The Cyber Kill Chain is a comprehensive framework used to describe the various stages involved in a cyberattack. It offers a systematic approach to understanding the steps attackers take and provides opportunities for organizations to detect and respond to these threats effectively.
The key stages of the Cyber Kill Chain are as follows:
Reconnaissance
Attackers start by gathering information about their target (Marriot). This includes studying the target's systems, network architecture, and potential vulnerabilities. They might use publicly available data, social engineering, or previous knowledge from prior attacks to gather intelligence.
Weaponization
At this stage, attackers prepare the tools or malware needed for the attack. Hackers may develop custom malware, such as keyloggers, designed to infiltrate the target's systems and steal sensitive data. This can involve creating malicious payloads or using existing malware and exploits.
Delivery
To introduce malware into the target's network, attackers use various delivery mechanisms. This may include phishing emails, malicious attachments, or compromised websites. The goal is to trick employees into unwittingly downloading and executing the malware.
Exploitation
Once the malware reaches the target's network, it exploits vulnerabilities in applications, systems, or services. Attackers seek to establish a foothold and gain deeper access by targeting unpatched software, misconfigurations, or weak authentication mechanisms.
Installation
At this stage, attackers install their tools or malware on compromised systems within the targeted network. This step allows the perpetrators to maintain persistence, establish command and control channels, and remain undetected for an extended period.
Command and Control
Attackers establish communication channels between their malware and external servers under their control. This enables them to remotely control compromised systems, issue commands, and initiate lateral movement within the target's network.
Lateral Movement
With control over one or more systems, attackers move laterally through the target's network, compromising additional systems. They may escalate privileges, access different servers or databases, and attempt to discover valuable information like customer credit card data.
Data Exfiltration
The final stage involves extracting sensitive data from compromised systems before covering their tracks. Attackers steal customer information, financial records, or intellectual property. Stolen data may be transferred to external infrastructure controlled by the attackers or stored temporarily within the target's network for later exfiltration.
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Find out how CPAF can help your organisation to achieve mitigate cybersecurity risks and avert cyber threats. Benefit from our information security audit services, digital forensics, penetration test services and m.
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