Advanced Persistent Threats
Cybersecurity has changed dramatically in the last few years. Cyberattacks are no longer just smash-and-grab attempts launched by amateur hackers. Today, cybercrime looks more like a fully functioning business, with budgets, teams, processes, and long-term goals.
At the top of this chain sits one of the most dangerous threats in modern cybersecurity, the Advanced Persistent Threat.
For businesses, understanding what APTs are and how to defend against them, is becoming essential. These attacks are highly coordinated, extremely stealthy, and capable of slipping into a network and staying hidden for months without anyone noticing.
Whether your business has 10 staff or 200, if you store sensitive information, rely on cloud systems, or connect to multiple suppliers, you’re already in the ecosystem attackers actively target.
In this article, we’ll break down what APTs are, how they operate, why they’re such a major risk, and how Adept IT Solutions helps businesses defend against advanced cyber threats.
What is an Advanced Persistent Threat?
An Advanced Persistent Threat is a long-term, highly coordinated cyberattack where a threat actor infiltrates a network and quietly stays inside it for an extended period. Unlike traditional attacks designed to make noise, like ransomware or simple phishing scams, an APT is designed for stealth, strategy, and long-term access.
The “advanced” part refers to the techniques used. APT groups often leverage zero-day vulnerabilities, targeted phishing, compromised credentials, and sophisticated malware.
“Persistent” means they maintain ongoing covert access to your systems, usually by creating multiple backdoors in case one is detected.
And “threat” highlights that these attackers aren’t lone individuals. They are structured cybercrime organisations or nation-state actors with the resources to plan long-term infiltration campaigns.
APTs aren’t about quick wins. They’re about information, control, leverage, and access.
Who Is Behind Advanced Persistent Threat Attacks?
Advanced Persistent Threats are usually linked to nation-state groups, organised cybercrime syndicates, or highly skilled hacking collectives with defined missions. Their objectives range from stealing intellectual property to gaining access to confidential communications, financial data, or strategic business insights.
Large enterprises and government agencies are common targets, but that doesn’t mean smaller organisations are safe. In fact, small and medium businesses are often targeted first because they’re seen as the “low security back door” into larger networks. Attackers know many SMEs lack the same level of cybersecurity investment or monitoring as their enterprise partners.
For example, a Newcastle based manufacturer, law firm, accounting practice, or healthcare provider may hold data and sensitive information about local businesses and people, that connects them to bigger supply chains, making them an ideal gateway for attackers.
This makes Managed IT Services more critical than ever for businesses that are ready to take their cybersecurity and compliance levels more seriously.
How do Advanced Persistent Threats Work?
APTs follow a structured, methodical, and deceptive process. Their strength lies in how well they blend into normal operations.
Before the attacker even touches your network, they gather extensive information about your business. They learn which software you use, identify exposed services, review staff profiles on LinkedIn, and map out potential entry points. Once they understand your environment, they make their move.
The initial breach may be triggered by a malicious, but legitimate-looking email sent to your staff, a compromised password used in multiple locations, or an unpatched server or cloud application. Once the attacker gains that first foothold, they don’t rush. They install tools that allow them to return whenever they want, often using encrypted channels to avoid detection.
From here, they escalate their privileges, moving quietly through different systems and accounts. They study file structures, learn who has access to what, and begin collecting the data they came for, whether that’s intellectual property, client records, financial information, or internal communications.
The most alarming part is that the attacker doesn’t leave once they’ve taken what they want. Many APTs remain active inside the network indefinitely, monitoring ongoing activity or waiting for the right moment to strike again.
This is why Managed Detection & Response (MDR) and continuous monitoring are no longer optional. Traditional antivirus software simply isn’t built to detect behaviour this subtle.
What Makes Advanced Persistent Threats so Dangerous for Businesses?
APTs are dangerous for several reasons, but the biggest threat is their ability to remain undetected. Many businesses discover an APT only after significant damage has already occurred. These attackers are patient, strategic, and highly skilled at avoiding traditional cybersecurity tools.
The financial consequences can be severe. Advanced Persistent Threats often lead to substantial data loss, regulatory penalties, operational disruption, and long-term reputational damage. In Australia, a breach involving personal data also triggers mandatory reporting under the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme, which can create additional cost, complexity, and scrutiny.
There’s also a national security angle. Critical sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, energy, logistics, and government agencies in Australia have all been prime targets in recent years. As many businesses across NSW operate within or alongside these sectors, the risk is shared across the supply chain.
For organisations in Newcastle and beyond, where industries like mining, manufacturing, logistics, education, and professional services play major roles, the risk profile is even higher.
Are Small Businesses in Newcastle at Risk?
Short answer? Absolutely.
A common misconception is that Advanced Persistent Threats only target government agencies and multinational corporations. But small and medium businesses are often the first link in the chain. They’re easier to infiltrate, often have fewer security layers, and frequently connect to larger systems.
A Newcastle business with 20 staff might think they’re too small to attract attention. But if that business works with a larger partner, a government department, a national manufacturer, a medical provider, or a major supplier, they immediately become a target worth infiltrating.
The phrase “we’re too small to be targeted” is unfortunately one of the most expensive assumptions a business can make.
5 Ways Adept IT Solutions Helps Protect Against Advanced Persistence Threats
Defending against Advanced Persistent Threats requires far more than a basic antivirus program or a once-a-year security audit. It takes a layered, proactive, and continuous approach, the kind used by modern cybersecurity teams around the world.
Adept IT Solutions helps businesses across Newcastle and the Hunter defend against advanced cyber threats through:
1. Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
Our cybersecurity specialists monitor, detect, and respond to threats 24/7, identifying unusual activity long before it becomes a breach.
2. Patch management and vulnerability remediation
We ensure your systems, servers, and cloud platforms remain secure and up-to-date.
3. Secure Microsoft 365 and cloud environments
We harden identities, endpoints, and cloud workloads to prevent infiltration through common attack surfaces.
4. Advanced threat monitoring and behavioural analytics
We use tools that detect suspicious behaviour, not just known threat signatures.
5. Staff cybersecurity awareness training
Since many APTs begin with phishing, we empower your staff to recognise red flags before attackers get in.
Ready to take your cybersecurity to the next level, and protect your business against Advanced Persistent Threats?
Contact Adept IT Solutions today!
To chat further about our extensive list of services, reach out to our team at 1300 423 378 or email us at info@adept-it.com.au.
