An advanced persistent threat is a stealthy and ongoing cyber hacking processes, often targeting a specific entity. An APT usually targets organisations and/or nations for business or political motives.

 

APT processes require a high degree of covertness over a long period of time. Often going undetected for weeks, months or even years. The "advanced" process signifies sophisticated techniques exploiting vulnerabilities in systems.

 

 The "persistent" process suggests that an external command and control system is continuously monitoring and extracting data from a specific target. The "threat" process indicates human involvement in orchestrating the attack.

 

When successful an APT is the most devastating type of breach for all affected parties.