In the digital age cyberattacks are an ongoing threat to people as well as businesses and government alike. From cyber-attacks to data breaches the results of these crimes can be catastrophic. But how do cybercriminals break into secure systems? Knowing the structure of cyber attacks is essential to defend against these attacks. In this blog we will go over the typical elements of a cyber attack and examine the ways hackers exploit weaknesses to gain access.
1. Reconnaissance (The Information Gathering Phase)
The first stage of any cyber attack is reconnaissance, or the information-gathering phase. The hackers gather the most information they can regarding their intended target. Imagine it as an intruder casing a home prior to breaking into. At this point hackers collect information that can help them find vulnerabilities in the system targeted.
This may comprise:
-
Scanning websites as well as social networks Hackers typically look for information that is public, like email addresses employees’ names IP addresses, employee names or system configurations that could be shared online.
-
Social engineering: Hackers could also attempt to trick people to reveal sensitive information via phone calls or emails containing phishing messages. The objective is to discover the way in which the target functions and the vulnerabilities that could be present.
-
Network mapping: Hackers use network scanning tools to identify devices, ports that are open, and services that are running on networks. They search for weaknesses, like old equipment or software that may be vulnerable to certain kind of attacks.
When the reconnaissance phase is over the hacker has collected lots of information which can be utilized to attack weaknesses in the system.
2. Weaponization (Developing the Attack Tool)
If hackers have enough details about their targets then the next stage is weaponization. At this point the hacker creates or alters software and tools that are designed to exploit vulnerabilities. This may include creating malicious software, like malware, viruses or ransomware.
Common methods used to weaponize comprise:
-
Software Development for Malware: Hackers might create an individual Trojan horse or virus that’s specifically created to exploit a weakness in the system. The malware could be used to gain access to data, steal information, or cause interruptions.
-
Exploiting Software vulnerabilities: If hackers have discovered a vulnerability that is not patched in the system (like an operating system that is outdated or application) it is possible to exploit an exploit that is zero-day to exploit the vulnerability before it’s fixed from the company.
-
Phishing Attachments In certain cases hackers add harmful files with emails appearing to be legitimate like invoices resumes, invoices, or other documents. Once opened, these files install virus on the user’s system.
After this stage, the hacker will be equipped with a tool or technique that could be used to break into the defenses of the target.
3. Delivery (Delivering the attack)
Delivery is the point at which hackers actually transmit their weaponized attack directly to the victim. This can be achieved through several methods, including:
-
Fraudulent Emails A commonly used methods employed by cybercriminals to distribute malware is via phishing emails. An attacker can deliver an email to the recipient that appears as if it comes from a reputable source (like the bank or colleague) and then ask users to click the hyperlink or to download an attached file. When the user interacts with this email, malware will be installed on their computer.
-
Exploiting Network vulnerabilities: If the hacker has discovered an unpatched or open port vulnerability on the system, they could try to exploit the vulnerability directly. This could mean creating malicious networks which triggers a vulnerability, and also grants an hackers access to networks.
-
USB Falls: Sometimes, attackers drop USB drives in public spaces in belief that people will connect it to their personal computer. The drives could contain malware that is designed to attack the computer once connected.
No matter the method of delivery regardless of the delivery method, the aim will be the same, effectively deploy malware or an exploit to the targeted system.
4. Exploitation (Gaining Access and Enhancing Privileges)
After the threat has been triggered then the next stage is exploitation, in which the hacker is granted control of the computer. This is the time that the malicious software or exploit starts to take effect.
Exploitation involves:
-
Accessing sensitive systems: After malware or exploits have been implemented, the attacker can be able to gain entry into the victim’s network or. This could mean gaining access on a specific device like a computer and server. Alternatively, give access to the entire network.
-
Privilege Escalation In most cases the hacker isn’t in total control of the system immediately. They might have access to the system but only limited (like an account for a user with a basic username) and must increase their privileges. This could be done by exploiting a vulnerability that enables users to gain root or administrative access.
-
backdoor creation: Often, hackers are able to install a backdoor, or other method of accessing the system later without the need to conduct any initial attacks. It allows hackers to keep the access for a long time and continue their activities, including taking data or initiating additional attacks.
At this moment the attacker has gained access to into the system, and they are now beginning to alter it for their own advantage.
5. Install (Maintaining accessibility)
In order to ensure that the hacker has access for a long time the victim’s computer The hacker installs additional tools or malware. This is the process of making the attack durable and hard to identify or eliminate.
This may include:
-
Installation of remote Access Trojans (RATs): RATs enable hackers to manage affected systems remotely. They are able to track upon the person using it, take files, or even use the system as part an attack botnet to further target.
-
Rootkits They are stealthy software that conceal in the absence of malicious software systems and make it difficult than security programs to find and eliminate them.
-
Web Shells To attack web servers, hackers could use a shell for web that allows them to communicate with the server using web-based interface. This allows them to control the server, without alarming security measures.
The goal of installing software is to provide a secure foundation in the victim’s computer system, in order for the hacker to continue to achieve their goals, for example taking away data or launch new attacks.
6. Command and Control (C2) Communication
In many sophisticated cyberattacks the attacker has to communicate with affected systems in order to send commands as well as exfiltrate information. This is the point where the Command and Control (C2) communication is crucial.
This phase
-
Connection to attacker’s Server: Once the system has been compromised, malware usually attempts to connect to an external server that is controlled by the attacker. The server transmits directions to the malware telling it what actions it should take the next time.
-
Exfiltrating Data If you have a reliable connection to the system, hackers may begin to steal sensitive information. This could include personal data, financial records intellectual property, login credentials.
-
To avoid detection: To deflect detection, many hackers use encryption, obfuscation, and even legitimate channels for communication to execute C2 actions. They can stay undetected for a longer period of time.
This is essential in ensuring that the attacker will remain in control of the victim’s system from a distance.
7. Execution (Achieving the goal of the attack)
The last phase involves the actualization of the main goal. This is when the hacker succeeds in achieving their objective regardless of whether they’re stealing data, inflicting damages, or disrupting operations.
Common attack targets include:
-
Data theft: An attacker could take sensitive information like client records, intellectual property as well as classified or confidential information. These data can be sold via the black market or utilized to extort the victim.
-
The ransomware As part of ransomware attack hackers will encrypt the victim’s information and request payment for the key to decrypt. Often, victims are at risk of losing all to their information if they fail to pay.
-
The Denial of Service (DoS): Hackers could also start an DoS (or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack to overload an entire system, making it unusable accessible to users who are legitimate.
-
Criminal Frauds: The cybercriminals typically target companies or financial institutions for fraud, either through stealing money or carrying out illegal transactions.
At this point the hacker has accomplished the goal they set out to achieve in their attack, however, their work is often still far from being finished. They could continue to exploit the system that was compromised or use it to carry out further attacks.
Conclusion: Protecting Against Cyber Attacks
Understanding the basic structure of cyber attacks is vital to create efficient defenses. To safeguard your company, yourself or organization take the following steps:
-
Implement Security Policies that are strong: Regularly update software and enforce multi-factor authentication and train users on typical threats such as Phishing.
-
monitor systems continuously: Use advanced surveillance tools in order to identify abnormal activity and indications of exploitation in the early stages.
-
Preparing for Incident Response Prepare a strategy to respond to cyberattacks, and the best way to shut down the affected systems and recover the data.
Cybercrime’s landscape is constantly changing, but when you understand how hackers hack in to systems, you will be able to better defend yourself against dangers. Be vigilant, keep up-to-date and proactive in securing all your data.
