The following 5 stages should be followed when hacking or attacking a machine:
Surveillance: This is the main stage where the hacker attempts to acquire as much information about the victim as possible.
Scanning: This stage entails analyzing the data gathered during the Surveillance stage and using it to examine the fatality. During the scanning step, the hacker can use computerized equipment such as port scanners, mappers, and vulnerability scanners.
Obtaining access: This is where true hacking takes place. To get access, the hacker attempts to exploit data discovered during the surveillance and scanning stages.
Access Maintenance: Hackers must maintain access for future exploitation and attacks by protecting their exclusive access using backdoors, rootkits, and Trojans after they have obtained it.
Covering traces: Once hackers have gained the ability to gain and maintain access, they attempt to hide their trails in order to avoid detection. This also allows them to continue using the compromised system while staying away from legal operations.