MITRE ATT&CK™ (Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge) is a globally-accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. It is intended to provide a foundation for improving an organization's cybersecurity posture by helping security teams understand the ways that adversaries may attempt to compromise their systems.
One of the key components of MITRE ATT&CK™ is the use of techniques to detect and respond to malicious activity on a network. Techniques are specific methods or actions that adversaries can use to achieve their objectives. For example, one technique might be the use of a specific type of malware, while another might be the use of a phishing email to steal credentials.
To understand the role of these techniques in security detection, it's important to understand how attackers work. Attackers will often use a combination of techniques to achieve their objectives, rather than relying on just one. For example, an attacker might use a phishing email to steal a user's credentials, and then use that stolen information to gain access to the network. From there, the attacker might use malware to move laterally through the network, stealing data or disrupting operations.
To detect and respond to these types of attacks, security teams need to be able to identify the techniques being used by attackers, and to understand the potential impact of those techniques on their systems. This is where MITRE ATT&CK™ can be a valuable resource. By providing a detailed understanding of the techniques used by attackers, security teams can develop more effective detection and response strategies.
One way to use MITRE ATT&CK™ for detection is to map it to your existing security controls and identify gaps in coverage. Additionally, security teams can use it to identify the most likely techniques that would be used against their organization and prioritize the implementation of countermeasures accordingly.
If we sum up, MITRE ATT&CK™ provides a comprehensive knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques that can be used to improve an organization's cybersecurity posture. By understanding the techniques used by attackers and how they may be used to compromise systems, security teams can develop more effective detection and response strategies.
