Introduction to APTs
APTs represent a class of sophisticated and stealthy cyber threats orchestrated by well-funded and highly skilled actors. Unlike opportunistic attacks, APTs are characterized by their persistence, adaptability, and the strategic nature of their objectives.
The genesis of APTs can be traced back to the early 2000s when cyber adversaries began adopting strategies that went beyond the conventional hit-and-run tactics. APTs, as a distinct class of cyber threats, evolved in parallel with the growing digital landscape and the increasing sophistication of threat actors.
The term “APT” gained prominence after the 2010 revelation of the Stuxnet worm, a groundbreaking piece of malware designed to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, which we’ve discussed in detail in Chapter 13. However, the roots of APT-style attacks can be found in earlier incidents.
The birth of APTs – early 2000s
One of the earliest precursors to APTs was the...