Cyber Kill Chain
I’d want to share my expertise on the Cyber Kill Chain as a cyber security specialist. It is a framework that describes how intruders navigate networks in search of weaknesses they may exploit. There are seven stages in the Cyber Kill Chain: installation, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, reconnaissance, command and control (C2), and actions on goal. I’ll go over each of these processes and the precautions network defenders can take at each one in this post.
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the first stage in the Cyber Kill Chain and involves researching potential targets before carrying out any penetration testing. The reconnaissance stage may include identifying potential targets, finding their vulnerabilities, discovering which third parties are connected to them (and what data they can access), and exploring existing entry points as well as finding new ones. Reconnaissance can take place both online and offline.
Weaponization
The weaponization stage of the Cyber Kill Chain occurs after reconnaissance has taken place and the attacker has discovered all necessary information about potential targets, such as vulnerabilities. In the weaponization stage, all of the attacker’s preparatory work culminates in the creation of malware to be used against an identified target. Weaponization can include creating new types of malware or modifying existing tools to use in a cyberattack. For example, cybercriminals may make minor modifications to an existing ransomware variant to create a new Cyber Kill Chain tool.
Delivery
In the delivery stage, cyberweapons and other Cyber Kill Chain tools are used to infiltrate a target’s network and reach users. Delivery may involve sending phishing emails containing malware attachments with subject lines that prompt users to click through. Delivery can also take the form of hacking into an organization’s network and exploiting a hardware or software vulnerability to infiltrate it.
Exploitation
Exploitation is the stage that follows delivery and weaponization. In the exploitation step of the Cyber Kill Chain, attackers take advantage of the vulnerabilities they have discovered in previous stages to further infiltrate a target’s network and achieve their objectives. In this process, cybercriminals often move laterally across a network to reach their targets. Exploitation can sometimes lead attackers to their targets if those responsible for the network have not deployed deception measures.
Installation
Installation is the stage where attackers establish a foothold in the target’s network. This stage is often achieved by installing malware on a system or by exploiting a vulnerability in a system to gain access. Once the attacker has established a foothold, they can begin to move laterally across the network to reach their objectives.
Command and Control (C2)
The Command and Control (C2) stage is where attackers establish a connection to their malware or other Cyber Kill Chain tools. This connection allows the attacker to control the malware and issue commands to it. The C2 stage is often used to exfiltrate data from the target’s network or to launch additional attacks.
Actions on Objectives
The final stage of the Cyber Kill Chain is Actions on Objectives. In this stage, the attacker achieves their objectives, which may include stealing data, disrupting operations, or causing damage to the target’s network. This stage can be the most damaging to the target, as it is where the attacker achieves their ultimate goal.
Summary
In summary, the Cyber Kill Chain is a framework that explains how attackers move through networks to identify vulnerabilities that they can then exploit. The Cyber Kill Chain is divided into seven stages: reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control (C2), and actions on objectives. In this article, I have described each of these steps and the preventive measures that network defenders can take in each stage. I hope this article helps you understand the stages of a cyberattack and the measures you can take to prevent or intercept each step. Stay safe and secure! 😊