Which one of the following is NOT part of the seven steps of the cyber kill chain?

The seven steps of the cyber kill chain, developed by Lockheed Martin, outline the stages of a cyber attack, providing a framework for understanding and mitigating threats. These steps include Reconnaissance, Delivery, Exploitation, Installation, Command and Control, Actions on Objectives, and Reconnaissance.

The correct choice, which is not part of the cyber kill chain, is Imitation. This term does not correspond to any of the specific phases outlined in the cyber kill chain model. Instead, the steps focus on the process an attacker typically follows when compromising a target, from initial reconnaissance through to achieving their objectives.

Recognizing the specific terminology and phases involved in the kill chain is crucial for understanding how to defend against cyber threats effectively. Each of the included phases—such as Delivery, which involves transmitting the malicious payload to the target, or Installation, which relates to establishing control within the target system—plays a significant role in a real-world cyber attack scenario. Understanding these elements helps cybersecurity professionals implement better defensive measures and response strategies.