# Advanced Persistent Threat **Domain:** Cybersecurity / Threat Intelligence **Doc Type:** Canonical Threat Node **Maturity:** Foundational ## Definition An **advanced persistent threat**, or **APT**, is a capable adversary that pursues sustained, targeted access to systems or networks over time, often using multiple techniques and adapting to defensive action. ## Key Characteristics The term emphasizes persistence, mission focus and operational capability rather than any single malware family. State sponsorship is common in APT reporting but is not required by every use of the term. ## See Also [[wiki/Attack Surface|Attack Surface]], [[wiki/Incident Response|Incident Response]], [[wiki/Cyber Attribution|Cyber Attribution]], [[wiki/Operational Security|Operational Security]]