Advanced persistent threat

An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a sophisticated cyberattack where hackers secretly infiltrate a computer system or network and remain hidden for an extended period, quietly stealing sensitive information or monitoring activity without being detected. Unlike typical cyberattacks that aim for quick financial gain or chaos, APTs are carefully planned, well-funded operations often conducted by skilled groups or even nation-states targeting valuable assets like government secrets, military technology, or corporate trade secrets. The "advanced" part refers to the attackers' technical expertise and resources, the "persistent" part means they stay embedded in the system long-term, and the "threat" part emphasizes the serious damage they can inflict.