MITRE ATT&CK vs. Flexible IR

MITRE ATT&CK® is an extensive, publicly available database that outlines the tactics and techniques utilized by adversaries, based on real-world observations. This resource is essential for developing focused threat models and defensive strategies across a range of sectors, including private businesses, governmental organizations, and the overall cybersecurity landscape. By creating the ATT&CK framework, MITRE reinforces its dedication to fostering a safer environment through collaborative initiatives that aim to improve cybersecurity effectiveness. The open-access nature of the ATT&CK framework ensures that both individuals and organizations can leverage its insights, rendering it a crucial asset for enhancing security measures. Adversaries typically conduct proactive reconnaissance scans to gather relevant information that assists in their targeting strategies, favoring direct network traffic analysis of victim systems over more indirect approaches. Such intelligence-gathering tactics highlight the critical need for heightened security awareness and proactive defenses to successfully counter these methods. Maintaining constant vigilance and adaptation in operational security practices is essential to address the evolving nature of these threats.

We have established a systematic methodology aimed at improving incident response (IR) abilities through focused training specifically designed for responders in niche sectors like healthcare. Scenarios are crafted from data sourced from both VerisDB and a specially selected set of Flexible IR incidents, enabling managers to evaluate their team's existing skills while formulating actionable strategies for advancement. By leveraging the Mitre Att&ck Matrix, we can identify precise areas that necessitate additional practice. Our runbooks undergo ongoing refinement through the application of Symbolic AI, ensuring their continued relevance and efficacy. Built to be user-friendly, our foundational runbooks streamline incident management and can be customized to meet the unique requirements of different environments and security analysts. Furthermore, we perform expert evaluations of these runbooks to boost their quality. This approach not only serves to enhance the skills of novice team members in areas like threat hunting and incident response but also fosters a collaborative learning environment. We also conduct simulations of adversarial situations to provide hands-on experience while underscoring the significance of continuous skill enhancement for analysts. Our framework adheres to the essential 1-10-60 rule for incident response, incorporating a skill matrix and point system to encourage sustained motivation and structured learning pathways. In addition, the system incorporates fundamental gamification features, including card-based games, to make the educational experience more captivating and enjoyable. This holistic strategy not only fortifies individual competencies but also significantly boosts the overall performance and cohesion of the incident response team, leading to more effective outcomes in real-world scenarios.