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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.

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Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA

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