The cyber kill chain is a process that sets out the stages of an imminent cyber attack. It allows organizations to identify and protect themselves against threats, such as malware, network breaches, ransomware, or data theft.

The cyber kill chain is also referred to as the cyberattack lifestyle and was developed by Lockheed Martin. This framework has proved useful to cybersecurity experts globally.

How does the Cyber Kill Chain Work?

The procedures of a cyber kill chain can be likened to a stereotypical burglary. The burglar will firstly perform reconnaissance on the building before infiltrating it, followed by other steps before walking away with the loot.

Let's look at the seven major steps of a cyber kill chain.

·      Reconnaissance

The intending attacker gathers as much data and information about their target. It includes gathering email addresses and other information. The purpose is to find any weakness in your organization's network. The information gathered is often used for phishing attacks and social engineering.

Intruders use automated scanners to find possible exploits that can be used as a point of entry into your network for the attack. It includes scanning intrusion prevention systems, firewalls, etc.

·      Weaponization

Having found an entry into your network, the attackers develop malware that can take advantage of the vulnerability. The malware is developed based on the purpose of the attack. It is also the stage whereby the intruder reduces the chances of being caught by the organization's security measures.

·      Delivery

The intruder delivers the developed malware by a phishing attacks, email, web, USB or other media. The key is to ensure that the malware gets into the target environment via any available means. Defense teams would be better off if they stopped cyber-attacks at this stage.

·      Exploitation

Once the malware has been successfully delivered into the organization's network, the attacker's malicious code is activated. It enables the attacker to exploit the organization's weakness and gain access. The malware could grant the intruder access to execute commands, modify security certificates, or control systems.

·      Installation

Once the malware has been installed into your organization's network, the intruder can easily access information on your network and also modify security information. At this stage, the cyber attack can be stopped by using systems such as the Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS).

·      Command and Control

The intruder finally gains control over the organization's network/systems and creates a command and control. The intruder has access to manipulate the wider system easily, deploy malware or connect to a botnet.

·      Actions

The intruder is then able to perform his objectives for infiltrating the target system/networks. This could be to exfiltrate data, encrypt data (in case of a ransomware), or perform some other malicious activity.

How Can the Cyber Kill Chain be Leveraged to Protect against Attacks?

Knowledge of the cyber kill chain can be used by organizations to identify and manage any gaps in their security within seconds.

Here's how a cyber kill chain can protect your organization against cybersecurity attacks:

1.     Simulate Cybersecurity Attacks

Cybersecurity attacks can be simulated through all vectors to find threats and vulnerabilities. It includes simulating attacks through a firewall, email gateways, web applications, etc.

2.     Identify Security Gaps by Evaluating Controls

This process involves identifying the risks and evaluating controls. Simulations platforms will provide a detailed risk report and score around each vector.

3.     Fix the Gaps

The next important step is to fix the cybersecurity gaps identified by evaluating controls. It includes installing patches and changing configurations to help reduce the threats and vulnerabilities in the organization's network and systems.

Conclusion

One of the most common mistakes organizations make is leaving cybersecurity vulnerabilities open. Using the cyber kill chain to continuously validate the organization's network will help identify, prevent, prepare for and stop any cyber security attack.