Cyber Kill Chain: Protect Your Small Business from Threats

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A ransomware attack recently compromised a small family-owned business. Like any business today, companies use information technology for everything.

Payroll, invoicing, bookkeeping, and taxes are all done with software either in the cloud or locally on-premise. Having constant access to these tools is essential for business operations. It also boosts efficiency and improves access to information. Although the benefits of information technology are numerous, it also comes with its share of risks, including security breaches.

In this small business, an employee got an email with an attachment. The email seemed legitimate and came from a parts supplier. Unfortunately, this was a phishing attack that allowed an adversary to gain access to the company's internal network.

From there, it was trivial for the adversary to encrypt all their data in a ransomware attack. The company also did not have adequate backups that would allow them to restore all business functions. They had to pay the ransom to unlock their data and machines.

This type of situation has become exceedingly common among businesses of all sizes. Many years ago, small businesses, while incredibly easy targets, seemed to have nothing of value to an adversary. Adversaries focused on stealing intellectual property and military and defense data.

Attackers have become more skilled in using ransomware. This change allows them to turn your data into a weapon against you. Many simple and cost-effective measures can help mitigate these threats.

What is the Cyber Kill Chain Framework and what steps can you take to protect your business?

The Cyber Kill Chain Framework shows how attackers move through networks. It helps them find and exploit weaknesses. This framework also allows companies to understand and stop attacks before they happen at each stage.

In this article, we will explore the seven stages of the Cyber Kill Chain. We will also discuss how regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help stop cyber attacks on your company.  

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1. Reconnaissance

The first stage of the Cyber Kill Chain is Reconnaissance, which is exactly what it seems. Hackers observe the target to identify potential opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, we cannot do anything to prevent this.

2. Weaponization

In the Weaponization stage of the Cyber Kill Chain, attackers create malware, including ransomware, spyware, and adware. Cybercriminals are constantly changing their tactics. They can create new malware or modify existing ones, which helps them exploit their targets' weaknesses.

Like the Reconnaissance stage, organizations cannot do much to stop hackers from making these tools. Preventing the exploitation of these security flaws starts in the third stage.

3. Delivery

‍The attackers launch the attack during delivery. An intruder can use different methods to gain access, including phishing emails, harmful websites, and software infiltration.

Delivery should also be your first line of defense. Teaching your employees about potential threats can help prevent cyberattacks. This knowledge will empower your employees and users to recognize dangers.

For example, when you get an email, examine who it's actually from. Are you expecting it? Is the email address correct, or is there an extra letter or an inaccurate domain? Treat every external email as suspect.

4. Exploitation

At this stage, malicious code has infiltrated the victim's system. At this point, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) helps detect, investigate, and respond to threats on endpoints in real-time. EDR works with other security tools like antivirus software and firewalls. It focuses on advanced threats that target endpoints.

At this stage, the response includes quarantining the process that tries to exploit a vulnerability. It can also block the harmful action or undo any changes the exploit makes.

Specifically in the Exploitation stage, EDR tools focus on:

• Vulnerability Exploitation Detection—EDR systems can detect attempts to exploit weaknesses in software or operating systems. They can identify both known and unknown vulnerabilities. They do this by monitoring for unusual privilege escalations and suspicious script executions.

• Behavioral Monitoring: EDR checks endpoints for signs of exploitation. This includes strange file access, unusual network requests, or attempts to access restricted memory.

• Real-time Alerts: If an EDR detects exploit attempts, it can alert security teams immediately. This includes attempts using known vulnerabilities or zero-day exploits. This phase focuses on stopping the attack before the malware installs successfully.

5. Installation

‍After the Exploitation stage, the attacker tries installing malware on the compromised device. This can include a backdoor or a remote access tool (RAT).

At this stage, effective EDR prevents malware installation. It also makes sure harmful apps or processes do not run on the system and assume control.

• Malware Detection: EDRs usually have strong antivirus and anti-malware tools. These tools identify suspicious files and prevent harmful software from installing.

• Executable Monitoring: EDRs watch for new processes or newly installed and run software. They pay special attention to those trying to gain higher permissions or access sensitive system parts.

• Payload Analyzing: EDR can sandbox or inspect the payload before it installs, detecting whether it contains malicious code.

• Post-Installation Monitoring: EDR tools watch new software to see if it behaves suspiciously. This includes checking for connections to a command-and-control server.  

When the enemy uses malware to take over your system, it can be difficult for a small business to notice. This makes it hard for them to respond effectively. Only more advanced intrusion detection tools and techniques may identify this.

6. Command and Control

At this stage, the attacker can use the malware they installed. They take control of your network. This not only puts your data at risk but also allows them to create new ways to access your system later.

If a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) fits your budget, they can monitor your logs. This could help you stop the attack. MSSPs are crucial in helping organizations that lack the resources or expertise to manage cybersecurity effectively, especially given the increasing complexity of cyber threats.  

7. Actions on Objectives

By this point, the attacker has moved into executing their intended goals, disrupting your business. These actions could include data theft, destruction, encryption or exfiltration- which can also lead to financial exploitation or worse. If all your security measures have been breached, a strong backup system is your last line of defense and only chance for recovery.

How Can Ironwood Cyber partner with you to keep your small business safe?

In recent years, the cybersecurity industry has developed solutions primarily tailored to large corporations, leaving smaller businesses vulnerable. To combat this, Ironwood Cyber created Enlight™. This affordable solution boosts defenses and stops threats early in the Cyber Kill Chain using automated penetration testing.

Traditionally, businesses conduct penetration testing sporadically, which leaves gaps as they evolve. Enlight™ changes this approach by providing regular penetration testing.  

Powered by semi-automation and expert guidance, Enlight™ a frictionless Software as a Service (SaaS) tool, ensures businesses stay ahead of evolving threats.  

Along with Enlight™, Ironwood offers affordable MSSP and EDR solutions in partnership with CrowdStrike to ensure our clients have a comprehensive protection plan in place.

Learn more about how Ironwood Cyber can protect your organization—schedule a free consultation.

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