Pre-positioning and maintaining persistent access within adversary networks are critical strategic objectives in offensive cyber operations, particularly for state-sponsored actors. These activities allow for rapid execution of attacks during a crisis, provide continuous intelligence gathering opportunities, and enhance an attacker’s ability to operate undetected over long periods.
Pre-positioning #
Pre-positioning refers to the act of covertly gaining access to a target network and establishing a foothold or presence that can be activated at a later time. This is akin to placing assets or capabilities in a strategic location before they are needed in a conventional conflict. The primary motivations for pre-positioning include:
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