Threat Informed Defense (TID)

Threat Informed Defense (TID) is an approach to cybersecurity that prioritizes threat intelligence and threat modeling to develop and implement tailored security controls and response plans. TID enables organizations to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats more effectively, reducing the overall risk of a successful attack.

One widely used framework for implementing TID is MITRE ATT&CK, a comprehensive and well-documented framework for understanding and categorizing attacker behaviors and techniques. MITRE ATT&CK provides a common language and methodology for describing and analyzing attacks, enabling organizations to share information about threats and develop effective defenses.

To implement TID using MITRE ATT&CK, an organization can start by gathering threat intelligence from various sources, such as open-source intelligence, commercial threat intelligence feeds, and incident reports. The organization can use this information to develop a threat model based on the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

The threat model will identify the specific tactics and techniques used by attackers to target the organization’s assets, such as spear-phishing, supply chain attacks, and credential theft. Based on the threat model, the organization can implement security controls that are tailored to specific threats.

For example, if the threat model identifies spear-phishing attacks as a significant threat, the organization may deploy an email security gateway that includes anti-phishing and anti-malware filters to detect and block malicious emails before they reach the user’s inbox. The organization can also use software that employs behavioral analysis to detect suspicious activity and prevent malware from executing.

Additionally, the organization can provide security awareness training to employees to help them recognize and report spear-phishing attacks. The training should include information on how to identify suspicious emails, such as those containing unfamiliar sender addresses or unusual subject lines, and how to report these emails to the organization’s security team.

The organization can also use the MITRE ATT&CK framework to understand and respond to attacks that bypass its security controls. For example, if a spear-phishing attack is successful, the organization can use the framework to identify the specific tactics and techniques used by the attacker and respond accordingly.

The organization can use indicators of compromise (IOCs) to identify and block malicious IP addresses, domains, or file hashes associated with the attack. They can also update their security controls to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Finally, the organization should continuously monitor and update its threat model and security controls to stay ahead of emerging threats. For example, if a new APT group emerges that uses a novel technique to evade detection, the organization can update its threat model to include this new threat and implement security controls to prevent the technique’s successful use.

In conclusion, TID using MITRE ATT&CK can help organizations defend against a wide range of cyber threats. By gathering threat intelligence, developing a threat model, and implementing tailored security controls, organizations can reduce the risk of a successful attack and protect their assets more effectively. However, implementing TID requires significant investment in resources, expertise, and time, making it critical for organizations to prioritize and invest in their cybersecurity posture to reap the full benefits of this approach.

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