ITPEC FE Morning April 2022 Question 40

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) — identify the correct definition of APT.

An APT is a targeted cyberattack that uses sophisticated techniques and remains undetected for an extended period (months or years).

Key concept — break down the name:
- Advanced — uses complex, evolving attack methods
- Persistent — maintains long-term presence in the target system
- Threat — poses a serious risk, typically backed by well-resourced actors (nation-states, organized groups)

Why not others:
- (a) — describes self-replicating malware, not the stealth/persistence concept of APT
- (c) — BIOS-level malware affecting multi-boot systems is a specific attack vector, not APT
- (d) — disabling all computers resembles a wiper or ransomware; APT aims to stay hidden, not cause visible disruption

Key rule: APT = stealth + sophistication + long duration. The goal is espionage or data theft, not immediate damage.

AI-generated — may contain errors