The MITRE ATT&CK® Framework is a comprehensive, globally-accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. It was created by MITRE, a nonprofit organization, to provide a detailed and structured way to understand and analyze cyber adversary behavior. The framework is designed to help organizations improve their cybersecurity defenses by offering insights into the methods and strategies used by attackers.
The MITRE ATT&CK® Framework was developed to address the growing need for a standardized approach to understanding and mitigating cyber threats. By documenting adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), the framework enables organizations to better anticipate and defend against cyberattacks. It was initially created for use in a MITRE research project in 2013 and was released to the public in 2015. Since then, it has become a valuable resource for cybersecurity professionals across various sectors.
The framework is organized into several matrices, each representing different stages of an attack lifecycle. These matrices include:
Analyzes adversarial tactics and techniques across Windows, macOS, Linux, and cloud environments to enhance cybersecurity defenses.
Focuses on threats targeting Android and iOS platforms, detailing adversary techniques used in mobile device exploitation.
Covers adversary tactics and techniques in industrial control systems (ICS), safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Each matrix is further divided into tactics (the goals of an adversary) and techniques (the methods used to achieve those goals). This structured approach allows organizations to map out potential attack vectors and implement appropriate defenses.
Financial institutions can greatly benefit from assessing their security posture against the MITRE ATT&CK® Framework. By leveraging this comprehensive library of documented attack techniques, institutions can:
Gain deeper insights into potential weaknesses within the security infrastructure to proactively mitigate risks.
Implement targeted security measures to address specific threats and strengthen overall cybersecurity resilience.
Ensure alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements for a more efficient compliance process.
Develop more effective strategies for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents.
The MITRE ATT&CK® Framework is continuously updated to reflect the latest threat intelligence and adversary behaviors. These updates are released bi-annually, ensuring that the framework remains current and relevant. The Integrated Risk Management (IRM) platform automatically downloads these updates twice a year, allowing financial institutions to continuously evaluate their security posture against all known attack techniques. This automated process ensures that institutions are promptly notified of any deficiencies requiring attention, enabling them to maintain a robust and up-to-date cybersecurity defense.
By integrating the MITRE ATT&CK® Framework into their cybersecurity strategies, financial institutions can stay ahead of emerging threats and protect their valuable information assets more effectively.