What is a cyber kill chain?

The cyber kill chain is a model that outlines the stages of cybersecurity threats, detailing the sequence of events that adversaries typically follow to successfully execute an attack. It breaks down the stages into distinct phases, such as reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and actions on objectives. Understanding this chain is crucial for security analysts as it helps them identify and disrupt attacks at various points, improving their ability to defend against malicious activities.

This model emphasizes the importance of proactive defense strategies, allowing organizations to detect and respond to threats before they escalate. By analyzing each phase of the kill chain, security teams can implement targeted controls and responses to mitigate risks effectively. The framework is fundamental in incident response planning and threat intelligence, making it a vital concept in cybersecurity.