Cyberattacks have become one of the biggest threats to businesses of all sizes. We’re no longer just talking about large corporations: any organization connected to the Internet is a potential target.
Have you ever wondered how cybercriminals act?What steps do they take before launching an attack? Understanding the typical phases of a cyberattack is essential to being able to anticipate, protect, and respond effectively.
The first thing we’re going to look at is how we can get ahead of attackers. This is where are essential tools like Kartos, Enthec’s cyber surveillance solution designed specifically for businesses.. Kartos enables organizations to perform Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), which means it doesn’t just react to incidents, but analyzes and proactively monitors potential attack vectors. Detect, classify, and alert on real risks before they become a problem.
If you are concerned about the security of your company, Kartos can help you understand where you are vulnerable and how to protect yourself best.
Why is it important to know the phases of a cyberattack?
Understanding the phases of a cyberattack not only helps us protect ourselves better but also allows us to detect anomalies before damage is done.. Each phase offers an opportunity to stop the attacker if you have the right tools. From reconnaissance to final execution, there’s a clear strategy that cybercriminals follow time and time again.
Let’s break down this process so you can identify each step and understand how it affects your business security.
Phase 1: Recognition (or passive recognition)
The first step of any cyberattack is the same as that of any well-planned operation: gather information.
Attackers research their target to understand its structure, identify its weaknesses, and locate possible entry points.. This collection can be done passively, without directly interacting with the organization, using public sources such as:
- Corporate web pages
- Profiles on social networks
- Information leaked on forums or the dark web
- Domains, subdomains, and public DNS records
During this phase, it is also common to look for exposed credentials, sensitive data, or behavioral patterns that can be exploited later.
Kartos automatically detects this type of exposure in open and hidden sources, allowing action to be taken before information is located for an actual attack.
Phase 2: Vulnerability Scanning and Analysis
Once the attacker has sufficient information, they move on to the scanning phase. This is a more active interaction with the target infrastructure.
The most common at this stage is:
- Detect open ports
- Scan active services
- Scan systems and applications for known vulnerabilities
For example, if a company uses an older version of software that has security flaws, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability to plan their entry.
These types of actions can go unnoticed if there are no monitoring systems in place. Continuous monitoring, such as that offered by Kartos, alerts you to abnormal changes or unusual access.
Phase 3: Initial Access (Exploitation)
At this point, the attacker has already identified where to sneak in. This is the most delicate phase, as it involves the login.
It can be done in multiple ways:
- Exploiting a software vulnerability
- Using leaked or stolen credentials
- Through phishing or social engineering
- Through poorly configured remote access
Once inside, the objective is clear: maintain undetected access and move towards more critical systems.
At this point, if you do not have a well-configured alert system or active surveillance of the digital perimeter, the attacker can operate without raising suspicion for days or even weeks.
Phase 4: Up and lateral movements
It’s not enough to just get in. Now it’s time to explore the network from within, search for administrator credentials, access sensitive databases, servers, or storage systems.
The attacker tries to escalate privileges and move through systems stealthily.. His goals can range from data breaches to creating ransomware that shuts down the entire network.
This is where many companies realize the attack is too late. However, continuous management of threat exposure, as we find in Kartos, allows us to detect suspicious signs much earlier.
Phase 5: Execution and final objectives
The last phase varies depending on the attacker’s intention:
- Filter data and sell it on the black market.
- Encrypt systems and ask for a ransom (ransomware).
- Sabotage services, damage reputation, or cause losses.
- Install rear doors for future attacks
This is the most destructive stage, and often the only time the victim even realizes the problem. Response time is crucial.
You may be interested in→ How to protect yourself amid a wave of cyberattacks on businesses.
How can Kartos help you deal with the stages of cyberattacks?
Kartos works since phase zero.. Even before the attacker begins his reconnaissance, it is already watching for you.
Its main advantages:
- 24/7 Cyber Surveillance in open sources, deep, and dark web
- Early warnings about exposed credentials, fake domains, or dangerous configurations
- Tracking your attack surface in real time
- Periodic threat exposure reports and action recommendations
In addition, it does not require any implementation in the corporate IT system for its operation, and that is why it is ideal for both large companies and SMEs.
The phases of a cyberattack do not occur overnight:they’re part of a carefully designed strategy. But they’re also an opportunity: If you’re aware of them, you can identify warning signs early.
That’s why tools like Kartos by Enthec are essential today. It’s not just about protecting your company; it’s about understanding its exposure and acting before it’s too late.