Understanding the ZOO of APTs

Understanding Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) is crucial in cybersecurity's dynamic and often dangerous landscape. APTs are sophisticated, targeted cyber-attack campaigns that steal information or disrupt operations.

Fundamental Techniques and Tactics of APTs

Spear-Phishing: Targeted phishing attacks aimed at specific individuals or organisations to gain access to sensitive information

Custom Malware: Tailored malware designed to perform specific tasks such as data exfiltration, espionage, or sabotage.

Command and Control (C2) Infrastructure: Network infrastructure used by attackers to communicate with compromised systems.

Lateral Movement: Techniques used by attackers to move through an organisation's network to gain access to additional systems and data.

Zero-Day Exploits: Exploits that take advantage of previously unknown vulnerabilities, giving attackers a high chance of success.

Social Engineering: Manipulative tactics used to trick individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.

Supply Chain Attacks: Compromising third-party vendors to access target networks indirectly.

Credential Dumping: Extracting account credentials to gain unauthorised access to systems and data.

Watering Hole Attacks: Compromising websites frequently visited by targets to deliver malware or exploit kits.

Data Exfiltration: Techniques to transfer stolen data from a target network to an external location controlled by attackers.

Recommended Security Measures

• Deploy EDR: Monitor systems for network connections, executed processes, file activities, and account actions. Store log files centrally for forensic purposes.
• Password Policy: Enforce complex passwords and store them in a secrets management system. Limit login attempts to reduce brute-force attack risks.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all externally exposed accounts.
• Software Updates: Keep your software up to date to stay one step ahead of potential vulnerabilities. Regular updates are a key defence against cyber threats.SSH Access: Limit Internet-reachable systems using SSH and implement login rate limits where necessary.
• Network Filtering: Implement egress filtering to prevent malicious processes from sending network traffic to unauthorized IP addresses.

Understanding and implementing these strategies can bolster an organization's defence against APTs and other sophisticated cyber threats.

Reference :

https://www.crowdstrike.com/adversaries/

https://www.mandiant.com/resources/insights/apt-groups

https://attack.mitre.org/groups/

https://misp-galaxy.org/threat-actor

https://github.com/CyberMonitor/APT_CyberCriminal_Campagin_Collections