An attack chain is a foundational cybersecurity concept that describes the sequential phases an adversary follows to achieve a malicious objective, such as data exfiltration or system compromise. Often synonymous with the cyber kill chain, this structured progression typically includes reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and actions on objectives. Each stage represents a critical point where attackers advance their campaign, from initial preparation through to achieving their ultimate goal.

Understanding the attack chain is essential for developing proactive defensive strategies and strengthening organizational cyber resilience. By identifying specific tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) at each phase, security teams can implement targeted countermeasures, enhance threat detection capabilities, and optimize incident response. This framework enables organizations to predict, detect, and disrupt adversarial campaigns before they cause significant damage, making it a cornerstone of effective risk management and threat intelligence programs.