What Is the Cyber Kill Chain?

Understand the cyber kill chain, the framework that outlines the distinct stages of a cyberattack.

Introduction

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It’s hard to beat an enemy you don’t understand. Diving into enemy territory and learning the techniques, tactics, and the processes by which they launch successful cyberattacks can mean the difference between stopping them in their tracks and meeting them unprepared. 

The cyber kill chain is used by both cybercriminals and defenders alike, albeit for different purposes, to guide them through the various stages of an online attack. Understanding how it works and its relevance in the cybersecurity landscape today can position defenders to take full advantage of the insights it affords. 

What Is the Cyber Kill Chain?

The cyber kill chain refers to the interdependent, step-by-step processes that threat actors take to successfully execute a cyberattack. Coined by Lockheed Martin back in 2011, the phrase is derived from a longstanding military term, “kill chain,” which outlines the process by which a military target is attacked.  

How Does the Cyber Kill Chain Work?

Also referred to as the cyber attack chain, the cyber kill chain comprises a series of interconnected actions which are dependent upon the step before. The “chain” must be completed in that order, and an interruption at any point could result in the dissolution of the whole thing. From a defender’s perspective, that is what we are counting on.  

There are seven stages to the cyber kill chain: 

1. Reconnaissance

The attacker hunts for weaknesses, exploitable vulnerabilities, and information about the target: credentials, email addresses, personal information off of social media, operating systems, and applications used.  

2. Weaponization

The attacker creates the payload that will ultimately be used to compromise the target: malware, ransomware, a phishing attack, virus, or worm. Back doors are also set up so that the attacker may maintain consistent illicit access to the compromised systems.  

3. Delivery

The attack is launched with the delivery of the payload. This could be an email containing phishing links or attachments, or the result of malicious incoming network packets. 

4. Exploitation

The payload (malicious code) is executed on the target system. 

5. Installation

Now, the subsequent malware contained in the detonated payload is installed, giving the attacker the opportunity to pivot and move laterally until they have gained control of the system. 

6. Command & Control

Through C2 commands, the attacker can communicate via an outside malicious machine and assume remote control of the target. Lateral movement also occurs at this stage as the threat actor jockeys for the most favorable internal position. 

7. Actions on Objectives

At this point the attacker has successfully gained control of the target and is exfiltrating data, sending ransom notes, destroying sensitive assets, or engaging in other compromising activities.  

The Impact of the Cyber Kill Chain on Cybersecurity Today

Understanding the various steps in the cyber kill chain can help security professionals know where an attacker has been, where they are planning to go, and how to stop them along the way. It is a blueprint that every attacker must follow to successfully pull off an attack, and yet because it is inescapable, it also makes attackers’ next actions transparent and therefore, easier to defend.  

How to Use the Cyber Kill Chain?

Cybersecurity professionals can leverage the cyber kill chain in two primary ways: 

Identify and Stop Attacks

To identify and stop attacks, because instances of compromise from ransomware to social engineering often follow the path of the cyber kill chain. 

Think of the benefit of understanding the individual steps of a cyberattack. A much-used adage advises us to “know your enemy.” What could be more valuable knowledge than understanding their next malicious steps?  

Limitations of the Cyber Kill Chain

However, the cyber kill chain doesn’t catch all exploits, especially as threats penetrate the cloud and infiltrate the web. One criticism of the cyber kill chain is that it does best at defending against perimeter-based attacks like malware and is weakest against credential-based attacks, insider threats, and web-based attacks. This may be true, but when things like ransomware still affects 92% of all industries and play a role in 32% of breaches (according to the Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report), using the cyber kill chain to tamp down on these types of threats is still highly useful.  

Leveraging the Cyber Kill Chain with Fortra Solutions

 

Fortra solutions specialize in breaking the attack chain, disrupting threat actors’ in-progress plans and thwarting instances of compromise.   

Meeting attackers at each step, Fortra pre-emptively severs the cyber kill chain by:

Thwarting Reconnaissance

Thwarting reconnaissance and keeping ahead of stray vulnerabilities with offensive security techniques like vulnerability management (VM), penetration testing, and red teaming. 

Preventing Weaponization

Preventing weaponization, delivery, and exploitation with advanced email security and anti-phishing solutions, including next-generation solutions with cloud email protection.  

Exposing Installation

Exposing installation and command & control with advanced behavioral-driven detection techniques found in Fortra XDR. 

Blocking Malicious Actions

Blocking malicious actions on objectives with savvy security awareness training and strong data loss prevention (DLP) solutions, and by disrupting attackers at any phase of the cyber kill chain. 

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For organizations today, understanding the cyber kill chain is not just about understanding attackers, but understanding how to stop them in their tracks, no matter what stage of the attack they’re in.  

We Break the Attack Chain

Fortra provides advanced offensive and defensive security solutions covering the entire attack chain, enabling our customers to test, simulate, and strengthen their defenses in real time. Contact us today to learn more. 

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