Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a sophisticated, prolonged cyber attack campaign — typically conducted by nation-state actors or well-funded criminal groups — that targets a specific organization over an extended period. APTs combine advanced technical skills, significant resources, and patient, methodical approaches to infiltrate, persist, and extract information from target networks.
Unlike opportunistic attacks, APTs are targeted and persistent. Attackers may spend months or years inside a network, carefully avoiding detection while systematically accessing and exfiltrating sensitive data. Defense contractors are prime APT targets because of the military and technological intelligence they hold.
Why It Matters
APTs are the primary threat driving CMMC requirements. Nation-state actors actively target the defense industrial base to steal CUI. Understanding that your company faces this level of threat motivates the comprehensive security program CMMC requires.