advanced persistent threat

An advanced persistent threat (APT) is a prolonged and targeted cyberattack where a skilled group, often linked to nation-states or organized entities, gains clandestine access to a network. Their goal is to steal sensitive information or cause damage over time, while avoiding detection. Unlike ordinary hackers, APTs use sophisticated methods, adapt to security measures, and stay hidden for months or even years. They focus on specific targets, such as governments or large organizations, making the threat persistent, focused, and difficult to eliminate.