Advanced Persistent Threats and Small-to-Medium-Sized Businesses: A Growing Concern

By Adam Crenshaw, Cybersecurity Expert

As cyber-attacks continue to rise in complexity and frequency, advanced persistent threats (APTs) have become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. While large corporations and government agencies are traditionally thought to be the primary targets of APTs, small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs. An APT is defined as a prolonged, targeted attack in which an adversary gains and maintains unauthorized access to a network to gather intelligence or cause damage (Hutchins et al., 2011). These sophisticated attacks, often backed by nation-states or well-funded organizations, can be devastating for SMBs that lack the resources and infrastructure to defend against such threats. This article will discuss the unique challenges that APTs pose for SMBs, the typical characteristics of these threats, and strategies for SMBs to protect themselves.

Understanding APTs and Their Characteristics

An APT typically involves a series of orchestrated stages that enable attackers to infiltrate a network, establish footholds, and exfiltrate valuable data over an extended period (Mandiant, 2013). These attacks are distinguished by their complexity and persistence, often evading detection by conventional cybersecurity tools. APTs usually follow a cycle comprising five stages: reconnaissance, initial intrusion, establishing persistence, lateral movement, and data exfiltration (Hutchins et al., 2011). Attackers meticulously plan each step, exploiting vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and even human behavior to achieve their objectives. Although historically focused on large targets, APTs are increasingly being directed toward SMBs due to their perceived vulnerability and the indirect pathways they can offer into the networks of larger partners or clients.

Why Are SMBs Targeted by APTs?

Historically, SMBs have been overlooked as APT targets, as these entities were perceived as holding little value to sophisticated attackers. However, the cybersecurity landscape has evolved, and SMBs now present an attractive target for APT actors. According to Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, a growing number of cyber-attacks have affected SMBs, largely due to their weaker security postures compared to larger organizations. For cybercriminals, SMBs offer a dual advantage: easier access and valuable data. Many SMBs lack the necessary investment in robust cybersecurity defenses, making them low-hanging fruit for APTs (Verizon, 2023).

Additionally, SMBs often serve as vendors or partners to larger enterprises. Compromising a smaller company’s network can give attackers access to their larger, more resourceful partners, a technique known as “supply chain compromise” (CrowdStrike, 2023). This tactic has been effectively used in high-profile breaches, including the SolarWinds incident, where attackers infiltrated a network management tool provider to gain access to its clients (CrowdStrike, 2023). The indirect access SMBs can provide to larger targets makes them highly attractive to APT groups, which can exploit these connections to carry out even broader campaigns.

The Unique Challenges Faced by SMBs

The technical, financial, and human resources required to counter APTs are often beyond the reach of SMBs. Unlike large enterprises, SMBs typically do not have dedicated security teams or advanced security technologies. This creates a significant gap in detection and response capabilities, leaving SMBs exposed to prolonged intrusions that could cause substantial damage. According to the Ponemon Institute’s 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average data breach cost for SMBs was approximately $2.98 million, a staggering amount that many SMBs cannot absorb (Ponemon Institute, 2022). Such costs underscore the critical importance of addressing APT-related vulnerabilities. Compounding this challenge is the difficulty SMBs face in detecting and responding to APTs. Conventional cybersecurity solutions, such as antivirus software and firewalls, are generally ineffective against the stealthy and complex tactics employed by APTs. Moreover, the absence of continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities means that an APT can persist within an SMB’s network undetected for extended periods, leading to long-term damage (Mandiant, 2013). The consequences can range from intellectual property theft and financial loss to reputational damage and even regulatory penalties for data breaches.

Strategies for Mitigating APTs in SMBs

While SMBs may lack the resources of larger enterprises, they can still take meaningful steps to protect themselves from APTs. First, SMBs should focus on implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity policy that includes regular training for employees on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics. This human-centric approach is critical, as social engineering remains one of the primary methods used by APT actors (Verizon, 2023).

Moreover, SMBs should adopt a layered security approach, combining basic cybersecurity measures with more advanced tools. These might include endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, network segmentation, and multifactor authentication (MFA), which make it more difficult for attackers to move laterally within a network. While budget constraints may limit the implementation of enterprise-level tools, SMBs can leverage managed security service providers (MSSPs) to gain access to advanced threat intelligence and monitoring capabilities without the overhead costs of maintaining a full in-house team (CrowdStrike, 2023).

Another critical step is for SMBs to develop an incident response (IR) plan tailored to their specific needs and risks. A well-prepared IR plan outlines the steps to take in case of a breach, including how to contain the threat, preserve evidence, and recover systems. Regularly testing this plan is essential to ensure that employees and stakeholders understand their roles in mitigating damage from potential attacks.

Conclusion

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, APTs are no longer a threat exclusive to large organizations; SMBs are increasingly at risk as they often present a vulnerable entry point into larger supply chains and networks. The growing attention APT groups are directing toward SMBs reflects the need for these businesses to prioritize cybersecurity, even within limited budgets. By adopting a layered security approach, training employees, and developing robust incident response plans, SMBs can enhance their resilience against APTs and better protect their data and reputation in an evolving threat environment.

References

CrowdStrike. (2023). *The Impact of Supply Chain Attacks on Businesses*. Retrieved from CrowdStrike Website

Hutchins, E., Cloppert, M. J., & Amin, R. M. (2010b). Intelligence-Driven Computer Network

Defense Informed by Analysis of Adversary Campaigns and Intrusion Kill Chains. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:6421896

Mandiant. (2013). *APT1: Exposing One of China’s Cyber Espionage Units*. Retrieved from Mandiant Website

Ponemon Institute. (2022). *2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report*. Retrieved from PonemonWebsite

Verizon. (2023). *Data Breach Investigations Report*. Retrieved from Verizon Website