The threat vectors refer to the methods attackers employ to gain access into your system. APTs are targeted, long-term attacks carried out by highly skilled groups. The insider threat is a result of people who are already working in your company. The first step to building real defense is understanding all three.
Cyber threats may not be obvious. The attackers do not always knock down the door. They usually wait in a side-window.
The guide summarizes three of today’s biggest threats to cybersecurity: Advanced Persistent Attacks (APTs), insider attacks, and threat vectors. Learn what they mean, What Their Connections Are, And How You Can Protect Yourself.
What Are The Threats Vectors Of Cybersecurity?
Threat vectors are any way an attacker can get inside your system. Imagine your network as a home. Each door, air vent, or window is an attack vector.
The following are some of the most common threats:
- Phishing Emails: Fake messages to trick users into clicking on bad links
- Weak Passwords : Easy-to-guess credentials which let attackers in
- Unpatched Software: Outdated programs with known vulnerabilities
- Removeable devices : Infected USB drives connected to company computers
- Third party vendors: external partners who have access to your system
The attack is not the threat vectors. These are not the attack itself. When an attacker discovers one, all other attacks follow.
What Are Advanced Persistent Threats (Apts)?
They sound complex. The core concept is very simple.
A long-term, persistent, and targeted attack is an Advanced Persistent threat. The attackers sneak in and stay hidden for weeks or even months. These aren’t robbers who just grab and run. They have patience.
Who Is Responsible For Apts And Who Does It?
APTs tend to be run by groups that are sometimes supported by government. The APTs target critical infrastructure, large organisations, and government agencies.
What is APT?
- entry: An attacker finds a vector of attack and gets inside your network
- Get a foothold Install tools that will keep you connected even when the entry point is closed
- Move Laterally : They search for data on your network by moving laterally
- Data exfiltration: they quietly copy data and send it out over time
- Stay Hidden : They avoid detection the whole time.
What’s the scary part? IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report states that some APT attacks can go unnoticed for more than 200 days. The damage has already been done by the time the issue is discovered.
Insider Threats: The Danger From Within
Inside threats are not always external. Insider threats come from people with access to employees, contractors or partners.
Two main categories exist:
- Insiders who are malicious: People who steal data or intentionally damage it (a disgruntled worker, for instance).
- Insiders who harm others without intending to do so, such as clicking on a phishing site or sending a file to the wrong recipient
Traditional security measures are designed to prevent outsiders from entering. These tools are often unable to detect threats that have already been introduced.
Insider threats are responsible for approximately 19% of data breaches, according to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2023. This number may be undercounted because incidents involving insiders are more difficult to report and detect.
Threat Vectors, Insider Threats, And Apts All Work Together
Rarely do these three attacks work separately. These three threats are often combined by attackers.
The phishing emails (a vector of threat) trick the employee to give up his login. This credential is the gateway for APT groups. Once the attacker is inside the network, they move quietly. It looks normal from the outside. Data is leaving the building from the inside.
This is the reason why separating these problems in a production environment does not work. All three problems must be addressed simultaneously by your defense.
How to Protect Yourself Against these Threats
It is not necessary to resolve everything immediately. You can start here.
- Instruct your staff Most attacks begin with human error. You can reduce your risk of phishing attacks and insider threats by undergoing regular security training.
- Use the principle of the least privilege. Give users the only access necessary to perform their duties. If an account is compromised, less access will mean less damage.
- Update your software. Unpatched systems invite hackers. Stick to a schedule.
- Track user behaviour Tools such as SIEM platforms (Security Information and Event Management), flag up unusual behavior before it turns into a security breach.
- Create an incident response strategy. When things go wrong, having a plan in place reduces the response time.
You can start your threat defense with awareness
The majority of organizations are not breached due to a failure in their security measures. The majority of organizations are breached by an attacker who found a security gap that no one else was aware of.
APTs provide attackers with a path in. They have time to wait and be patient. They can hide behind insider threats. You can catch issues early if you understand how these three systems work together.
Pexo offers comprehensive cyber security services to protect your company from the evolving threats. Our experts can help protect your business against cyberattacks by providing proactive monitoring, network security, risk management, incident response and more.
FAQ
How do you tell the difference between an attack vector and a weakness?
A weakness is an area of vulnerability in your computer system. Threat vectors are the paths that an attacker takes to exploit a vulnerability. Threat vectors provide the path to reach the vulnerability.
What are the signs that my company is being attacked by an APT?
APTs can be identified by unusual login times and data access in high volumes. New administrator accounts may also appear, as well as unexpected network traffic. As APTs tend to remain hidden, regular monitoring of network traffic is important.
Can insiders always be intentional in their threats?
No. Insider threats can be accidental. An employee may click on a malicious hyperlink or configure a system incorrectly. Training is as important as the technical controls because both types of insider threats can be damaging.
What are the tools that help to protect you against threats vectors?
Multi-factor authentication, endpoint detection, firewalls, filtering of email, regular patching and firewalls all help reduce the risk.
For how long is an APT typically expected to last?
Some APTs have been designed to provide long-term accessibility. Some campaigns can last for many months, or even several years. IBM’s research indicates that the average time it takes to detect a security breach is more than 200 days.
