Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)/ Stealthy hackers

The term APT is used to describe a stealthy threat actor, frequently but not always state-sponsored, that is known to have gained unauthorised access to computer networks and has remained undetected for an extended period of time.

Advanced

Threat actors are known to combine multiple tools, tactics and techniques that lead to a successful intrusion. Whilst every component individually may not be "advanced" but rather simple (frequently copy/pasted from other attacks), the combination leads to sophisticated attack chain that is difficult to detect and contain.

Advanced

Threat actors are known to combine multiple tools, tactics and techniques that lead to a successful intrusion. Whilst every component individually may not be "advanced" but rather simple (frequently copy/pasted from other attacks), the combination leads to sophisticated attack chain that is difficult to detect and contain.

Threat

APTs are indeed a threat. They are financially or politically driven, have time to invest in information gathering and trial and error. Although they may develop various tools that help impair defences and evade detection, majority of actions are executed manually.