Skip to main content

Why Combining TTP Level Cyber Threat Susceptibility Assessment with Vulnerability Scanning is a More Holistic Way to Measure Cyber Risk

As organizations seek to improve their cybersecurity posture and mitigate the risk of cyber threats, there are a variety of tools and approaches available for assessing and managing risk. Two common approaches are vulnerability scanning and TTP (tactics, techniques, and procedures) level Cyber Threat Susceptibility Assessments. While vulnerability scanning can be a useful tool for identifying known software and hardware vulnerabilities, a TTP level Cyber Threat Susceptibility Assessment combined with vulnerability scanning offers a more comprehensive and holistic way to measure risk.

Vulnerability scanning involves the automated identification and assessment of known software and hardware vulnerabilities. This approach relies on a database of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities. While vulnerability scanning can be a useful tool for identifying known vulnerabilities, it does not necessarily provide a comprehensive view of an organization's risk.

By contrast, a TTP level Cyber Threat Susceptibility Assessment involves a comprehensive assessment of an organization's security posture, which includes evaluating the security controls and practices in place and assessing the likelihood of different types of cyber threats. This approach looks beyond just known vulnerabilities and takes into account the broader range of tactics, techniques, and procedures used by attackers.

By combining vulnerability scanning with a TTP level Cyber Threat Susceptibility Assessment, organizations can gain a more comprehensive view of their cyber risk. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Vulnerability scanning and TTP level assessments focus on different aspects of cyber risk: Vulnerability scanning focuses on known software and hardware vulnerabilities, while TTP level assessments look at the broader range of tactics, techniques, and procedures used by attackers. By combining the two approaches, organizations can gain a more complete view of their cyber risk.
  2. TTP level assessments can identify misconfigurations and missing or weak security controls: While vulnerability scanners can identify known vulnerabilities, they may not detect misconfigurations or missing or weak security controls. A TTP level assessment can identify these types of issues, which can be just as significant in terms of cyber risk.
  3. TTP level assessments can prioritize risk based on the likelihood of successful attacks: While a vulnerability scanner can identify vulnerabilities, it does not necessarily indicate which vulnerabilities are the most likely to be exploited by attackers. A TTP level assessment can provide insights into which tactics and techniques are the most likely to be successful, which can help organizations prioritize their efforts to mitigate risk.
  4. TTP level assessments can help identify emerging threats: A TTP level assessment can help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats by identifying new tactics and techniques being used by attackers. This information can be used to proactively implement security controls to prevent attacks.

In summary, while vulnerability scanning can be a useful tool for identifying known software and hardware vulnerabilities, a TTP level Cyber Threat Susceptibility Assessment combined with vulnerability scanning offers a more comprehensive and holistic way to measure risk. By combining the two approaches, organizations can gain a more complete view of their cyber risk and prioritize their efforts to mitigate the most significant threats.

Labels:
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA

Popular posts from this blog

The Interconnected Roles of Risk Management, Information Security, Cybersecurity, Business Continuity, and IT in Modern Organizations

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding the interconnected roles of Risk Management, Information Security, Cybersecurity, Business Continuity, and Information Technology (IT) is crucial for any organization. These concepts form the backbone of an organization's defense strategy against potential disruptions and threats, ensuring smooth operations and the protection of valuable data. Risk Management is the overarching concept that involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating any risks that could negatively impact an organization's operations or assets. These risks could be financial, operational, strategic, or related to information security. The goal of risk management is to minimize potential damage and ensure the continuity of business operations. Risk management is the umbrella under which information security, cybersecurity, and business continuity fall. Information Security is a subset of risk management. While risk management covers a wide range of pot
Read more

Attack Path Scenarios: Enhancing Cybersecurity Threat Analysis

I. Introduction A. Background on Cybersecurity Threats Cybersecurity threats are an ongoing concern for organizations of all sizes and across all industries. As technology continues to evolve and become more integral to business operations, the threat landscape also becomes more complex and sophisticated. Cyber attackers are constantly seeking new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems. The consequences of a successful cyber attack can be severe, including financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Therefore, it is critical for organizations to have effective cybersecurity strategies in place to identify and mitigate potential threats. B. Definition of Attack Path Scenarios Attack Path Scenarios are a type of threat scenario used in cybersecurity to show the step-by-step sequence of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that a cyber attacker may use to penetrate a system, gain access to sensitive data, and ach
Read more

A Deep Dive into the Analysis and Production Phase of Intelligence Analysis

Introduction In the complex and ever-evolving world of intelligence, the ability to analyze and interpret information accurately is paramount. The intelligence cycle, a systematic process used by analysts to convert raw data into actionable intelligence, is at the heart of this endeavor. This cycle typically consists of five stages: Planning and Direction, Collection, Processing, Analysis and Production, and Dissemination. Each stage plays a vital role in ensuring that the intelligence provided to decision-makers is accurate, relevant, and timely. While all stages of the intelligence cycle are critical, the Analysis and Production phase is where the proverbial 'rubber meets the road.' It is in this phase that the collected data is evaluated, integrated, interpreted, and transformed into a form that can be used to make informed decisions. The quality of the intelligence product, and ultimately the effectiveness of the decisions made based on that product, hinge on the rigor and
Read more