1. Reconnaissance. Gather detailed information about the client’s infrastructure, employees, and processes. Identify potential weaknesses, such as unpatched systems or misconfigurations.
  2. Initial Compromise. Execute attack vectors, such as phishing, malware deployment, or physical intrusion, to achieve initial access. Attempt bypassing defenses like firewalls, IDS/IPS, or endpoint protection.
  3. Privilege Escalation and Lateral Movement. Escalate privileges and explore the network for additional access. Use stealth techniques to minimize the likelihood of detection.
  4. Objectives and Persistence. Simulate the achievement of objectives (e.g., data exfiltration, domain administrator access). Test persistence methods while maintaining operational secrecy.