Understanding Advanced Persistent Threats

Abstract

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are a new type of threat that has piqued the interest of experts, particularly in the industrial security industry. APTs are cyber-attacks carried out by skilled and well-resourced adversaries who target specific information in high-profile organizations and governments, usually as part of a multi-step operation. The academic community has largely ignored the specifics of these threats, and as a result, an objective solution to the APT problem is absent. In terms of cybercrime activity, Africa has been one of the fastest rising regions. The continent is also a major source of cyberattacks on the rest of the world. A number of initiatives, however, have been implemented to mitigate cyber-threats and strengthen cybersecurity across the continent. The results of a complete study on APT are presented in this paper, which characterizes its differentiating traits and attack model while also assessing strategies often used in APT attacks. We also list various non-traditional countermeasures that can aid in the mitigation of APTs, highlighting future research prospects. Keywords : Advanced Persistent Threat, APT(s), Sophisticated Attacks, Cyber Security, Africa BOOK Chapter ǀ Research Nexus in IT, Law, Cyber Security & Forensics. Open Access. Distributed Free Citation: Akuffo-Badoo Erastus B. (2022). Understanding Advanced Persistent Threats . SMART-IEEE-Creative Research Publications Book Chapter Series on Research Nexus in IT, Law, Cyber Security & Forensics. Pp 15-22. www.isteams.net/ITlawbookchapter2022. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/CRP-BK3-P3