WithSecure™ Introduces New Model for Predicting Cyber Attacks
Profiling Cyber Attackers Becoming Increasingly Challenging
In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber crime, predicting the actions of attackers based on traditional profiling techniques has become more challenging for cyber security practitioners. With the increasing professionalization of the cyber crime industry, where different threat actors provide specialized services to one another, security analysts find it difficult to understand and predict attackers based solely on their tactics, techniques, or procedures (TTPs). This has led to the need for alternative models of predicting how attacks unfold.
An Alternative Approach to Predicting Cyber Attacks
To address this challenge, WithSecure™ (formerly known as F-Secure Business) has published a new study that demonstrates an alternative model for predicting cyber attacks. By analyzing data collected from cyber attacks observed in 2023, researchers at WithSecure™ were able to identify correlations between tactics and toolsets used together in attacks. These correlations provide a foundation for further analysis and predictions about different attack paths.
Correlations in Cyber Attack Tactics
The study revealed interesting correlations among tactics and toolsets used in cyber attacks. For example, researchers found that the tactics of discovery and collection commonly lead to exfiltration and command and control tactics. This indicates that adversaries rely on information gathered and stolen from victim machines, which is then used to perform their next steps in the attack lifecycle. These correlations can serve as a basis for predicting the likelihood of different tactics and toolsets being used in future attacks.
The Role of Machine Learning in Predictive Models
Machine learning is a key component in building predictive models for cyber attacks. By leveraging traditional data analysis techniques and training predictive models, organizations can determine the likelihood of different tactics and toolsets being used in various attack scenarios. This allows organizations to better prepare and reduce the risk of specific attack approaches.
Implications for Cyber Security and Organizations
The findings of the WithSecure™ study, titled “Unveiling the Arsenal: Exploring Attacker Toolsets and Tactics,” have significant implications for the field of cyber security. Organizations can utilize the insights provided in the study to enhance their security measures and mitigate the risks associated with cyber attacks.
Walkthroughs and Security Advice for Organizations
The study not only presents the most common tactics and toolsets observed in attacks during 2023 but also includes walkthroughs for a variety of security incidents investigated by WithSecure™. This provides organizations with valuable information on real-world attack scenarios and how to respond effectively. Additionally, the study offers security advice tailored to organizations, helping them build resilience and protect their operations.
The Importance of Outcome-Based Cyber Security
WithSecure™, known for its outcome-based approach to cyber security, continues to be a reliable partner for IT service providers, MSSPs, and businesses. By offering AI-driven protection for endpoints and cloud collaboration, as well as intelligent detection and response through expert-led threat hunting, WithSecure™ aims to protect and enable the operations of its clients. Moreover, the company’s consultants provide evidence-based security advice to enterprises and tech challengers, ensuring long-term resilience against evolving threats.
Tackling Cyber Crime Through Collaboration
In light of the increasing professionalization of cyber crime, collaboration between organizations, governments, and security experts is crucial. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources, the fight against cyber crime can be more effective. WithSecure™ encourages such collaboration, both to stay one step ahead of attackers and to create a more secure digital environment for all.
Conclusion
As cyber crime becomes more sophisticated and attackers continue to adapt their tactics, predicting their actions based solely on traditional profiling techniques is no longer sufficient. The alternative model introduced by WithSecure™ provides valuable insights into the correlations between tactics and toolsets used in cyber attacks. By incorporating machine learning and predictive models, organizations can enhance their security measures and reduce the risk of specific attack approaches. Collaborative efforts and a focus on outcome-based cyber security are vital in the ongoing battle against cyber crime.
<< photo by Rayner Simpson >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
