Understanding the Cybersecurity Kill Chain: A Simple Guide

Imagine you're guarding a castle. A determined intruder is trying to get in, but they must follow a specific path to get to the treasure. They must scout the area, find weak spots, sneak in, and make their way past different defenses. Now, replace the castle with your digital assets and the intruder with a cyber attacker. The intruder's series of steps is called the "Cybersecurity Kill Chain."

In cybersecurity, the Kill Chain helps us break down the stages of a cyberattack, making it easier to understand (and stop) bad actors before they reach their goal. So, let's dive in, one step at a time.

What is the cybersecurity kill chain?

The cybersecurity kill chain is a model that outlines the typical stages of a cyberattack, from the initial idea of an attack to the final goal (usually data theft or system damage). By understanding these stages you can set up defenses to block attackers at each step, ideally stopping them before they reach the last one.

Originally developed by Lockheed Martin, the kill chain breaks down into several stages, each representing a typical phase of an attack. Think of it like following a recipe to bake a cake—if you mess up the recipe at any point, the cake (or, in this case, the attack) is likely ruined.

The seven stages of the cybersecurity kill chain

Reconnaissance

Goal: Find valuable information.

In this first phase, attackers are like scouts. They want to learn as much as possible about their target: network layouts, employee names, security tools, or any weak spots that might make it easier to get in. Attackers might dig through social media profiles, scan IP addresses or check for software vulnerabilities.

Weaponization

Goal: Build a tool for the attack.

Here, attackers turn their findings into something useful like creating malware. They might use an exploit (a piece of code that takes advantage of a vulnerability) and combine it with a "payload" (like ransomware or spyware) to create a weapon. The end goal? A malicious tool that will do the dirty work.

Delivery

Goal: Get the weapon to the target.

Now it's time for delivery. Think of it as delivering a dangerous package in the digital world. Attackers might email a malicious link, trick an employee into clicking on a fake attachment, or even use infected USB drives. Delivery methods vary, but the goal is always the same: to plant that malware in the target's environment.

Exploitation

Goal: Activate the attack.

Once the weapon is delivered, it needs to be triggered. In this phase, the attacker takes advantage of a vulnerability in the target's systems. It could be a gap in security software, outdated software, or even a gullible employee who clicked the wrong link.

Installation

Goal: Establish a foothold in the system.

After exploitation, the attacker must secure access to the target's system. They might install a backdoor, which is like setting up a secret entrance to the system. This way, they can return whenever they want, even if the main "door" is locked.

Command and control (C2)

Goal: Maintain control over the system.

To effectively launch their attack, the intruders need a way to communicate with the system they've infiltrated. This often involves connecting to the target system remotely, sending instructions, and gathering stolen data. C2 is like the attacker's secret hotline to their digital prize.

Actions on objectives

Goal: Achieve the end goal.

Finally, the attackers get what they came for. This might be stealing data, corrupting systems, or disrupting operations. By reaching this stage, they often have what they need to damage the organization.

Why the cybersecurity kill chain matters

Think of the Kill Chain as a map of the attacker's journey. Each stage provides an opportunity for defenders to stop the attack. For example:

You could:

• Prevent reconnaissance by limiting publicly available information about your network.
• Stop weaponization by using threat intelligence to identify and block malicious tools before they're delivered.
• Strengthen defenses to prevent exploitation by updating software and training employees to spot phishing attacks.

Every defense you put in place adds an extra wall for attackers to climb. A kill chain approach helps you set up layers of defense, making it much harder for attackers to reach their final stage.

How to defend against each stage of the kill chain

Here's a quick breakdown of some defenses you can use at each step:

• Reconnaissance: Use network monitoring and limit exposure of sensitive information online.
• Weaponization: Use threat intelligence to detect known attack patterns and malicious code.
• Delivery: Employ email filters, web security, and employee training to reduce phishing and malware risks.
• Exploitation: Keep systems updated and enforce security patches and strict access controls.
• Installation: Block unauthorized installations using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.
• Command and Control: Block C2 connections with network security controls, firewalls, and intrusion detection.
• Actions on Objectives: Monitor for unusual data flows, secure sensitive information, and have an incident response plan.

Wrapping it up

Understanding the kill chain helps you spot attacks earlier, stop them faster, and protect your organization more effectively. Knowing how a burglar might break into your house allows you to set up alarms, locks, and cameras, but understanding the kill chain lets you build a solid defense against digital intruders. It's also helpful to understand the mind of a hacker (Hacker mentality: Goals for breach and attack)

When it comes to cybersecurity, the more you know, the better you can prepare. So, remember this chain – and next time you're working on securing your systems, imagine you're breaking that chain, one link at a time.

Coming Soon:  Understanding the MITRE ATT&CK Framework:  A Simple Guide