GLOSSARY  /  Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)

What is Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)?

A well-resourced adversary (often state-sponsored) that gains and maintains long-term covert access to a target.

APTs prioritize stealth and persistence over quick gains, using custom tooling, zero-days, and careful operational security to remain undetected for months or years while exfiltrating data.

MITRE ATT&CK catalogs the tactics and techniques these groups use.

Related free tools

Related terms

Part of the Ciphers Security glossary. Free reference for analysts, defenders & learners.