Threat Intelligence Frameworks

1. Common Challenges in IT Security:

• Complex Environment: Average enterprise uses ~85 tools from 45 vendors.

• Integration Issues: Tools may not work together, causing complexity, increased risk, and potential loss of visibility.

2. Key Threat Intelligence Models:

• Lockheed Martin's Cyber Kill Chain:

  • Framework for understanding the stages of a cyber attack.

• MITRE ATT&CK:

  • Knowledge base of adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

  • Use Case: Start with specific adversaries and map their behaviors to ATT&CK.

  • Levels of Use:

    • Level 1: Use existing ATT&CK mappings for threat intelligence.

    • Level 2: Map your own intelligence to ATT&CK, starting with individual reports.

    • Level 3: Map comprehensive data (internal and external) to ATT&CK, prioritize defenses based on common techniques.

• Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis:

  • Framework focusing on the interactions between the adversary, capability, infrastructure, and victim.

  • Limited in scenarios involving AI adversaries or complex motivations.

3. Cyber Threat Framework:

• Purpose: Standardizes the characterization and categorization of cyber threats.

• Benefits: Provides a common language for threat activity, aiding in efficient information sharing and analysis.

• Adversary Lifecycle: Covers stages from capability preparation to engagement, expansion, and consequences.

4. IBM’s Security Imperatives:

• Organized Security: Structure security around logical domains and core security analytics.

• Integration: Integrate with partner ecosystems for enhanced visibility and collaboration.

• Automation: Automate policies and threat blocking to improve efficiency and reduce manual data handling.

5. Best Practices for Cybersecurity:

• Proactive Approach:

  • Identify, predict, and prioritize weaknesses.

  • Use resources to address vulnerabilities and risks.

• Detection and Visibility:

  • Employ tools for behavior detection and network anomaly identification.

• Automation:

  • Utilize solutions that automate data processing and improve efficiency.

• Integration:

  • Ensure security solutions integrate well for a comprehensive view and better threat response.

6. Summary:

• Cyber attacks are escalating, and traditional defenses are insufficient.

• New techniques and integrated security solutions are required for effective protection.

• Implement best practices to strengthen security posture and respond effectively to threats.