Moving from Intermediate to Expert Incident Responder
Last updated
Last updated
Disclaimer: The plan is not for everyone; our journeys are often unique, though sometimes similar. So ignore if you are on a different path.
That being said, the plan is based on acquiring expertise highlighted by the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. However, it is primarily used for structure and guidance. Similarly, the tools mentioned are more for reference than a must-have.
The MITRE ATT&CK framework is a comprehensive knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. It provides a structured way to understand and defend against cyber threats. The plan is designed to help progress from an intermediate level to becoming an expert in cybersecurity incident response, with a focus on current threats and advanced use cases.
Key Actions:
Learn the MITRE ATT&CK Framework:
Tactics & Techniques:
Study the Enterprise Matrix, which includes tactics like Initial Access, Execution, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, Defense Evasion, Credential Access, Discovery, Lateral Movement, Collection, Command and Control, Exfiltration, and Impact.
Understand how each tactic maps to specific techniques used by adversaries.
Resources:
The MITRE ATT&CK Defender Training (Official MITRE courses)
Books like "Applied Cyber Defense" by Rob Lee
Map Tools to MITRE ATT&CK:
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:
Learn how Defender detects and mitigates techniques like Process Injection, Credential Dumping, and Lateral Movement.
Use Advanced Hunting queries to map detections using ATT&CK techniques.
Splunk & Microsoft Sentinel:
Create dashboards and alerts that align with ATT&CK techniques.
Write KQL/SPL queries to detect behaviours like Spear Phishing, Brute Force, and Data Staged for Exfiltration.
Forensic Tools:
Use Volatility to analyse memory dumps for techniques like Process Hollowing or DLL Injection.
Use Velociraptor or KAPE to collect artifacts related to Persistence or Credential Access.
Simulate Adversary Behaviour:
Use Atomic Red Team or MITRE Caldera to simulate ATT&CK techniques in your lab environment.
Practice detecting and responding to simulated attacks using your tools (e.g., Defender, Splunk, Sentinel).
Focus on High-Priority Tactics:
Initial Access:
Monitor for phishing emails, exploit kits, and external remote services.
Execution:
Detect malicious scripts, PowerShell commands, or scheduled tasks.
Persistence:
Look for registry changes, startup folder modifications, or service creation.
Privilege Escalation:
Identify token manipulation, bypass UAC, or credential dumping.
Defense Evasion:
Detect process injection, file deletion, or disabling security tools.
Credential Access:
Monitor for credential dumping, brute force, or keylogging.
Key Actions:
Threat Hunting Based on ATT&CK:
Hunting Playbooks:
Develop hunting playbooks for high-risk techniques like Pass-the-Hash, Kerberoasting, or Living Off the Land Binaries (LOLBins).
Use KQL (Sentinel) or SPL (Splunk) to write custom queries for hunting.
Example Queries:
Detect Brute Force attempts: | where ActionType == "4625" | summarize count() by User
Detect Scheduled Task Creation : EventID=4698
Tools:
Use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to hunt for suspicious behaviours.
Use Velociraptor or Binalyze AIR for endpoint forensics during hunts.
Automate Detection & Response:
Playbooks:
Automate responses to common ATT&CK techniques using Azure Logic Apps (Sentinel) or Splunk SOAR.
Example: Automatically isolate an endpoint when Ransomware Execution is detected.
Scripts:
Write Python or PowerShell scripts to automate artifact collection (e.g., using KAPE ) or IOC extraction.
Focus on Lateral Movement & Command and Control:
Lateral Movement:
Detect techniques like Remote Services, Pass-the-Hash, or Exploitation of Remote Services.
Use network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, Zeek) to identify unusual traffic patterns.
Command and Control:
Monitor for DNS tunneling, HTTP beaconing, or encrypted C2 channels.
Use EDR tools to detect suspicious outbound connections.
Incident Response Using ATT&CK:
Response Playbooks:
Develop playbooks for each tactic (e.g., Containment for Credential Access, Eradication for Persistence).
Map your incident response steps to ATT&CK techniques.
Post-Incident Analysis:
Forensic tools like Volatility, Axiom Cyber, or Cyber Triage can be used to analyse compromised systems and extract IOCs.
Key Actions:
Specialise in Threat Intelligence:
Integrate Threat Feeds:
Use threat intelligence platforms (e.g., AlienVault OTX, Recorded Future) to enrich your detection rules with ATT&CK mappings.
Example: Block IPs associated with Cobalt Strike C2 Servers.
APT Groups:
Study APT groups like APT29, Lazarus, or Conti and their associated ATT&CK techniques.
Simulate their TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) in your lab.
Lead Incident Response Teams:
Tabletop Exercises:
Conduct tabletop exercises based on ATT&CK scenarios (e.g., ransomware attack, supply chain compromise).
Practice coordination between SOC analysts, IR teams, and management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work with IT, legal, and PR teams to develop comprehensive incident response plans.
Contribute to the Community:
Share Knowledge:
Write blogs or create videos explaining how to use MITRE ATT&CK for detection and response.
Share your hunting playbooks, scripts, or dashboards with the community.
Open Source Contributions:
Contribute to projects like Atomic Red Team, MITRE Caldera, or Velociraptor.
Key Actions:
Stay Updated:
Follow MITRE’s updates to the ATT&CK framework (new techniques, sub-techniques, etc.).
Subscribe to threat intelligence feeds and correlate them with ATT&CK techniques.
Attend conferences like MITRE ATT&CKcon, DEF CON, or Black Hat.
Experiment with New Tools:
Explore new tools that integrate with MITRE ATT&CK, such as DeTT&CT, AttackIQ, or Picus Security.
Use these tools to test your defenses against ATT&CK techniques.
Pursue Certifications:
GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI): Focuses on threat intelligence and MITRE ATT&CK.
MITRE ATT&CK Defender Certification: Covers practical application of ATT&CK for defense.
Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200): Includes ATT&CK-based scenarios.
Achieve Thought Leadership:
Speak at conferences about your experiences using MITRE ATT&CK for incident response.
Publish research papers or whitepapers on advanced topics like AI-driven threat hunting or ATT&CK-based automation.
This MITRE ATT&CK-aligned master plan provides a structured approach to mastering cybersecurity incident response. By focusing on the Enterprise Matrix, you’ll gain a deep understanding of adversary behaviours and how to detect, respond to, and mitigate them effectively.
Foundation: Learn the MITRE ATT&CK framework and map it to your tools.
Detection & Response: Develop advanced detection and response capabilities using ATT&CK techniques.
Leadership: Lead incident response efforts and contribute to the community.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated and experiment with new tools and techniques.