Big Impact of Advanced Persistent Threats on Cybersecurity

While protecting the last bastion of cybersecurity, you face an adversary who is trying to build a bridgehead and advance. This enemy’s identity is unknown, its goals are complex, and its attack methods are highly sophisticated. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) are such powerful and resilient enemies of our cyber world.

What is an APT?

This three-letter acronym is the name of a sleep-inducing threat in cybersecurity. APTs refer to groups of state sponsored or highly skilled cybercriminals who conduct long-term targeted campaigns.

Understanding the APT Concept

APTs are threat actors with the ability to infiltrate and persist in targeted institutions or organizations for long periods of time. Their aim is to gather intelligence in secrecy, steal intellectual property and gain strategic advantages. They also have the resources and capabilities for effective cyber warfare, backed by external funding.

With the ability to bypass intensive and sophisticated cyber defense strategies, APTs are a constant threat that requires vigilance. They use unconventional and unexpected methods that go beyond traditional security solutions, keeping cybersecurity experts on their toes.

What is an APT? Basic Definition

The term APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) refers to capable threat actors that carry out persistent and targeted attacks.

APT attacks are strategically sustained undetected for long periods of time and can leave deep scars.

These threat actors can be state-sponsored or privately funded groups, and often conduct operations that require expertise, resources and patience. Their objectives are often espionage, sabotage or data theft.

APT campaigns aim to bypass security measures using sophisticated methods and multi-stage attack vectors, posing a serious threat to cybersecurity professionals.

For a deeper understanding of how the Mitre ATTACK model plays a critical role in understanding the general nature of APT-type hacker threats and developing defense mechanisms against them, see Mitre ATTACK:The Key to Dealing with Cyber Threats.

Distinctive Features of APT

APT attacks are carried out against predetermined and high-value targets. Infiltration strategies are carefully designed and customized to suit the threat actor’s target.

This type of attack combines advanced techniques and long-term impact. An APT actor aims to gain stealthy and sustainable access, which can often take months or even years. The attack chain ranges from malware to social engineering activities, from unauthorized network access to data exfiltration. A specific APT campaign can create much more complex and difficult to resolve damage than a typical security breach.

The methods used are capable of rapid change and adaptation. Once a vulnerability is closed, APT actors immediately find another way to achieve their goals. This allows them to stretch their resources and technology to the limit, while at the same time neutralizing defenses.

APT campaigns involve extensive intelligence gathering and target-specific research. Each phase of the operation is deeply attuned to the target’s security architecture and operational procedures. This rigorous and personalized approach makes it possible for APTs to operate with prolonged activity and uncertainty in the systems where they have a presence, making them extremely difficult to detect and develop counter-strategies.

Phases of APT Attacks

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are complex cyberattacks that proceed in multiple systematic steps. Each phase is critical for attackers to achieve their objectives.

1. Intelligence Gathering: It is the process of gathering intelligence such as the target organization’s network structure, security weaknesses and employee information.
2. Detection of Entry Routes: Attackers use the information they gather to identify vulnerabilities and potential entry points to infiltrate the target network.
3. Target Infiltration: The target system is accessed through the chosen entry point and the first bridgehead for malicious activities is established.
4. Establishing Command and Control (C&C) Infrastructure: Command and control servers are created to persist inside the target and provide external management.
5. Inside Propagation: Horizontal movement is carried out to infiltrate and control other systems within the target network.
6. Data Collection: Attackers collect important data and make preparations to steal it.
7. Information Exfiltration: Collected data is exported and moved to attacker-controlled servers outside the target.
8. Survival: To maintain their presence in the network, they maintain their existence through periodic updates and reorganization.
9. Exit: Exiting the target system without leaving a trace, thus creating an opportunity for re-infiltration. The process continues by penetrating deep into the target network and gaining long-term access.
   In each of these phases, APT attacks use detailed and multifaceted strategies to bypass cybersecurity mechanisms and inflict damage that is difficult for the target to detect.

APT Attack Types and Methods

APT attacks are untraceable operations that are highly organized and usually carried out by state-sponsored groups. These attacks target long-term intelligence gathering activities and deep penetration into target networks.

The methods used cover a wide range of techniques, including phishing, malware propagation, exploit exploitation. Attackers also utilize social engineering techniques and advanced methods such as exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information. They also use prolonged and complex tactics and strategies to overwhelm the defenses of the targeted network.

APT attacks often use cryptography and steganography to conceal their activities. Attackers also use unorthodox communication channels in an effort to mislead cybersecurity systems.

Targeted Phishing Campaigns

One of the most well-known tactics of APT attacks is targeted phishing campaigns. In this type of attack, attackers send personalized fake emails targeting a specific organization or individual.

These campaigns are implemented after extensive research and intelligence gathering. The attackers analyze the internal structure of the organization and the work and social behavior of employees in detail, and base their phishing emails on this information. These realistic-looking emails often appear to come from seemingly legitimate sources and encourage recipients to share confidential information or click on malicious links.

Such campaigns are typically aimed at malware infection, data theft or system penetration. Once hooked, attackers can circumvent network firewalls and gain unauthorized access to confidential data. Sensitive information can then be used for subsequent or cyber espionage activities.

As a result, targeted phishing campaigns can be seen as the initial stage of complex APT operations. With this strategy, attackers take the first step to bypass security measures and start navigating the network. This is why security teams should focus on such threats with preventative measures such as email filtering and employee training, and remain constantly vigilant.

Rootkit Usage and Leave No Trace

Rootkits are types of malware that lurk deep in the system, making them difficult to detect. This malware hides at the system kernel level, leaving no operational traces. They are the most preferred tools of Advanced Persistent Threat groups (APT) because they can conduct long-term and covert operations with this malware. The purpose of rootkits is to keep the accessed system under control for a long time with their advanced functionality and to carry out unauthorized activities.

The advanced features of this malware prevent immediate detection by system administrators and security solutions. By altering or deleting system logs, infiltration activities can continue without leaving a trace. Sometimes rootkit components even disguise themselves as security updates and circumvent cybersecurity software. Hard to detect, advanced rootkits include self-camouflaging versions that can interfere with automatic update processes.

The use of rootkits is a common method in APT attacks, as they can keep their presence hidden for a long time. With this method, attackers create a permanent and hidden access point on target systems. This way, they can continue to infiltrate the system at any time and remain a constant threat. At this stage of the attack, rootkits often make it possible to access the target’s data by logging keyboard strokes, setting up remote command and control services, etc.

Kitchenbell and other rootkit detection technologies use advanced analysis methods to identify these threats. However, the ever-evolving nature of rootkits makes detection and removal processes very difficult. This is because this malware can be active even at the hardware level and may require an operating system reinstallation. This means that rootkits are notoriously difficult to remove, even when detected.

Rootkit detection and prevention are of particular importance in information security strategies. Cybersecurity experts should use methods such as behavior-based analysis and anomaly monitoring to identify these threats at an early stage. Being able to identify even the smallest trace left by a skilled attacker is a cornerstone of a pioneering cybersecurity approach.

Social Engineering and Insider Threats

Social engineering attacks aim to infiltrate an organization by manipulating security protocols and leaking information. These tactics are usually executed by gaining the trust of employees.

Insider attacks are carried out by employees, either intentionally or unintentionally. Such threats are among the most dangerous forms of security vulnerabilities.

Security training and sensitization programs are critical to increase resilience against these human-driven attacks. In addition to training, behavioral analysis and advanced user monitoring systems should be implemented to recognize and prevent potential insider threats.

The challenges of detecting insider threats often stem from the fact that existing security systems are based on traditional threat models. Therefore, the integration of constantly updated behavioral monitoring algorithms and analytics solutions that can identify anomalies is essential to prevent data leakage. In addition, granular access controls and incident response mechanisms are essential to deal with ‘insider’ threats.

To learn how deepfake technology, one of the social engineering tactics used in APT attacks, is used, you can take a look at our article What is Deepfake and How Is It Done?

Defense Strategies Against APT

Adopting a proactive approach in combating APT-type threats is more than a necessity. In this context, it is recommended that organizations integrate multi-layered security architectures and make extensive use of solutions such as endpoint security, network monitoring and behavioral analysis. However, it is important to remember that cyber intelligence and threat hunting should also play an active role in order to respond quickly and effectively to incidents.

When developing a defense strategy against advanced persistent threats, it is critical that each phase of incident response planning is detailed. Strengthening these plans with real-time threat intelligence, reinforcing them with threat hunting techniques and auditing them with regular penetration tests can significantly enhance an organization’s cyber defense capabilities. In addition, revising the organization’s cyber security policies to take APTs into account and providing continuous security awareness trainings in accordance with them are among the most critical components of defense.

To learn how social engineering tactics are used and how you can protect yourself against such attacks, check out our article on How to Protect Against Phishing Attacks.

Multilayer Security Approach

The multifaceted nature of threats requires.

Cybersecurity strategies are based on a multi-layered approach. This requires each layer of security to be strong in its own right, but also to be effectively integrated with the other layers. Strong protection mechanisms must be in place at each level of defense to prevent attackers from accessing sensitive data.

Depth strategy plays an important role in security.

The strategy is to narrow the attack surface – that is, to set up the line of defense in such a way that an attacker who passes through one line of defense will have a harder time in the next – and to deploy different defense mechanisms at each layer.

Structured multi-layered protection approaches are vital by 2024 to enable organizations to counter advanced threats. These layers should include the integration of network security, identity and access management, encryption, data loss prevention systems and threat intelligence.

Behavioral Analysis and Anomaly Detection

Behavioral analysis aims to identify anomalies by monitoring normal user activity on the network.

1. User Behavior Analysis (UBA): Learning the normal behavior patterns of users in information systems.
2. Network Behavioral Analysis (NBA): Detecting potential threats by analyzing normal patterns in network traffic.
3. System Behavior Analysis: Diagnosis of non-norm behavior of operating systems and applications.
4. Application of Machine Learning Models: Modeling to automate and continuously improve anomaly detection.
5. Comprehensive Log Analysis: Analyzing security information and event management systems (SIEM) data logs in detail.
6. Response Automation: Designing fast and effective response mechanisms when anomalies are detected. These analysis processes, which are integrated into the security architectures of organizations, also form the backbone of threat hunting activities.
   Anomaly detection and behavior analysis are essential for early detection of ever-evolving APT attacks.

Incident Response Plans and Trainings

Incident response plans are critical for an effective defense mechanism against advanced persistent threats.

1. Establishing an Incident Response Team: A team of specialized security professionals should be formed.
2. Defining Roles and Responsibilities: The role and responsibility of each member of the team should be clearly defined.
3. Communication Protocols: Protocols and emergency communication lines should be prepared for effective communication.
4. Incident Detection and Management: Incident detection, assessment and coordination processes should be improved.
5. Training and Awareness Programs: Continuous trainings should be organized to raise awareness of all personnel against threats.
6. Drills and Simulations: Drills should be conducted at regular intervals with realistic scenarios.
7. Incident Monitoring and Reporting: Each incident needs to be documented and reported in detail.
8. Continuous Improvement: Continuous improvement of response plans and protocols should be ensured by evaluating each incident. Preparing detailed incident response plans that include these processes ensures that the organization is prepared for threats.
   Theoretical and practical training is essential for information security experts to respond quickly to APT attacks.

Turkey and the APT Threat

Turkey’s strategic location and growing regional influence have made it an important target for APT attacks, given the dynamics in international relations. The need to continuously strengthen the cyber security infrastructure is an indication that state-sponsored hacker groups may turn to more sophisticated attacks with advancing technology.

APT groups acting in line with local and regional interests target critical infrastructures and important institutions. Persistent and advanced threat actors can conduct in-depth reconnaissance using synchronized and multi-layered attack techniques, and can remain undetected on internal networks for long periods of time. It is imperative that Turkey develops a proactive defense mechanism against these vectors and that national cybersecurity strategies evolve in line with advanced threats.

Real Life APT Examples

APT29, commonly known as ‘Cozy Bear’, is an APT group thought to be associated with Russia. It has gained a reputation for infiltrating the networks of US political organizations.

In particular, a series of cyber attacks between 2014 and 2015 show that APT29 targeted high-level diplomatic institutions. Using sophisticated malware and different cyber espionage techniques, it was able to steal sensitive information while remaining hidden in the network for long periods of time. Such attacks are often carried out for political intelligence gathering purposes and there is strong evidence that they are state-sponsored.

Another group, known as APT1, is an alleged unit of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. It has engaged in sophisticated cyber espionage campaigns against high-profile organizations and has been involved in numerous thefts of trade secrets and intellectual property.

Stuxnet, well known in the cybersecurity community, is a type of APT and state-sponsored cyber weapon. Aimed at undermining Iran’s uranium enrichment program, the malware infiltrated industrial control systems and controlled cycle-sensitive centrifuge machines. In the world of cybersecurity, Stuxnet has demonstrated the capacity and escalating complexity of inter-state cyber warfare.

National Cyber Security and Combating APT

National security strategies should be proactive against APT threats and continuously improve intelligence sharing and cyber defense capabilities. National security agencies are building resilience against such complex attacks by creating specialized teams.

Cyber threat intelligence is growing in importance. Interactive analytical capabilities are supported by measures such as threat hunting.

Firewalls and isolation strategies are insufficient. Instead, innovative methods such as behavioral analysis and machine learning are coming to the fore.

Against APT threat groups, specialized teams need to conduct continuous monitoring and assessment. These teams should be able to detect abnormal behavior and intervene quickly.

In the face of sudden and complex attacks, the effectiveness of emergency response teams (CERT/CSIRT) is critical. Flexible and dynamic processes that can adapt to rapidly changing tactics play a vital role.

Finally, mitigating APT threats to critical components of national cyber infrastructure requires comprehensive legal regulations and international cooperation, which must be constantly updated. Agreements and protocols in this direction form the backbone of countering threats.

Turkey’s APT Detection and Response Capacity

Turkey is strengthening its detection and response capacity against APT attacks every day. The domestic and national security solutions developed constitute the foundation of the national cyber security ecosystem.

• Cyber Intelligence Sharing: Nationally shared threat intelligence enables early detection of APT attacks.
• Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Government-sponsored agencies and the private sector are monitoring potential APT activities with continuous monitoring.
• Emergency Response Teams (CERT/CSIRT): Specialized teams are on standby for fast and effective response to possible APT attacks.
• Behavioral Analysis and Machine Learning: Paves the way for proactive intervention by detecting abnormal behavior.

The use of indigenous cybersecurity tools, especially to protect critical infrastructures, plays an important role in mitigating the impact of APTs.

In the face of sudden and advanced threats, Turkey’s emergency response processes are flexible and dynamic structures rapidly adapt to evolving threats.

Frequently Asked Questions about Advanced Continuous Threat