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Assignment states about Advanced persistent threat (APT) is a form of cyber-attack that is characterized by access net.

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Information communication and technology is a modern, sophisticated method of receiving, retrieving, and dissemination information (Hernandez, 2018). The technology is relied upon due to its speed efficiency and apparent security. However, with modern advancement comes along imminent threats such as data mining. Advanced persistent threat (APT) is a form of cyber-attack that is characterized by unauthorized access to a given network, accessing data for a given period. As it is embedded in the name ‘advanced,' advanced persistent threat involvescontinuous, stealth, and subtle means of hacking systems. The attacker intentions are often to extract as much useful information as possible without detection nor causing any damage. Due to the complex nature of the process, the attack often targets high profile organizations.

Advanced persistent threats are possible to prevent by training the employees(Huy Pham, Albanese, & W. Priest, 2018). Other than a company’sinformation technology (IT) experts, cybersecurity would pose as a low priority to rank-and-file employees. Training them, however, would enlighten them to the possible cyber threats at work and help to prioritize security at the firm. Employees who have access to the system ought to be trained on basic security protocols such as restricted sharing of account information, detecting phishing attempt, and safe browsing. Another prevention method is through access control. As a principle, an advanced persistent threat cannot harm what it cannot access(Hernandez, 2018). For instance, network control can be established to prevent attacks through various access policies and frameworks. As a result, devices on the network that fail to negotiate through the security check would be blocked; hence, the threat would be controlled.

Another method of preventing APTs is through penetration testing. This type of testing aims at revealing an organizations security defects. The simulation can be carried out internally or by external penetration. However, initiating the test using outside experts is the best way of establishing how vulnerable a system can be to external attacksbecausecarrying out a self-assessment is prone to overlook certain vulnerabilities. External assessment, on the other hand, introducesfresh eyes, skills as well as creativity.

It has already been established that APTs are clandestine and deceptive in nature. Luckily, there are methods to detect ATPs. For instance, look for the sizeable unexpected flow of information from internal sources to internal or external destinations(Roger A. Grimes, n.d.). However, it is crucial to establish the nature of data flow first to detect the anomalies. Rampant Trojan backdoors is also another means of identifying ATPs(Roger A. Grimes, n.d.). APTs hackers often utilize backdoor Trojans to exploit compromised computers within the given range. These backdoors ensure persistent access to the system even if the victim changes the login credentials after being aware of the activities.

Alternatively, use of tools would come in handy in detecting and dealing with ATPs threats. One of the devices includes user and entity behavior analytics (Hernandez, 2018). This tool is quite indispensable in unmasking ATPs. It involves utilizing artificial intelligence in keeping track as well as analyzing how users interact with a company's information technology system. As a result, activities that are out of the ordinary, such as system infiltration, would be detected. Another tool is deceptive technology(Hernandez, 2018). This tool works through misleading the attacker in pursuing counterfeit servers, services as well as many other information technology resources of a given firm. This diversion helps the security researchers gather intel on the methods of attack as well as gives them time to come up with countermeasures.

An advanced persistent can be terrifying as is sounds, especially as it involves stealth persistent data mining. The consequences of this attack consist of stealing of valuable information about a given company, thereby crippling it in the end through one way or another. However, despite APTs being discrete are detectable through very close and persistent monitoring of a company’s information technology system. Training employees on cybersecurity ought to be a priority in managing such threats. Lastly, the use of tools can also be an effective means of detecting and managing risks.  

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