Video: Stages of a Cyber Attack

In this lesson, Nick Palazzolo, CPA, delves into the intricacies of cybersecurity by breaking down the stages of a cyber attack. He begins by exploring the initial phase called reconnaissance, where attackers gather critical information about their targets. Nick illustrates this with an example of attackers scanning a company’s digital footprints like websites and social media. He then guides through subsequent stages, including gaining access through techniques like phishing, escalating privileges within the system, and maintaining access for ongoing exploitation, such as installing rootkits. Nick further explains how attackers exploit the network to steal data or disrupt services and the methods they use to cover their tracks, emphasizing the importance of continuous vigilance and robust security measures to protect against such sophisticated threats. Each stage is detailed to furnish a comprehensive understanding of the complexity and methodical nature of cyber attacks, highlighting the necessity for a strategic defense approach.