From reconnaissance to encryption – how criminals execute attacks in real time
In this episode, Aron Robertson walks through the complete lifecycle of a cyber attack – from reconnaissance to exploitation to execution – then reveals four real-world scenarios that are hitting Australian businesses right now. From business email compromise to ransomware, these aren’t hypothetical threats. These are the most commonly reported incidents affecting organisations just like yours, and Aron explains exactly how they unfold.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The three-phase attack lifecycle: reconnaissance, exploitation, and execution
- Why attacks are methodical processes, not random events
- Scenario 1: Business email compromise – how attackers impersonate trusted clients to redirect payments
- Scenario 2: The insider threat – how one clicked malicious link can expose your business for months
- Scenario 3: Identity theft through credential stealing and MFA fatigue attacks
- Scenario 4: Ransomware – what really happens when attackers encrypt your systems in under an hour
- Why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is NOT a silver bullet
- How modern malware uses AI to constantly change and evade detection
- The behavioural signals and “tradecraft” that reveal an attack is underway
- Why unmanaged home devices create dangerous vulnerabilities
- Password reset timing: how attackers exploit the window before you change credentials
Key Takeaway: Understanding how attacks actually work – step by step – is essential to recognising the warning signs and implementing effective defences.
Featured Expert: Aron Robertson, Chief Commercial Officer, Strategic Group
Part of The Cyber Security Series: Episode 2 of 4
This series is drawn from our recent webinar: Download the slides here
