APT1
APT was a state-sponsored group known for stealing massive amounts of data from large corporations and government agencies. Though exposed through cybersecurity research, this threat actor’s tactics are still thought to be used today.
The origin of APT1
APT1 was first observed in 2006, and has been attributed to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. One of the world’s most prolific nation-state attack groups, it used sophisticated techniques to evade detection and steal hundreds of terabytes of data from more than 140 organizations over the course of seven years.
The group operated until February 2013, when it began curtailing its attacks after being exposed by an in-depth cybersecurity research report. Since then, security software companies have identified attacks repurposing some of APT1’s original techniques.
Sources: Mandiant, SecurityWeek,,OCD
Targets
APT1's targets
Industries targeted by APT1
APT1 was likely behind attacks targeting organizations across a broad range of industries with critical infrastructure, including government agencies, global corporations and defense contractors.
Industries targeted by APT1
APT1 was likely behind attacks targeting organizations across a broad range of industries with critical infrastructure, including government agencies, global corporations and defense contractors.
APT1 victims
APT1 is believed to have stolen hundreds of terabytes of data from at least 141 organizations, demonstrating an ability to steal from dozens of organizations simultaneously.
Source: Mandiant
Attack Method
APT1 attack method
APT1 uses spearphishing emails containing malicious attachments or links to establish a foothold within a network.
The group exploits vulnerabilities and uses tools like Mimikatz to gain elevated privileges.
They employ masquerading tactics, such as naming malware after legitimate processes.
APT1 has dumped credentials from LSASS memory using tools like Mimikatz.
Commands like tasklist, net user, and ipconfig /all are used to map the victim's network and system.
Tools such as RDP enable them to move across systems within the network.
They use automated scripts and tools like GETMAIL to collect emails and other valuable files.
APT1 relies on the Windows command shell and batch scripting for automation.
Collected data is often compressed using RAR before exfiltration.
Sophisticated evasion techniques allowed APT1 to steal large amounts of intellectual property, capturing as much as 6.5 terabytes of compressed data from a single organization over a ten-month time period.
Initial Access
APT1 uses spearphishing emails containing malicious attachments or links to establish a foothold within a network.
Privilege Escalation
The group exploits vulnerabilities and uses tools like Mimikatz to gain elevated privileges.
Defense Evasion
They employ masquerading tactics, such as naming malware after legitimate processes.
Credential Access
APT1 has dumped credentials from LSASS memory using tools like Mimikatz.
Discovery
Commands like tasklist, net user, and ipconfig /all are used to map the victim's network and system.
Lateral Movement
Tools such as RDP enable them to move across systems within the network.
Collection
They use automated scripts and tools like GETMAIL to collect emails and other valuable files.
Execution
APT1 relies on the Windows command shell and batch scripting for automation.
Exfiltration
Collected data is often compressed using RAR before exfiltration.
Impact
Sophisticated evasion techniques allowed APT1 to steal large amounts of intellectual property, capturing as much as 6.5 terabytes of compressed data from a single organization over a ten-month time period.
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
APT1 TTPs
TA0001: Initial Access
T1566
Phishing
TA0002: Execution
T1059
Command and Scripting Interpreter
TA0003: Persistence
No items found.
TA0004: Privilege Escalation
No items found.
TA0005: Defense Evasion
T1550
Use Alternate Authentication Material
TA0006: Credential Access
T1003
OS Credential Dumping
TA0007: Discovery
T1087
Account Discovery
T1049
System Network Connections Discovery
T1016
System Network Configuration Discovery
TA0008: Lateral Movement
T1550
Use Alternate Authentication Material
T1021
Remote Services
TA0009: Collection
T1560
Archive Collected Data
T1119
Automated Collection
T1114
Email Collection
T1005
Data from Local System
TA0011: Command and Control
No items found.
TA0010: Exfiltration
No items found.
TA0040: Impact
No items found.
Platform Detections
How to detect threats like APT1 with Vectra AI
Thousands of enterprise organizations rely on powerful AI-driven detections to find and stop attacks before it’s too late.
FAQs
What is APT1?
APT1 is an advanced persistent threat (APT) with origins in China. It’s believed to be one of the most prolific nation-state attack groups of all time, based on the sheer quantity of data stolen.
Who’s behind APT1?
APT1 is thought to be tied to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. Even if it wasn’t an official entity with the Chinese government, most cybersecurity researchers believe the government was at least aware of its operations.
What is APT1's primary objective?
APT1 focuses on cyber espionage, stealing intellectual property and sensitive data to benefit China's strategic interests.
What tools and techniques does APT1 use?
APT1 is known for using advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to evade detection and maintain a persistent presence on its victims’ networks. These range from spear phishing attacks to the Remote Desktop Protocol.
How long does APT1 typically remain in a network?
They often maintain access for extended periods, leveraging their persistence techniques.
What industries are at greatest risk?
Aerospace, defense, and telecommunications are high-priority targets for APT1.
What is the role of infrastructure in APT1's operations?
APT1 registers and hijacks domains for phishing, command and control, and data exfiltration.
What are the implications of an APT attack?
Once an APT bypasses security prevention tools, attackers use highly sophisticated techniques to progress through the network and gain access to privileged accounts. APT1 was especially skilled at evading detection, allowing the group to remain undetected for months or even years. This results in massive amounts of stolen data.
What’s the best way to prevent APT attacks?
Although 100% prevention is impossible, security measures can help keep APT attacks at bay. These include enforcing strong passwords, training employees on the dangers of phishing, and authentication protocols.
How can organizations detect and stop APT attacks?
Once an APT attack bypasses your prevention tools, real-time detection is essential. The best way to find and stop attackers is with AI-driven detections designed to identify the latest tactics, techniques and procedures — and to separate merely suspicious activity from true threats.