Primary definition
An adversary that possesses sophisticated levels of expertise and significant resources which allow it to create opportunities to achieve its objectives by using multiple attack vectors (e.g., cyber, physical, and deception).
Also known asAPT · Advanced Persistent Threat Actor · APT Group · APT Actor
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
— NICCS GlossaryView source
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NICCS
An adversary that possesses sophisticated levels of expertise and significant resources which allow it to create opportunities to achieve its objectives by using multiple attack vectors (e.g., cyber, physical, and deception).
NICCS Glossary · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Advanced Persistent Threat. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 13, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/advanced-persistent-threat
Sources
2 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026
01
NICCS Glossary
NICCS Glossary
High consensus
02
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Multi-source
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