As cybersecurity continues to evolve, many professionals focus primarily on the MITRE ATT&CK framework when analyzing attacker behavior. While MITRE ATT&CK has become the industry standard for describing adversary techniques, another framework still provides valuable insight into how attacks progress: the Cyber Kill Chain. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Cyber Kill Chain divides a cyberattack into a series of phases, helping defenders understand where an attack can be detected or stopped.
For Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts, understanding both the Cyber Kill Chain and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides a broader perspective on incident detection and response. Instead of viewing alerts as isolated events, analysts can determine where an attacker is within the overall attack lifecycle and identify the most effective defensive actions.
What Is the Cyber Kill Chain?
The Cyber Kill Chain consists of seven stages that describe a typical cyberattack:
- Reconnaissance
- Weaponization
- Delivery
- Exploitation
- Installation
- Command and Control (C2)
- Actions on Objectives
Not every attack follows these stages exactly, but the model illustrates how attackers move from gathering information to achieving their objectives.
For example, an attacker may begin by collecting publicly available information about an organization before sending a phishing email. If the victim opens the attachment, malicious code may execute, establish communication with a command-and-control server, and eventually allow the attacker to steal sensitive information.
Understanding these stages helps SOC analysts recognize that successful attacks usually involve multiple steps rather than a single event.
How MITRE ATT&CK Complements the Kill Chain
The Cyber Kill Chain explains the overall progression of an attack, while MITRE ATT&CK provides detailed information about the techniques attackers use during each phase.
For example, during the Exploitation and Installation stages, an attacker may use T1059 – Command and Scripting Interpreter to execute commands or T1053 – Scheduled Task/Job to establish persistence. During later stages, T1021 – Remote Services may be used for lateral movement, while T1078 – Valid Accounts may allow attackers to access additional systems.
Using both frameworks together gives analysts a better understanding of what has happened and what may happen next.
NIST and Incident Response
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework emphasizes preparation, detection, response, and recovery throughout the security lifecycle.
If analysts detect malicious activity during the Delivery or Exploitation stages, the organization may be able to contain the attack before persistence is established. If detection occurs later during Command and Control or Actions on Objectives, incident response procedures become even more important to limit the attacker’s impact.
NIST also recommends continuous monitoring and centralized logging so analysts can identify suspicious behaviour as early as possible in the attack lifecycle.
Why This Matters in Daily SOC Operations
Many security alerts appear insignificant when viewed individually. A PowerShell execution, a successful login, or an outbound network connection may all be legitimate activities.
However, when these events are placed within the context of the Cyber Kill Chain, analysts can better understand how seemingly unrelated events may form part of a coordinated attack.
For example, a phishing email followed by PowerShell execution, external network communication, and scheduled task creation suggests that the attacker is progressing through multiple attack stages. Recognizing this progression allows analysts to respond more quickly and prioritize high-risk incidents.
Conclusion
Although the MITRE ATT&CK framework has become the primary reference for describing attacker techniques, the Cyber Kill Chain remains a valuable model for understanding the overall progression of cyberattacks. Together, these frameworks help SOC analysts identify attacker behaviour, anticipate future actions, and respond more effectively.
When combined with the governance and incident response guidance of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, the Cyber Kill Chain provides a practical way to understand where defensive controls should be applied and how attacks can be disrupted before they reach their final objectives. For SOC analysts, understanding the complete attack lifecycle is just as important as understanding the individual techniques used along the way.