Navigating the Cyber Kill Chain: A modern approach to pentesting

Abstract

The Cyber Kill Chain is a strategic model that outlines the stages of a cyberattack, from initial reconnaissance to achieving the final objective. This framework is often mirrored in penetration testing (pentest), a legal and authorized simulated attack on a computer system performed to evaluate its security. By understanding the steps in the Cyber Kill Chain, penetration testers can mimic the strategies of malicious attackers, exploring vulnerabilities at each stage of the chain. This approach allows organizations to evaluate their defensive measures across the full spectrum of an attack, identifying weaknesses and enhancing their security protocols accordingly. In essence, the Cyber Kill Chain provides a roadmap for pen-testers to systematically evaluate an organization's cyber defences. The research method of this article involves a systematic analysis of the Cyber Kill Chain model, examining how penetration testers can employ this strategic framework to emulate the tactics of malicious attackers and identify methodology at each stage of the chain.