How cyber kill chain framework works? complete guide for beginners

The Cyber Kill Chain model, designed by Lockheed Martin, is a strategy for understanding and responding to cyber warfare. The following are its seven phases: Reconnaissance, Weaponization, Delivery, Exploitation, Installation, Command and Control, and Actions on Objectives. Dividing these phases helps security professionals to be able to realize, anticipate, and disrupt malicious activity within these steps.

This proactive approach increases an organization’s ability to detect and mitigate threats, thus nurturing a comprehensive defensive strategy far away from reactive measures for preventing and neutralizing attacks.

7 stages of cyber kill chain model

Reconnaissance

The first stage of the Cyber Kill Chain involves gathering information about the target. Attackers collect data such as email addresses, network architecture, and potential vulnerabilities to identify the best approach for the attack.

During reconnaissance, attackers use various tools and techniques, such as social engineering, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and network scanning, to build a profile of the target.

Defensive measures

• Conduct regular security awareness training to reduce the effectiveness of social engineering.
• Implement network monitoring to detect unusual scanning activities.
• Limit publicly available information that could be useful to attackers.

Weaponization

In this stage of cyber kill chain, attackers create malicious payloads tailored to exploit the identified vulnerabilities. This involves combining malware with a delivery method, such as an email attachment or a compromised website.

Attackers develop or acquire malware that can exploit specific vulnerabilities. They may use automated tools to bundle the malware with a delivery mechanism, ensuring that it can be effectively deployed against the target.

Defensive measures

• Keep software and systems updated with the latest security patches.
• Use advanced threat detection systems to identify and block malware.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential weaknesses.

Delivery

Delivery is the stage of cyber kill chain model where the attacker transmits the weaponized payload to the target. This can be done through various means, such as phishing emails, malicious websites, or infected USB drives. Attackers send the payload to the target using the chosen delivery method. This stage relies heavily on social engineering and other techniques to trick the target into executing the payload.

Defensive measures

• Implement email filtering and web security solutions to block malicious content.
• Educate employees about phishing and other common attack vectors.
• Use network segmentation to limit the spread of malware.

Exploitation

Exploitation occurs when the delivered payload is executed on the target system, exploiting the identified vulnerability to gain access.

The malicious payload activates upon execution, exploiting the vulnerability to gain control of the system. This may involve installing backdoors, escalating privileges, or disabling security features.

Defensive measures

• Employ endpoint protection solutions to detect and block malicious activities.
• Enforce strict user access controls and privilege management.
• Regularly update and patch systems to fix known vulnerabilities.

Installation

In this stage of cyber kill chain model, the attacker installs additional tools or malware on the compromised system to maintain access and control. After gaining initial access, attackers install persistence mechanisms, such as rootkits, keyloggers, or remote access trojans (RATs), to ensure they can return to the compromised system.

Defensive measures

• Use application whitelisting to block unauthorized software.
• Conduct regular system scans to detect and remove malware.
• Monitor system changes and configurations for signs of malicious activity.

Command and control

Command and Control (C2) involves establishing a communication channel between the compromised system and the attacker, allowing the attacker to issue commands and control the system remotely.

Attackers set up communication channels using various protocols, such as HTTP, HTTPS, or DNS. These channels enable the attacker to remotely execute commands, exfiltrate data, and control the compromised system.

Defensive measures

• Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns or connections.
• Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS).
• Block known malicious IP addresses and domains.

Action on objectives

The final stage of cyber kill chain model involves the attacker achieving their goals, which can range from data theft and espionage to system destruction and disruption. Depending on their objectives, attackers may exfiltrate sensitive data, install ransomware, or cause other damage to the target’s systems and operations.

Defensive measures

• Implement robust data encryption and access controls.
• Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.
• Develop and maintain an incident response plan to quickly address and mitigate attacks.

Closing thoughts

The Cyber Kill Chain model provides a structured approach to understanding and defending against cyber attacks. By breaking down the attack process into seven stages, security professionals can more effectively identify, anticipate, and disrupt malicious activities.

Implementing the defensive measures outlined in this guide will enhance your organization’s ability to detect and mitigate threats, fostering a comprehensive defense strategy that moves beyond reactive measures to prevent and neutralize attacks effectively.

Disclaimer

This is a research base article and the content is in modified form. Sources of the content are NIST, Lockheed martin, etc.