Cybersecurity-Practitioner Cybersecurity Fundamentals Practice Question
An incident responder is investigating a ransomware outbreak on an internal file server. During the analysis, the responder needs to categorize the attack steps using the cyber kill chain framework. Which THREE phases are part of the standard Lockheed Martin cyber kill chain? (Choose three)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Actions on Objectives
The cyber kill chain includes Reconnaissance, Weaponization, Delivery, Exploitation, Installation, Command and Control, and Actions on Objectives.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Mitigation
Why it's wrong here
Mitigation is a defensive response action, not a phase of the attack kill chain.
- ✓
Actions on Objectives
Why this is correct
Actions on Objectives is the final phase where the attacker accomplishes their primary mission, such as data encryption or exfiltration.
- ✓
Weaponization
Why this is correct
Weaponization is the phase where attackers couple payloads with exploits.
- ✗
Continuous Patching
Why it's wrong here
Continuous patching is a preventative operational process, not part of the offensive kill chain.
- ✓
Delivery
Why this is correct
Delivery refers to the transmission of the weaponized payload to the target.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This Cybersecurity-Practitioner practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the Cybersecurity-Practitioner exam.