What is TTP in Cyber Security?

TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) in cyber security refers to the specific methods and strategies used by attackers to carry out a cyber attack. The TTP framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in a cyber attack, from initial reconnaissance to the final objective.

Tactics refer to the overall approach an attacker takes to achieve their goals, such as social engineering, phishing, or exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Techniques refer to the specific tools, methods, and processes used by an attacker to carry out a tactic, such as using malware, brute force attacks, or exploiting a specific vulnerability.

Procedures refer to the specific steps an attacker takes to execute a technique, such as the sequence of actions they take to install malware or steal sensitive information. By understanding TTPs, organizations can better defend against attacks by anticipating and mitigating potential threats, improving their overall security posture.

Related Article: What is FOMO in Cyber Security?

What are TTPs used for?

TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) are used for:

1. Threat intelligence: TTPs help security researchers and analysts to identify, track, and understand the methods used by attackers, allowing them to better anticipate and defend against future attacks.
2. Incident response: TTPs are used by incident responders to quickly understand the methods used by attackers during a breach, allowing them to respond more effectively and minimize damage.
3. Security operations: TTPs are used by security operations teams to monitor network and system activity for signs of attack, allowing them to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
4. Vulnerability management: TTPs can be used to prioritize patches and remediation efforts based on the likelihood that a specific vulnerability will be exploited.
5. Cybersecurity planning: TTPs can be used to inform an organization’s overall security strategy and to develop targeted defenses against specific threats.

Overall, TTPs play a crucial role in helping organizations to defend against cyber attacks and improve their security posture.

What Are Procedures in Cybersecurity?

Procedures in cybersecurity refer to the specific steps or actions taken by an attacker to execute a technique in a cyber attack. Procedures are part of the TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) framework used to describe the methods and strategies used by attackers.

Examples of procedures in cybersecurity include:

1. Phishing: sending an email that appears to be from a trusted source in order to trick the recipient into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware.
2. Exploitation: taking advantage of a vulnerability in a system or application to gain unauthorized access or steal sensitive data.
3. Lateral movement: moving from one compromised system to another within a network in order to gain a deeper level of access or steal sensitive information.
4. Data exfiltration: transferring sensitive data out of an organization’s network to an external location, such as a command and control server.
5. Malware installation: installing malicious software on a system in order to compromise it or steal sensitive information.

Procedures in cybersecurity can be used by organizations to better understand the methods used by attackers, allowing them to develop more effective defenses and improve their overall security posture.

TTP vs IoC:

TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) and IoC (Indicators of Compromise) are two important concepts in cybersecurity.

TTP refers to the methods and strategies used by attackers to carry out a cyber attack, including the tactics they use, the techniques they employ, and the specific procedures they follow.

IoC, on the other hand, refers to specific signs or markers that indicate that a system or network has been compromised. Examples of IoCs include specific file hashes, IP addresses, domain names, or registry keys associated with malware or other malicious activity.

The main difference between TTP and IoC is that TTP focuses on the methods used by attackers, while IoC focuses on the signs or markers that indicate a compromise. Organizations can use TTP information to better understand the methods used by attackers and to develop more effective defenses, while IoC information can be used to detect and respond to specific instances of compromise.

Both TTP and IoC play important roles in cybersecurity and are used by organizations to improve their security posture and defend against cyber attacks.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) in cyber security refers to the specific methods and strategies used by attackers to carry out a cyber attack. It includes the tactics used, the techniques employed, and the procedures followed by attackers. Understanding TTPs is critical for organizations to better defend against cyber attacks and improve their overall security posture.

TTP information is used in threat intelligence, incident response, security operations, vulnerability management, and cybersecurity planning. TTPs, along with Indicators of Compromise (IoCs), play a crucial role in helping organizations to defend against cyber attacks and improve their security posture.