Description: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) are the set of behaviors and methods used by threat actors to achieve their objectives in the field of cybersecurity. TTPs are fundamental for understanding how attackers operate, as they describe not only the tools they use but also the strategies and approaches they employ to infiltrate systems, evade detection, and exfiltrate data. In the context of cybersecurity, TTPs are typically categorized into three areas: the tactics (the overarching goals of the attacker), techniques (the general methods used to achieve those goals), and procedures (the specific ways techniques are implemented). Understanding TTPs allows organizations to enhance their defenses and respond more effectively to threats, as it provides a framework for analyzing and anticipating attacker behavior. Furthermore, the study of TTPs is essential for training cybersecurity professionals, as it helps them develop practical skills and implement more robust security measures.
History: The concept of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) has evolved over the years, especially in military and intelligence contexts, where it was used to describe combat strategies. In the field of cybersecurity, the term began to gain relevance in the 2000s as cyber threats became more sophisticated and organized. The cybersecurity community started adopting the term to classify and analyze attacker actions, leading to the creation of frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, which systematizes adversary TTPs in an accessible and useful format for security professionals.
Uses: TTPs are primarily used in risk assessment and improving cybersecurity defenses. Red Teams employ TTPs to simulate attacks and evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures. On the other hand, Blue Teams use knowledge of TTPs to develop defense strategies, implement security controls, and conduct forensic analysis after an incident. Additionally, TTPs are useful for training personnel in cybersecurity, as they provide a practical framework for understanding attacker behavior.
Examples: An example of TTP in action is the use of phishing as a technique to obtain access credentials. An attacker may send an email that appears legitimate, deceiving the victim into entering their data on a fake website. Another example is the use of malware to establish a backdoor in a system, allowing the attacker to access and control the system remotely. These examples illustrate how threat actors apply specific tactics to achieve their objectives.
