Why is the preparation phase imperative for the success of an APT attack?

• A. Expansion of access and harvesting credentials in advance (i.e. during the preparation phase) is necessary to ensure the success of an APT.
• B. During the preparation phase, the adversary performs highly complex operations required to avoid detection once the attack is launched.
• C. During the preparation phase, an adversary will identify vulnerabilities which cannot be exploited and thus will avoid wasting time and resources.
• D. Preparation ensures that the persistence phase of an APT attack cannot be countered by the victim organization.

Answer: (A)