VERY IMPORTANT

While much reporting indicates that APT cyberattacks are espionage motivated, financially motivated cyber criminals have also been stepping up their game since as early as 2013. Using TTPs akin to their espionage counterparts, groups such as Cobalt Group and FIN7 have been targeting large financial institutions and restaurant chains with much success. The Cobalt Group alone is said to be responsible for causing 1 billion euros worth (US$1.17 billion) of damage to the financial sector.