As time passes, cyber-attacks become more and more sophisticated, often unfolding in a series of planned steps that give threat actors control over an entire system. To stop these advanced threats, you will need to first understand the cyber-attack life cycle. Knowing what happens at each step, as cybercriminals infiltrate your company, will make threats far easier to notice and prevent before they can cause serious harm.
Stage 1: Reconnaissance
At the beginning of a cyber-attack, threat actors research their target to learn as much as possible about systems, employees, vulnerabilities, and security. This stage will be more pronounced for more advanced, targeted attacks. Unusual scan activity, or more phishing scams than is typical, may be indications that the reconnaissance stage has begun.
This can include:
- Passive reconnaissance: Attackers gather publicly available information without directly interacting with the target’s systems. They may use Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools to analyse the business’ digital footprint.
- Active reconnaissance: Attackers engage with the target’s network through methods like port scanning or phishing attempts to learn about open ports, active IP addresses, and other network details.
Stage 2: Exploitation
This is when threat actors use the information gathered to exploit a vulnerability and gain access to the target system. Their goal is to find a foothold that they can use to launch their attack.
Exploitation can occur in several ways:
- Phishing attacks: Attackers send deceptive emails, texts, or phone calls to employees, hoping they will click on a malicious link or download an attachment.
- Exploiting software vulnerabilities: Attackers leverage known weaknesses in software or applications to gain access.
- Brute force attacks: Attackers attempt to crack weak passwords to gain access to accounts.
Stage 3: Escalation
Once inside, attackers move quickly to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network. This allows the threat actors to access other systems and obtain higher-level permissions, eventually bringing them to critical data.
- Privilege escalation: Attackers may look to escalate privileges from a regular user account to an administrator account, giving them access to sensitive data and systems.
- Lateral movement: Using various techniques, attackers move from system to system, probing for valuable information and trying to avoid detection.
Stage 4: Obfuscation
While inside your system, threat actors will aim to maintain access and hide their presence for as long as possible, so they can accomplish their objectives. They may employ backdoors, malware, or other tools to avoid detection. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions may help you detect attackers even when they are trying to hide.
- Backdoors and rootkits: Attackers install these to ensure they can return to the network even if the initial entry point is closed.
- Clearing logs: Attackers often delete evidence of their presence in order to hide.
Stage 5: Execution
Once they have secured access, threat actors will carry out their end goal. Depending on the motive, they may steal data, deploy malware, or shut down systems. This is the culmination of the attack, and can lead to significant consequences for your business. If you have not already noticed the threat, you likely will at this stage.
Implementing the Cyber Kill Chain
You may sometimes hear this life cycle referred to as “The Cyber Kill Chain”. The Cyber Kill Chain framework, adapted from a military concept, is an approach to cyber defense that focuses on steps your business can take during each stage of an attack. Rather than treating each part of a cyber-attack as a single incident, it looks at the entire process from reconnaissance to execution. Your business then uses this information to improve cyber security efforts.
Some ways you can use the Cyber Kill Chain to inform your security strategy include:
- Reconnaissance: Minimise exposure by reducing the amount of data publicly available. Monitor network traffic, and use Web Application Firewalls (WAF) to block automated scanning tools.
- Exploitation: Stay aware of the latest cyber threats. Keep the attack surface small by updating software and systems, and educate staff on strong cyber security practices.
- Escalation: Segmented networks can prevent lateral movement, limiting the damage a threat actor can cause. Implement very strong access control on administrative accounts.
- Obfuscation: Use advanced threat detection tools such as SIEM solutions to spot attackers, even if they are attempting to hide within your network.
- Execution: At the very first sign of trouble, lock down any compromised systems. Alert necessary personnel and authorities that an attack is underway, and begin your incident response procedures.
Want to learn more: Here are 5 Cyber Security Best Practices
Stop Threats at Every Stage With Expert Support
Modern cyber-attacks are sophisticated, and take place over many stages that may last weeks or months – but with a proactive approach to defence, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim. By recognising each part of the process and developing a plan to address them, you can build a cyber security strategy that intercepts threat actors before they accomplish their objectives.
Does all of this seem too complicated? Pronet can help, by providing comprehensive solutions designed to stop cyber-attacks at every stage. We know that the attack often starts weeks before it is noticed, so we use multi-layered security designed to make it as difficult as possible for threat actors to infiltrate your business. Learn how our cyber security services can make you safer today.
