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How to operationalise the MITRE ATT&CK framework for SOCs

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Adam
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2 min read

The MITRE ATT&CK framework provides a comprehensive and standardized approach to mapping the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers during different stages of an attack. However, simply having access to the framework is not enough. It is crucial to operationalise the MITRE ATT&CK framework and integrate it into SOC processes and workflows.

Here are 7 steps on how this can be achieved:

  1. Understand the Framework: First, it is essential to understand the MITRE ATT&CK Framework and its components. The framework consists of tactics and techniques that attackers use to compromise a system. Tactics represent the attacker's objective, while techniques describe how they achieve that objective.

  2. Map to Your Environment: Once you understand the framework, the next step is to map it to your environment. This step involves identifying which tactics and techniques are most relevant to your organization's infrastructure and data.

  3. Develop Use Cases: Based on your mapping exercise, develop use cases that can be used to detect and respond to attacks. Use cases are specific scenarios that describe how a particular technique could be used to attack your environment.

  4. Define Detection Methods: Next, define detection methods for each use case. This involves identifying the logs, events, or other data sources that can be used to detect an attack in progress.

  5. Create Alerts and Automated Responses: Use the detection methods identified in the previous step to create alerts that will trigger when an attack is detected. You can also create automated responses that can be triggered when an alert is generated.

  6. Test and Refine: Once you have implemented the above steps, test and refine your approach. Use real-world scenarios to validate your use cases and detection methods. Refine your approach based on what you learn from testing.

  7. Review and Update: Finally, it is essential to review and update your approach regularly. As attackers develop new techniques, you will need to adapt your use cases and detection methods to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.

Overall, operationalising the MITRE ATT&CK Framework in a SOC requires a significant amount of effort and ongoing maintenance. However, by doing so, you can improve your organisation's security posture and better protect against advanced persistent threats.