Typically, a corporate breach unfolds in three stages. According to Kirill Kruglov, a senior researcher and developer at Kaspersky Lab, the sequence begins with data acquisition, followed by infiltration of the target environment, and culminates in reconnaissance and system infection. Kruglov explains that attackers often buy data on the malware black market, sourcing information from other intruders who target industrial organizations on a daily basis in hopes of selling access and credentials. After obtaining access to a large number of computers within a company, the attackers may multiply their efforts by planning a deeper strike. Kruglov notes that this initial data stash enables multiple entry points for a coordinated assault.
Once access is secured, the attackers leverage the information to mount a range of offensives. Phishing campaigns become a common tactic, with messages sent not just once but repeatedly in the expectation that a recipient will open a malicious attachment or click a dangerous link. The goal is to install malware that provides remote control over compromised devices. This evolving approach keeps the attackers one step ahead of defenders and expands their footholds across the organization. The insights about these methods come from Kruglov and are echoed by experts who study the lifecycle of modern cyber intrusions.
With remote access established, the attackers begin targeted reconnaissance to map the network. They identify critical servers, data repositories, and systems that hold the most value to the intruders. The attacker then moves through the network in a methodical manner, prioritizing the assets that present the greatest payoff while evading detection. The process mirrors a careful search for high-value targets within the IT landscape of the organization. Kruglov emphasizes that this phase is about gathering actionable intelligence and positioning for the next move.
Discovery leads to infection, as the objective computer becomes the host for an implant. Modern implants go beyond the concept of a simple backdoor; they integrate with additional malware layers such as spyware and keyloggers to broaden functionality. In practice, the implant acts as a versatile toolkit that can be deployed stealthily. Its purpose is to blend into the environment and avoid drawing attention, making it challenging for security teams to detect its presence. The term implant itself reflects how the malware is stitched into the system, often hiding in plain sight as it operates. This evolving tactic underscores the importance of a layered security approach.
As the intrusion unfolds, organizations increasingly confront questions about the cost of breaches, the training needed to prevent incidents, and the profiles of malware designers behind these campaigns. Kruglov and other researchers provide context for why a few well-structured training sessions can significantly improve detection and response capabilities. The discussion also touches on the economics of cybercrime, including how access to corporate networks can be monetized through the sale of stolen data and compromised endpoints. The overall takeaway is that security teams must view intrusions as a structured series of steps, each presenting unique opportunities for early intervention and containment.
In recent reports, analysts highlight that attackers continuously innovate in how they acquire, deploy, and control malicious software. The constant evolution of tools and techniques means that organizations must stay vigilant, maintain up-to-date defenses, and practice proactive threat hunting. The insights from Kruglov provide a clear reminder that breaches rarely happen in a single moment; they are the culmination of a progressive campaign that exploits a series of weaknesses across people, processes, and technology. Marked findings from Kruglov reinforce the importance of layered defenses and ongoing education for employees.