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Main Authors: Katos, Vasilis, Rosenorn-Lanng, Emily, Henriksen-Bulmer, Jane, Yankouskaya, Ala
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.24685
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author Katos, Vasilis
Rosenorn-Lanng, Emily
Henriksen-Bulmer, Jane
Yankouskaya, Ala
author_facet Katos, Vasilis
Rosenorn-Lanng, Emily
Henriksen-Bulmer, Jane
Yankouskaya, Ala
contents This paper explores the evolving dynamics of cybersecurity in the age of advanced AI, from the perspective of the introduced Human Layer Kill Chain framework. As traditional attack models like Lockheed Martin's Cyber Kill Chain become inadequate in addressing human vulnerabilities exploited by modern adversaries, the Humal Layer Kill Chain offers a nuanced approach that integrates human psychology and behaviour into the analysis of cyber threats. We detail the eight stages of the Human Layer Kill Chain, illustrating how AI-enabled techniques can enhance psychological manipulation in attacks. By merging the Human Layer with the Cyber Kill Chain, we propose a Sociotechnical Kill Plane that allows for a holistic examination of attackers' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) across the sociotechnical landscape. This framework not only aids cybersecurity professionals in understanding adversarial methods, but also empowers non-technical personnel to engage in threat identification and response. The implications for incident response and organizational resilience are significant, particularly as AI continues to shape the threat landscape.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2505_24685
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle So, I climbed to the top of the pyramid of pain -- now what?
Katos, Vasilis
Rosenorn-Lanng, Emily
Henriksen-Bulmer, Jane
Yankouskaya, Ala
Cryptography and Security
Computers and Society
This paper explores the evolving dynamics of cybersecurity in the age of advanced AI, from the perspective of the introduced Human Layer Kill Chain framework. As traditional attack models like Lockheed Martin's Cyber Kill Chain become inadequate in addressing human vulnerabilities exploited by modern adversaries, the Humal Layer Kill Chain offers a nuanced approach that integrates human psychology and behaviour into the analysis of cyber threats. We detail the eight stages of the Human Layer Kill Chain, illustrating how AI-enabled techniques can enhance psychological manipulation in attacks. By merging the Human Layer with the Cyber Kill Chain, we propose a Sociotechnical Kill Plane that allows for a holistic examination of attackers' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) across the sociotechnical landscape. This framework not only aids cybersecurity professionals in understanding adversarial methods, but also empowers non-technical personnel to engage in threat identification and response. The implications for incident response and organizational resilience are significant, particularly as AI continues to shape the threat landscape.
title So, I climbed to the top of the pyramid of pain -- now what?
topic Cryptography and Security
Computers and Society
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.24685