT attacks, organizations must implement a comprehensive security strategy, including various modern protection measures. Securify can help organizations with the implementation.
Securify is one of the top security service providers serving businesses across the USA. Our AI-driven security solutions enable organizations to detect and mitigate security threats and keep such troubles away.Interested in learning more about how our cybersecurity specialists can help with APT? Contact our experts today for more details and a Free Assessment!
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