Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) are analytical methods used by cybersecurity professionals to help them analyze data and make better-informed decisions. SATs can be applied to a variety of cybersecurity tasks, including threat intelligence analysis, risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and incident response. In this article, we'll explore 10 commonly used SATs in cybersecurity and how they can be applied to various cybersecurity tasks.
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Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH)
The ACH is a SAT that helps analysts systematically evaluate and compare multiple hypotheses. It is often used in threat intelligence analysis to assess the likelihood of various threat scenarios. ACH involves creating a matrix that compares each hypothesis against each other, and then evaluating the evidence for and against each hypothesis. This allows analysts to make a more informed decision about the most likely threat scenario.
Key Assumptions Check (KAC)
The KAC is a SAT that helps analysts identify and evaluate the assumptions underlying their analysis. It is often used in vulnerability assessments and risk assessments. The KAC involves identifying the key assumptions underlying the analysis, and then evaluating the evidence for and against each assumption. This allows analysts to identify areas where their analysis may be flawed and make adjustments accordingly.
Alternative Futures Analysis (AFA)
The AFA is a SAT that helps analysts evaluate the potential outcomes of different scenarios. It is often used in incident response to help organizations prepare for different contingencies. AFA involves creating multiple scenarios and then evaluating the potential outcomes of each scenario. This allows organizations to develop plans for each scenario and be better prepared for any potential eventuality.
Consequence Scanning (CSCAN)
The CSCAN is a SAT that helps analysts evaluate the potential consequences of a particular decision. It is often used in risk assessments to evaluate the potential impact of different risks. CSCAN involves evaluating the potential consequences of each risk, and then assigning a severity rating to each consequence. This allows organizations to prioritize their risk mitigation efforts based on the severity of the potential consequences.
Mind Mapping (MM)
The MM is a SAT that helps analysts organize and analyze complex data. It is often used in threat intelligence analysis to help analysts understand the relationships between different pieces of data. MM involves creating a diagram that shows the relationships between different pieces of data. This allows analysts to better understand the data and make better-informed decisions.
Premortem Analysis (PMA)
The PMA is a SAT that helps analysts identify potential problems before they occur. It is often used in incident response to help organizations prepare for different contingencies. PMA involves imagining a scenario where the worst possible outcome has occurred, and then working backwards to identify the potential causes of the outcome. This allows organizations to identify potential problems before they occur and develop plans to mitigate them.
Link Analysis (LA)
The LA is a SAT that helps analysts identify the relationships between different pieces of data. It is often used in threat intelligence analysis to help analysts identify the connections between different threat actors and attacks. LA involves creating a diagram that shows the connections between different pieces of data. This allows analysts to better understand the data and make better-informed decisions.
Challenge Analysis (CA)
The CA is a SAT that helps analysts evaluate the assumptions underlying a particular decision. It is often used in vulnerability assessments and risk assessments. CA involves challenging the assumptions underlying a particular decision and evaluating the evidence for and against each assumption. This allows analysts to identify areas where their analysis may be flawed and make adjustments accordingly.
Structured Brainstorming (SB)
The SB is a SAT that helps analysts generate new ideas and solutions. It is often used in incident response to help organizations come up with creative solutions to complex problems. SB involves brainstorming ideas in a structured way, with each idea building on the previous one. The goal of SB is to identify all possible options and to develop a comprehensive solution to a problem.
SB is particularly useful in cybersecurity because it allows analysts to think outside the box and explore non-traditional solutions to complex problems. This SAT helps to ensure that all possible options are considered, increasing the likelihood of finding an effective solution.
Criteria Ranking Method (CRM)
The CRM is a SAT used to prioritize different courses of action based on specific criteria. It involves developing a list of criteria that are important to the problem at hand and then ranking each potential solution based on how well it meets each of the criteria.
CRM is a useful SAT in cybersecurity because it allows analysts to objectively evaluate different courses of action and identify the most effective solution based on specific criteria. This helps to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to mitigate the threat.
In conclusion, SATs are an essential tool for cybersecurity analysts, investigators, and other professionals. They allow analysts to think critically and objectively about complex problems, identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, and develop effective solutions to mitigate risk. While there are many different SATs available, these ten are some of the most commonly used in the cybersecurity field. By incorporating SATs into their work, cybersecurity professionals can make better-informed decisions, leading to stronger and more effective cybersecurity measures.