The Seven Stages of a Cyberattack: The Cyber Kill Chain

 

The Seven Stages of a Cyberattack: The Cyber Kill Chain

The Cyber Kill Chain is a framework that describes the phases of a cyber attack, from initial reconnaissance to data exfiltration. It was developed by Lockheed Martin to aid organizations in better comprehending and defending against advanced persistent threats (APTs). 

There are seven phases in the Cyber Kill Chain, and they are as follows:

• Reconnaissance: This stage involves gathering information about the target, such as their infrastructure, employees, and security measures. This information can be obtained through a variety of means, such as social engineering, network scanning, and open-source intelligence gathering.

• Weaponization: In this stage, the attacker creates a payload or exploit that will be used to attack the target. This may involve creating a custom malware or using a known vulnerability to gain access to the target's systems.

• Delivery: This stage involves delivering the payload or exploit to the target. This can be done through a variety of means, such as email phishing, social engineering, or exploiting a vulnerability in a web application.

• Exploitation: In this stage, the attacker uses the payload or exploit to gain access to the target's systems. This may involve gaining remote access, privilege escalation, or executing code on the target's systems.

• Installation: Once access has been gained, the attacker will install tools or malware on the target's systems that will allow them to maintain persistence and continue the attack.

• Command and Control (C2): In this stage, the attacker establishes a C2 channel that allows them to remotely control the compromised systems. This can be done through a variety of means, such as establishing a backdoor or using a covert communication channel.

• Actions on Objectives: The final stage of the Cyber Kill Chain involves achieving the attacker's objectives, such as stealing sensitive data, disrupting operations, or causing damage to the target's systems.

The Cyber Kill Chain is a useful tool for understanding and defending against APTs because it allows organizations to identify and disrupt attacks at an early stage, before the attacker is able to achieve their objectives. By focusing on each stage of the attack, organizations can implement targeted defenses and improve their overall security posture.

Here is an image that depicts the Cyber Kill Chain:

This image shows the different stages of the Cyber Kill Chain. By understanding these stages and the associated risks, organizations can better defend against cyber attacks and protect their critical assets.