1. Introduction to the Cyber Kill Chain
The Cyber Kill Chain is a paradigm that depicts the phases of a cyber attack, beginning with reconnaissance and concluding with the execution of operations against targets. Understanding the Cyber Kill Chain enables organisations to defend against and mitigate the effects of cyber assaults more effectively.
Seven stages comprise the Cyber Kill Chain: reconnaissance, weaponisation, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and objective operations. Understanding the strategies deployed by attackers at each phase might help organisations recognise and counter them.
Let us understand them in detail.
2. Phase 1: Reconnaissance
During the reconnaissance phase of the Cyber Kill Chain, attackers gather as much information about the target system, network, or person as possible. This could include identifying the target’s technology, weaknesses, and personnel and compiling data on the target’s internet footprint, such as domain names, IP addresses, and website content. Reconnaissance is critical for attackers because it allows them to plan and execute an attack successfully.
Understanding the techniques used during reconnaissance can help defenders anticipate and prevent attacks. Some security measures for preventing and detecting reconnaissance include implementing strong security standards, training staff to spot and report unusual activity, and using tools to monitor network activity and identify potential risks.
The 2010 Campaign Aurora cyberespionage operation, in which the Chinese military allegedly spied on American businesses and government institutions extensively, is a prime example of reconnaissance in action. The attackers used various methods, including social engineering and scanning, to collect personal information and maintain control of the hacked systems.
Attackers spend an average of 200 days conducting reconnaissance, according to a survey conducted by the cybersecurity firm Cybereason. This demonstrates the importance of implementing solid defences to prevent attackers from learning information about the victim.
3. Phase 2: Weaponization
Attackers create the tools to attack the target in the second phase of the Cyber Kill Chain.
Understanding the techniques used during the weaponisation phase can help defenders detect and prevent attacks before they happen. Maintaining up-to-date software and systems, enforcing stringent security standards, and utilising technologies for monitoring network activity and identifying potential threats are among the security measures for preventing and detecting weaponisation.
The 2011 Duqu malware attack was an example of real-world weaponisation in action. The attackers used a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Word to build a customised version of the Duqu malware, which was used to gather intelligence and infiltrate targeted devices in this attack.
According to a cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab report, the most common types of malware used in weaponisation are Trojans, worms, and viruses. These types of malware are commonly used to access systems, steal data, or disrupt operations. Understanding the types of malware widely used in weaponisation allows organisations to better defend against these attacks.
4. Phase 3: Delivery
The third phase of the Cyber Kill Chain is delivering the attack to the target. This can be accomplished through various methods, such as phishing emails, drive-by downloads, and malicious websites. The delivery phase is critical for attackers because it determines whether the attack will reach its intended target.
Defenders can identify and avoid assaults by understanding the strategies used during the delivery phase. Some security measures for preventing and detecting delivery include implementing robust spam filters, training staff to recognise and report suspicious emails, and utilising tools to monitor network traffic and identify potential risks.
The Emotet malware attack in 2019 was a high-profile example of delivery in action. Phishing emails were used in this attack to distribute the Emotet malware to victims, which was then used to steal sensitive data and spread it to other systems.
According to a survey conducted by the cybersecurity company Symantec, the most common methods of delivery used by attackers are email, social media, and site downloads. These strategies enable attackers to reach many potential targets quickly and efficiently. Therefore, understanding the most common distribution methods can help organisations defend against these threats.
5. Phase 4: Exploitation
Attackers launch the attack and seize control of the target system in the fourth phase of the Cyber Kill Chain exploit. This is possible by using flaws in the target’s technologies or configurations. Exploitation is a critical stage for attackers because it determines whether the operation succeeds or fails.
Defenders can identify and prevent attacks by understanding the strategies used during the exploitation phase. Maintaining up-to-date software and systems, developing robust security protocols, and employing technologies to monitor network traffic and identify potential risks are all security measures for preventing and detecting exploitation.
6. Phase 5: Installation
The fifth stage of the Cyber Kill Chain is installation, in which attackers gain control of the target system. Installing malware or creating backdoors can be used to maintain system access. The structure is critical for attackers because it allows them to maintain control of the compromised system.
Defenders can detect and prevent attacks by understanding the strategies used during the installation process. Some security techniques for preventing and detecting installation include keeping software and systems up to date, implementing strong security policies, and employing tools to monitor network traffic and identify potential risks.
One prominent example of installation in use was the 2017 Petya ransomware attack. The attackers gained access to the affected devices via a flaw in the Windows operating system. They installed the Petya malware, later used to encrypt the data on the machines.
According to a study by the cybersecurity firm Symantec, 39% of attacks include the installation stage. This emphasises the importance of having solid defences in place to prevent attackers from gaining a foothold in the target system.
7. Phase 6: Command and Control
The sixth phase of the Cyber Kill Chain involves command and control, allowing attackers to maintain control of the target system. Backdoors, rootkits, and other techniques for maintaining system access can be used to accomplish this. Command and control are critical for attackers because they can conduct operations on the target without being discovered or disrupted.
Defenders can anticipate and prevent attacks by understanding the techniques used during the command and control phase. Maintaining up-to-date software and systems, developing robust security protocols, and utilising tools to monitor network activity and identify potential threats are all security measures for preventing and detecting command and control attacks.
The Mirai botnet attack in 2016 is an example of command and control in action. The malware was used in this attack to take the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and create a botnet, which was then used to launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
According to the cybersecurity firm Imperva, the average number of command and control servers used during an attack is 3.8. This emphasises the importance of putting in place strong defences to prevent intruders from gaining control of the target system.
8. Phase 7: Actions on Objectives
The seventh and final phase of the Cyber Kill Chain consists of actions on objectives in which the attackers achieve their dreams. This can be accomplished through various means, including data theft, extortion, and disruption of operations. Actions on objectives are the final goal of the attack and the phase that determines its success or failure.
Defenders can anticipate and prevent attacks by understanding the strategies used during the actions on objectives phase. Some security measures for preventing and detecting acts against objectives include keeping software and systems up to date, developing robust security procedures, and employing technologies to monitor network activity and identify potential threats.
The Marriott data breach in 2018 was a prominent example of actions on objectives in action. In this incident, the attackers gained access to the Marriott hotel chain’s reservation system and stole the personal information of up to 500 million visitors.
According to a study conducted by the cybersecurity firm Symantec, the most common goals of cyber attacks are monetary gain, espionage, and disruption. Understanding the most common purposes of cyber attacks allows businesses to defend themselves more effectively against them.
9. Conclusion
Understanding the Cyber Kill Chain and its phases is critical for businesses because it allows them to detect and defend against cyber attacks at each stage. In addition, knowing the strategies attackers use at each location will enable organisations to build effective security measures to avoid and detect attacks.
Firms can deploy effective security measures using a variety of tactics at each stage of the Cyber Kill Chain. Among the techniques are:
Implement robust security measures, train employees to recognise and report suspicious activity, and use tools to monitor network activity and identify potential threats.
To prevent weaponisation, keep current software and systems, develop robust security protocols, and use tools to monitor network activity and identify potential risks.
Implement strong spam filters, train employees to recognise and report suspicious emails, and use tools to monitor network activity and identify potential threats.
To prevent exploitation, keep software and systems up to date, develop robust security procedures, and use tools to monitor network traffic and identify potential risks.
Maintain software and system updates, implement robust security protocols, and use tools to monitor network traffic and identify potential risks during installation.
Maintain current software and systems, develop robust security protocols, and use technology to monitor network activity and detect potential threats.
These are the actions associated with the objectives: keep software and systems up to date, adopt stringent security standards, and use technologies to monitor network activity and identify potential threats.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the annual cost of cyber attacks on businesses and consumers will reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. This includes direct and indirect costs, such as business disruption, lost productivity, and reputational damage. Understanding the Cyber Kill Chain and implementing appropriate security measures at each point can help organisations reduce the cost and impact of cyber attacks.
10. FAQs on Cyber Kill Chain
- How can organisations defend against the cyber kill chain?
Organisations can use a variety of tactics to defend against the Cyber Kill Chain. Here are some strategies:
- Strong security standards must be implemented, such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular software and system updates to patch vulnerabilities.
- Employee training: Staff education about cyber threats and training on how to detect and report unusual activity can help prevent cyber attacks.
- Monitoring network traffic with tools can help identify potential threats and alert administrators to suspicious behaviour.
- Implementing effective spam filters: Spam filters can help keep phishing emails from reaching employees and potentially compromise a company’s systems.
- Updating software and systems: Regular updates and patches can help correct vulnerabilities and thwart attacks.
- Implementing strong access controls: Access controls, such as user permissions and access logs, can help prevent unauthorised access to systems and data.
- Overall, it is critical for businesses to maintain a strong security posture and to be proactive in their defence against cyber threats. This includes regularly assessing and upgrading security measures, educating personnel, and utilising appropriate tools and technology to avoid and detect threats.
- What are the most common methods of delivery used by attackers?
Email and social media are the most common methods of delivery used by attackers.
Email is a popular delivery method because it is a widely used communication tool, and attackers can easily send emails to large groups of people. Additionally, attackers may send phishing emails containing links to malicious websites or malware attachments.
Because social media is such a widespread communication and networking platform, it is also a popular delivery method. For example, attackers may use social media to spread malware or phishing scams by sending malicious links or messages to their victims or creating fake accounts to spread malware or phishing scams.
Overall, organisations and individuals must be aware of these delivery methods and exercise caution when opening emails or clicking on links from unknown sources. Implementing strong spam filters and educating employees about cyber threats can also aid in the prevention of these types of attacks.
- What are the most common types of malware used in weaponisation?
The most common types of malware used for weaponisation are Trojans, viruses, and worms.
Trojans are malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it. Once installed, Trojans allow attackers to access the victim’s machine or steal sensitive data.
Viruses are malicious programmes that spread by infecting other programmes or files. When the infected programme or file is run, the virus becomes active and can replicate and apply to other programmes or files on the victim’s system.
Worms are malware repeating itself and sending copies to other systems and devices. Worms, unlike viruses, can replicate and spread without attaching themselves to other programmes or data.
Organisations and individuals must be aware of these types of malware, develop strong security policies, and use antivirus software to prevent and detect attacks. Maintaining up-to-date software and systems and exercising caution when downloading and installing programmes can also help avoid the spread of malware.
- How much time do attackers typically spend in the reconnaissance phase?
Variable, but often longer for more complicated attacks, is the amount of time attackers spend in the reconnaissance phase. In the reconnaissance phase of the Cyber Kill Chain, attackers collect as much information as possible about the target system, network, or person. This data may include the target’s technology, weaknesses, and personnel.
During the reconnaissance phase, attackers may employ many techniques to obtain information about the target, including footprinting, scanning, and social engineering. The objective of reconnaissance is to get more information about the target so the attacker can successfully plan and execute an attack.
Overall, the amount of time attackers spend in the reconnaissance phase is dependent on the target’s complexity and the attackers' strategies. Therefore, understanding the strategies employed during the reconnaissance phase enables defences to anticipate and prevent attacks.
- How many vulnerabilities are typically exploited in an attack?
An average attack exploits 1.8 vulnerabilities, according to a survey conducted by the cybersecurity firm FireEye. However, the actual number of vulnerabilities exploited during an attack can vary.
Vulnerabilities are flaws or defects in software or systems that attackers can exploit to gain access to or control the target. An attacker who successfully exploits a vulnerability can gain unauthorised access to the target system or execute malicious code.
Overall, it is critical for businesses to keep their software and systems up to date and to instal updates and patches to address vulnerabilities regularly. In addition, implementing robust security procedures and employing technologies to monitor network traffic can help prevent and detect vulnerability-exploiting attacks.