In our increasingly connected world knowing how cyberattacks are carried out is essential for both companies and individuals alike. A one of the more efficient methods for studying the nature of these attacks are known as the cyber Kill Chain. Created in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, this model gives a step-by-step explanation of how cyberattacks progress to help security teams recognize threats, avoid them and deal with threats more efficiently.
In this blog we’ll look at this Cyber Kill Chain in greater detail, delving into each phase and how knowing it will help improve your defense against cyberattacks.
What exactly is Cyber Kill Chain?
The Cyber Kill Chain is a conceptual framework that describes the various stages of a cyberattack from initial research to the ultimate goal, which is typically the destruction of data or disruption to the system. If you can understand each step, security personnel can take countermeasures at different points to prevent attacks from being successful.
Cyber Kill Chain Cyber Kill Chain typically includes the following steps:
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Reconnaissance
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Weaponization
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Delivery
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Exploitation
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Installation
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Command and Control (C2)
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Activities on Objectives
Let’s have a closer look at each stage.
1. Reconnaissance The Attackers’ Research Phase
The initial step in every attack is reconnaissance commonly described as “information collecting.” This is the phase that includes cybercriminals conducting a thorough investigation to determine possible targets.
What happens during reconnaissance?
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Active Reconnaissance: Attackers collect information from sources that are publicly accessible like websites or social media profiles, domain registrations or older breaches. They seek out weak points that are not being used, like old software or passwords that are easily guessable.
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Active Reconnaissance In this stage attackers could directly scan the systems or networks of the target. They may employ tools to look for vulnerable ports or vulnerabilities which could be exploited at later phases.
What can we do to defend ourselves against It?
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Review regularly the the public records about your company’s infrastructure and operations.
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Conduct vulnerability assessments and ensure that your company’s profiles and websites are secure and up-to-date.
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Use strong access control and multi-factor authentication.
2. Weaponization The preparation of the tools to be ready for an attack
After they have gathered enough information then they can move into their stage of weaponization phase. This is when they develop the malicious payloads or tools needed to attack.
What happens during Weaponization?
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Attackers combine malicious code, like malware, viruses or ransomware, to create an exploit. This creates an weapon specifically designed to exploit weaknesses discovered in investigation.
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This weapon was designed in order to make use of weaknesses in hardware, software, as well as network setups.
How can you defend yourself against It?
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Install security patches and updates when they become available.
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Use whitelisting software to ensure only trusted programs are running.
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Utilize strong security solutions for your computer which can identify unusual behavior or the presence malware-related files.
3. Delivery The Attack is set in Motion
The phase of delivery phase, attackers hand over the weaponized payload directly to the victim. It can be done through a variety of channels.
What happens during the delivery process?
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The threat could be spread by email (phishing) or an infected site (drive-by downloads) or compromised USB device, or fraudulent advertisements (malvertising).
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The aim is to load the malware onto the victim’s system, without triggering suspicion.
How can you defend yourself against It?
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Inform employees about recognizing suspicious attachments and phishing emails.
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Use firewalls, email filters and other detection tools to block spam messages.
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Use web filtering software that blocks access to dangerous websites.
4. Exploitation: Profiting from the vulnerability
Following delivery The attacker then uses an attack weapon to take advantage of weaknesses in the system of the target. This is when the malicious code starts to work.
What happens when you Exploitation?
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The malware exploits weaknesses on the victim’s computer and network in order to run malicious software. For instance, a hacker could exploit an unpatched software flaw to gain access.
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After being executed, the exploit provides a way for the attacker to go on to the next step.
What can we do to defend ourselves against It?
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Make sure to regularly make updates and patches to software such as operating systems, third-party software and plugins.
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Make use of security tools that detect and block vulnerabilities in real-time for example, Intrusion detection systems (IDS) as well as Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS).
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Utilize network segmentation to limit any spread of vulnerabilities between systems.
5. Installation: Setting Up a Persistent Presence
If the exploit is effective, attacker is moved onto an installing phase, in which they try to establish an entry point into the victim’s system in order to maintain access.
What happens during installation?
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An attacker can install malware, backdoors and Trojans onto the computer. This may comprise Remote Access Tools (RATs) or keyloggers for gaining permanent accessibility to the computer.
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Once it is installed an attacker will be able to maintain control even after the initial vulnerability is patched or found.
What can we do to defend ourselves against It?
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Check systems for unusual activity or the existence of processes that are not known to the system.
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Install robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) Systems that will detect processes and files that are suspicious.
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Utilize system integrity monitoring to find out if there are any unauthorized changes to system files.
6. Command and Control (C2) Control and Control (C2): Maintaining Communication
Following installation, an attacker will need to remain in contact to the system that was compromised. This is called the command and Control (C2) stage.
What happens in C2?
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A hacker connects with the system remotely using the C2 server to transmit commands or transfer information.
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This phase could also involve other criminal actions, like further exploiting vulnerabilities, or download of additional malware.
What can we do to defend ourselves against It?
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Check outbound traffic for suspicious communications with known fake IPs or domains.
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Utilize tools for analysis of network traffic to spot irregularities.
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Install network segmentation to stop attackers to advance further.
7. Actions on Goals the Final Attack Phase
Once the attacker has taken complete control over the system they proceed to the next phase, which is the actions they take against objectives. This is when the full effect of the cyberattack will be realized.
What happens during actions on Goals?
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The attacker could steal sensitive information or interrupt business operations or even deploy ransomware in order to make demands for the payment of a ransom.
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In the case of espionage as well as intellectual theft attackers may take private information to obtain financial gain or a competitive advantage.
How can you defend yourself against It?
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Secure sensitive data in transit and at rest to safeguard it in the event that an attacker is able to gain access.
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Always back up your important data and keep it in a safe place and in safe cloud storage environments.
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Create a solid incident response strategy to swiftly identify, respond to, and repair incidents.
Conclusion: Getting to know the Cyber Kill Chain for Better Defense
The Cyber Kill Chain provides an excellent basis for understanding the development of cyberattacks. By identifying and addressing weaknesses throughout the killing chain companies can better defend themselves against cybercriminals, and lessen the consequences from successful attack.
Let’s see how this information in your strategy for defense:
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Actively defend Take action to fix vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
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Implement Layered security Use a variety of defenses at different levels within the kill chain.
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Monitor your system continuously Monitor continuously on every aspect of your system and network for any unusual activities.
By being vigilant and understanding what is known as the Cyber Kill Chain, you will be better equipped to prepare yourself and your company to stop cybercriminals at every step of their assault.
