Disrupting the Cyber Kill Chain with N‑able Security Controls: A Framework for MSPs and SMBs
Cyberattacks don’t happen in a vacuum—they unfold over time, step by step. That’s the premise of the Cyber Kill Chain, a seven-stage model (developed by Lockheed Martin) that breaks an attack into discrete phases—Reconnaissance, Weaponization, Delivery, Exploitation, Installation, Command & Control, and Actions on Objective—and highlights the exact moments when defenders can detect, block, or respond to threats. Understanding this attacker playbook is critical: it turns abstract security concepts into a clear roadmap for MSPs and SMBs.
To execute those defenses, MSPs and SMBs rely on security controls—the combined set of technologies, policies, and processes put in place to protect assets, detect threats, and respond to security events. Examples include firewalls, email filters, patch management, encryption, endpoint detection and response, and DNS protection.
The Kill Chain offers more than just a framework—it’s a roadmap to build and explain Defense in Depth, especially for SMBs that need protection without enterprise complexity.
When paired with N‑able’s security stack, including AV, EDR, DNS filtering, Vulnerability and Patch Management, Mail Assure, Risk Intelligence, Cove Data Protection, and Adlumin MDR, tackling the Kill Chain becomes a practical, end-to-end playbook.
Why It Matters for MSPs and SMBs
SMBs now make up nearly half of all cyberattack targets, yet many remain underprotected and unaware of where they’re vulnerable. That puts the onus on MSPs to deliver not just tools, but strategic security frameworks that scale with client needs and budgets.
By aligning defenses to the Cyber Kill Chain, MSPs can:
- Translate security into clear, outcome-driven conversations
- Prioritize actions based on attack stages
- Show measurable protection across the full threat lifecycle
How N‑able Security Solutions Map to the Cyber Kill Chain
The goal isn’t to rely on one silver bullet. Instead, each layer reinforces the others, creating multiple chances to detect, block, or respond—a core principle of Defense in Depth.
The layers don’t operate in isolation. Tools like N‑able’s Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms—N‑central and N‑sight—enable MSPs and SMBs to deploy, monitor, and enforce these protections consistently across environments. From ensuring antivirus is running to verifying patch policies or disk encryption status, UEM helps operationalize security across the Kill Chain.
Here’s how N‑able’s tools—including UEM, EDR, DNS filtering, vulnerability and patch management, Mail Assure, Cove Data Protection, Risk Intelligence, and Adlumin MDR—fit into that model:
1. Reconnaissance
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Attackers collect information on targets—often silently and over time. N‑able Capabilities:
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SMB Impact: Your organization may be leaking more than they realize. Early risk insights help MSPs and SMBs harden environments before attackers strike.
2. Weaponization
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Exploits or malware are tailored to discovered vulnerabilities. N‑able Capabilities:
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SMB Impact: Timely patching is one of the most effective ways to stop threats—without requiring hands-on management from small teams.
3. Delivery
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Malicious payloads are sent—via phishing, email attachments, or compromised websites. N‑able Capabilities:
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SMB Impact: These frontline defenses stop the vast majority of threats—before users can engage with them.
4. Exploitation
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Payloads are executed, and the attacker begins to gain control. N‑able Capabilities:
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SMB Impact: Fast detection = faster response. With EDR and MDR in place, MSPs and SMBs can take action before threats escalate.
5. Installation
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The attacker installs malware or backdoors to maintain access. N‑able Capabilities:
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SMB Impact: These layers help stop the “slow creep” of persistent attackers trying to maintain long-term access.
6. Command and Control (C2)
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The attacker begins remote control of the compromised system. N‑able Capabilities:
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SMB Impact: Blocking outbound signals cuts off attacker control—even after compromise.
7. Actions on Objective
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The attacker acts—whether that’s data exfiltration, ransomware, or sabotage. N‑able Capabilities:
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SMB Impact:
If something does get through, MSPs can quickly recover operations—and avoid costly downtime or ransom payments.
The Power of Defense in Depth
The Cyber Kill Chain reminds us: no single tool will stop every threat. But when MSPs build redundant, coordinated layers of protection, the likelihood of full compromise drops dramatically.
With N‑able’s security stack, each layer covers a different phase of the attack, and together they provide visibility, resilience, and control. From prevention and detection to response and recovery, MSPs can deliver enterprise-grade protection in a way SMBs can actually adopt.
Understanding how attackers think helps MSPs stay one step ahead.
The Kill Chain gives structure. N‑able provides the tools. And with Defense in Depth as your guiding strategy, you can help SMBs move from vulnerable to resilient—without adding unnecessary complexity.
Want to see how your current stack maps to the Kill Chain? Let’s connect.
Eugene Yamnitsky is Senior Director of Product Management at N‑able
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