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Moving from Intermediate to Expert Incident Responder

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.

Phase 1: Foundation in MITRE ATT&CK (6-12 months)

Objective: Understand the MITRE ATT&CK framework and map it to your existing tools and processes.

Key Actions:

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.


Phase 2: Advanced Detection & Response (6-12 months)

Objective: Build advanced detection and response capabilities aligned with MITRE ATT&CK.

Key Actions:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.


Phase 3: Specialisation & Leadership (6-12 months)

Objective: Specialise in advanced use cases and lead incident response efforts using MITRE ATT&CK.

Key Actions:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.


Phase 4: Continuous Learning & Mastery (Ongoing)

Objective: Stay ahead of emerging threats and continuously improve your skills using MITRE ATT&CK.

Key Actions:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.


Final Thoughts

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.

Key Takeaways:

  • 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.

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