Cybersecurity Overview

What is Cybersecurity?

In today's interconnected world, where everything from personal data to financial transactions happens online, cybersecurity has become an essential aspect of daily life. But what exactly is cybersecurity?

At its core, cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks typically aim to access, change, or destroy sensitive information, extort money from users, or disrupt normal business operations. Cybersecurity ensures that our digital lives remain secure, safeguarding us from threats that could compromise our personal and professional well-being. It's not just about preventing theft—it's about ensuring that digital systems function smoothly and reliably.

Mitre Att&ck framework
The MITRE ATT&CK Framework is a detailed matrix outlining the different tactics and techniques used by adversaries during various stages of a cyberattack. Each stage represents a tactic, which is further divided into techniques that attackers use to achieve specific objectives. Let’s walk through each stage of the attack process as depicted in the framework.
01

Recon

The Reconnaissance phase is the foundation of every cyberattack. At this stage, adversaries work to collect as much information about their target as possible, without directly interacting with the target system. Think of it like a thief casing a house before a robbery—gathering insights to determine weaknesses and potential entry points.

Reconnaissance can be done passively, where the attacker doesn’t interact with the system but instead gathers information from public sources. For example, they might:

Explore social media and corporate websites to identify key employees, partners, and technologies in use.

Analyze DNS records or WHOIS databases to understand the target’s infrastructure.

Review public breach databases for leaked credentials related to the organization.Active reconnaissance, on the other hand, involves probing the system.

This may include:
Network scanning to identify open ports or vulnerable services.

Banner grabbing to gather details about the operating systems and software versions in use.This information is critical in determining the most effective way to breach the system in the next phases.

02

Weaponization

In the Weaponization phase, the attackers take the information gathered during reconnaissance and use it to create a malicious payload designed to exploit the identified vulnerabilities. This is a preparatory stage where attackers craft their "weapon" to infiltrate the target system. Some common activities include:

Creating malware such as viruses, worms, or ransomware that can exploit specific vulnerabilities.

Packing malicious code inside files, such as PDFs or Word documents, which can be sent through phishing emails.

Developing zero-day exploits that take advantage of previously unknown vulnerabilities in software or hardware.During this stage, adversaries might build custom tools for a highly targeted attack or use off-the-shelf exploit kits for broader campaigns. The end result is a "weaponized" toolset that’s ready for delivery in the next phase.

03

Initial Access

Once attackers have completed their reconnaissance and identified vulnerabilities, they move on to Initial Access. This phase involves gaining entry into the target environment. There are multiple methods attackers use to gain access:

Phishing attacks
are perhaps the most common method. By tricking users into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments, adversaries can obtain login credentials or deliver malware to the system.

Exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated or unpatched software is another common entry point. Attackers target weaknesses in software to gain unauthorized access.

Use of stolen credentials from prior breaches or purchased from the dark web allows attackers to log into systems as legitimate users, bypassing security controls.Initial access sets the stage for the adversary to begin executing their malicious activities within the target environment.

04

Execution

With initial access secured, the next phase is Execution, where the attacker begins running malicious code on the compromised system. This is the point where the attacker starts to actively interact with the environment, aiming to take control of it. Various techniques used in the execution stage include:

Scripting languages like PowerShell, Python, or Bash to run commands that exploit the system.

Exploiting system vulnerabilities to escalate the privileges of the malicious code.

Embedding malware into files or processes that are then executed by unsuspecting users.By successfully executing their code, the attackers lay the groundwork for the next stages of the attack.

05

Persistence

Once inside the system, attackers want to ensure they can maintain their access even if the system is rebooted or defenses are enhanced. This is where Persistence comes into play. The goal is to create a long-term foothold in the system so that the attackers can come and go as they please. Some persistence techniques include:

Installing backdoors in the system to allow re-entry at any time.

Creating new, hidden user accounts with admin privileges so they can continue to access the network.

Embedding malware that automatically restarts or triggers every time the system boots up.Persistence ensures the attack can continue over a prolonged period, even if initial infections are detected and removed.

06

Privilege Escalation

With persistence established, attackers often need higher-level permissions to execute their attack goals. Privilege Escalation refers to the techniques used to gain elevated access to the system, often moving from a standard user to an administrator. This step is critical for gaining deeper control over the system. Methods include:

Exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system or software that allow attackers to elevate their privileges.

Credential dumping, where attackers extract hashed passwords or tokens from memory and use them to impersonate more privileged users.

Abusing misconfigurations or errors in system permissions to elevate access.Once attackers have administrative or root-level access, they can execute nearly any command within the environment, significantly increasing the damage they can cause.

07

Defense Evasion

Cybersecurity systems such as antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems are designed to identify and block malicious activities. In response, attackers use various Defense Evasion techniques to avoid being detected. The primary goal of this stage is to fly under the radar while carrying out the attack. Some common techniques include:

Disabling security tools such as firewalls, antivirus, or logging services to prevent detection.

Obfuscating or encrypting malicious code to make it appear benign or harder for security tools to recognize.

Clearing logs and altering system files to erase evidence of their activities.Effective defense evasion can allow attackers to remain in a system undetected for months or even years.

08

Credential Access

Accessing credentials is a high-priority goal for attackers, as it allows them to move freely within a system, impersonate users, and escalate their attack. Some of the most common techniques for credential access include:

Keylogging to capture usernames and passwords as they are typed.

Credential dumping from memory, system files, or browsers, where attackers retrieve stored login information.

Brute-force attacks, where attackers systematically guess password combinations until they find the correct one.Once attackers have legitimate credentials, they can impersonate users, move laterally through the network, and access sensitive information without raising alarms.

09

Discovery

In the Discovery phase, attackers begin exploring the environment to identify valuable assets and systems to target. The primary goal is to gather intelligence about the internal network, systems, and users. Techniques include:

Network scanning to map out the entire infrastructure, including connected devices and systems.

Enumerating system configurations to understand software versions, patches, and vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

Identifying key users and roles to figure out who has the highest level of access and which systems hold the most sensitive data.Discovery is essential for attackers to refine their attack strategy, ensuring they target the most valuable systems with the most impactful tactics.

10

Lateral Movement

Once attackers have mapped out the network and gathered credentials, they aim to move deeper into the target organization through Lateral Movement. This stage allows attackers to expand their access and infect multiple systems. Common techniques include:

Remote desktop services like RDP or SSH to move between systems as though they were legitimate users.

Pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks, where attackers leverage captured credential hashes or tokens to authenticate to other systems without needing passwords.

Exploiting trust relationships between different systems to move across the network undetected.Lateral movement helps attackers reach critical systems and high-value data, making the attack more devastating.

11

Collection

In the Collection phase, attackers gather the sensitive information they have been targeting. This could include financial data, trade secrets, or personally identifiable information (PII). Techniques include:

Keylogging or capturing screenshots to steal sensitive information directly from user actions.

Data mining scripts that automatically collect files, emails, or database entries.

Exfiltration tools that organize the collected data for easier transfer out of the network.Collection is the primary objective for most attacks, as this is where attackers obtain the data they will sell, leak, or use for extortion.

12

Command and Control

Once inside the system, attackers need to maintain a communication channel to control the infected devices and manage the attack. Command and Control (C2) is the phase where attackers establish this remote connection, allowing them to send instructions, transfer files, and execute further commands. C2 techniques include:

Encrypted channels like HTTPS or DNS tunneling to disguise malicious traffic as legitimate.

Using legitimate web services such as cloud storage or social media platforms to mask their activities.

Embedding instructions in normal traffic to blend in with everyday network communications.Without robust C2, attackers would lose control over their compromised systems, so this stage is vital for ongoing management of the attack.

13

Exfiltration

During the Exfiltration stage, attackers begin moving the collected data out of the target network and into their control. This often happens over a long period to avoid detection. Some exfiltration methods include:

Compressing and encrypting data to disguise it and make it harder to detect.

Sending data in small chunks to avoid triggering security alerts.

Using legitimate cloud services or email accounts to transfer the data unnoticed.Exfiltrated data may be sold on the dark web, used for financial gain, or leveraged for further extortion.

14

Impact

The final phase of the attack is Impact, where the adversary achieves their end goal. The impact could vary depending on the attacker’s objectives. Common techniques include:

Deploying ransomware to encrypt the victim's data and demand payment for decryption.

Destroying or wiping data to disrupt operations and cause financial harm.

Publicly releasing stolen data to harm the target's reputation or to extort them.The impact stage often causes the most visible damage and represents the culmination of the attacker’s efforts.

Why do businesses need a managed Cybersecurity service?

Managed cybersecurity services offer a comprehensive solution to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance, and maintain the trust of clients. With the rapid evolution of cyber threats, it’s challenging for companies to keep up with the latest security measures. Managed cybersecurity services provide businesses with expert monitoring, threat detection, and rapid response, ensuring continuous protection without the need for in-house resources.

By investing in managed cybersecurity, businesses can focus on growth and operations, knowing their data and systems are secure. This proactive approach helps prevent costly downtime, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences from security breaches, making it an essential part of any business strategy in the digital age.

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Getting started with Observata’s managed services is simple and tailored to your needs. Contact us to explore solutions in cybersecurity and/or observability. Our experts provide guidance through consultations, assessments, and trials, helping you strengthen your digital security and disruption resilience.

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