The Seven Stages of a Cyberattack

The 7 Stages of a Cyberattack

If identified early, the seven stages of a cyberattack can help us better understand how and when threats emerge, enabling effective awareness, prevention, and response. The battle between cybersecurity professionals and hackers is endless, and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are becoming increasingly common, complex, and innovative. This creates a 24/7 challenge for cybersecurity teams to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.

In several recent security incidents, hackers’ motivations have also changed. Increasingly, attacks aim to disrupt services rather than simply steal data for financial gain. Hackers have also adopted new attack vectors, targeting less-secure suppliers instead of directly attacking primary targets. Regardless of the method, most attacks go through seven common stages.

Stage 1: Reconnaissance – Identifying a Target

During the reconnaissance stage, hackers identify vulnerable targets and look for ways to exploit them. The initial target can be anyone in the organization, as attackers only need a single entry point to begin. Targeted phishing emails are a common method for spreading malware at this stage.

Attackers research key personnel, business partners, and publicly available data. Company websites and online platforms such as LinkedIn are valuable sources for gathering information and conducting social engineering attacks.

Hackers also collect IP addresses and scan systems to identify hardware and software in use. They check domain registration databases (ICANN). The more time attackers spend gathering information, the higher their chances of success.

Stage 2: Weaponization – Turning Information into Attack Tools

In this stage, hackers use the collected information to create methods for infiltrating the target’s network. A common tactic is crafting phishing emails that appear to come from trusted partners.

Another method is creating fake websites that resemble banks or vendors to steal login credentials or distribute malware-infected files.

Attackers also gather tools and exploits to take advantage of vulnerabilities once access is gained.

Stage 3: Delivery – Launching the Attack

Phishing emails are sent, fake websites go live, and attackers wait for victims to interact. If malicious attachments are opened, embedded malware activates and communicates with the attacker.

Stage 4: Exploitation – Breaching Security

Attackers begin exploiting vulnerabilities and using stolen credentials to access web-based email systems or VPNs. If malware is installed, they gain remote access to infected machines.

They explore the network to understand traffic flow, connected systems, and further vulnerabilities.

Stage 5: Installation – Establishing Persistence

Hackers ensure continued access by installing backdoors, creating administrator accounts, and disabling firewall rules. They may enable remote desktop access on servers and other systems.

At this point, the goal is to remain in the system as long as needed to achieve their objectives.

Stage 6: Command and Control – Taking Over the Network

With administrative access, attackers gain full control. They can impersonate users, send emails posing as executives, and even lock IT staff out of the network.

They may demand ransom to restore access.

Stage 7: Actions on Objectives – Achieving the Attacker’s Goals

Attackers now execute their final objectives, such as stealing employee data, customer information, product designs, or disrupting business operations.

Not all hackers seek financial gain. Some aim to cause chaos and damage. For example, they may shut down online ordering systems, delete orders, or create fake ones.

If attackers access industrial control systems, they can shut down equipment, alter settings, and disable alarms.

Conclusion

Following recent high-profile cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, NSV believes that everyone must equip themselves with sufficient knowledge to understand their adversaries. The seven stages of a cyberattack remain a fundamental framework for understanding how hackers infiltrate systems and exploit vulnerabilities.