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The network security of digital businesses are subject to many risks, some of which are more subtle than others. The major risks leading to the increasing use of IT & security risk management systems are advanced persistent threats, or APTs. According to a survey by Cloud Adoption Practices & Priorities, 53% of IT professionals think that advanced persistent threat prevention is one of the biggest security problems their company is currently dealing with. However, according to reliable sources, only 68% of IT managers are aware of what an advanced persistent threat is.

One of the most hazardous threats trying to enter your company is advanced persistent threats. And hence an IT security management and risk assessment by COMnet can give you a clear idea of what approaches are essential for your company’s network security. 

This blog will explain to you what an advanced persistent threat is, how it operates, and several types of advanced persistent threat security you can put in place right now to assist you stop them from taking control of the systems and stealing the crucial data.

What exactly is an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)?

An advanced persistent threat (APT) uses a covert approach to obtain your company’s data. The most dangerous hackers employ this technique against both small businesses and high-profile targets since it calls for a great level of stealth, competence, and patience. Lets understand it in depth- 

Advanced

The term “advanced” refers to how proficient the hackers are who employ this technique. To enter a company’s system, they deploy cutting-edge technology and hacking techniques. To accomplish their goal, they simultaneously integrate all of the methods and instruments at their disposal.

Hence, if using modern techniques to achieve their objective allows them to do it more quickly and efficiently, they will continue to rely on classic IT security risks such as adware, phishing, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Persistent

APT attacks are often planned by a group with a very particular target in mind. The attack is called “persistent” because it uses a “low-and-slow” strategy that focuses on continuous contact with the target over time, as opposed to fast attacks within a limited amount of time. It may take months for the attack to develop and much longer to execute.

Threat

“Threat” refers to the fact that a human individual, rather than a mindless, automated robot or programme, is principally in charge of planning and carrying out the assault.

These people are significantly more dangerous than any harmful code because they are driven, focused, coordinated, and well-funded.

Recommended Approaches for Protecting Against Advanced Persistent Threats

The difficult fact of advanced persistent threat prevention is that no one solution can protect you 100% of the time, thus you need many layers of security working together all the time, in addition to continuous network monitoring. With that considered, there are multiple approaches to defending against sophisticated persistent threats- 

Deploy a Firewall

A crucial initial line of defense against APT assaults is selecting a firewall. The three most popular forms of network firewall security solutions are hardware firewalls, software firewalls, and cloud firewalls; any of these will aid in preventing sophisticated persistent attacks.

Enable the Web Application Firewall solution

A web application firewall can identify and mitigate attacks emerging from web apps by scanning through HTTP traffic, making it a helpful tool for thwarting APT attempts. 

Install an Antivirus software

APT hackers might use different kinds of malware, trojans, and viruses to infect your system, but current antivirus software can identify and stop them. If your antivirus can only identify well-known malware, make sure it can access real-time data and detect the most recent threats. To be completely safe, you should install COMnet’s anti-apt solution along with endpoint detection and response systems.

Install intrusion detection and prevention systems

Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and network intrusion detection are vital IT security services that monitor your network for unusual activity or malicious code and notify you if it is discovered. These are effective tools for detecting network breaches before they can be exploited.

You may browse COMnet’s other informative blogs to understand what is network intrusion detection? and the relevance of intrusion detection systems.

Setup a VPN

APT hackers can easily get initial access to your company’s network through remote access hazards such as an unprotected WiFi hotspot.

A virtual private network (VPN) provides an encrypted “tunnel” that you and your workers may use to access your network without cybercriminals prying on your activities or acquiring your data.

Enable Email Security

Email is one of the most popular and efficient methods of invasion. Advanced persistent threat prevention is dependent on both good software and appropriate end-user behavior.

Install spam and malware protection in your email programs, and train your personnel on how to spot potentially harmful communications.

Beyond Advanced Persistent Threat Defense

Broad advice like the ones offered here will put you in the right direction for advanced persistent threats prevention, but they will not provide you with a roadmap for effectively deploying proven solutions.

You’ll need the support of specialists who have helped dozens of other businesses safeguard their enterprises from a wide range of IT security threats.

Conclusion

Standard security techniques like firewalls, defense-in-depth strategies, and antivirus programmes are ineffective in defending an enterprise from an APT attack. It is necessary to use advanced persistent threat detection tools to stop possible assaults by keeping up with threat actors and their current methodologies. Comnet offers comprehensive APT solutions that offer total protection from APT, so look no further. 

Your first and last line of defense against APT attacks should be Comnet’s advanced malware detection solutions, which are built to stop crippling breaches from the highly evasive zero-day malware and provide incident response teams with the tools and data they need to respond to threats as soon as possible. For more details, contact us now!