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Threat Intelligence Manual
  • Introduction
  • Contents
  • Module 1: Introduction to Cyber Threat Intelligence
    • Definition and Importance of CTI
    • Threat Intelligence Lifecycle
    • Key Concepts: Indicators, TTPs, IOCs and More
    • Role of CTI in Cybersecurity
  • Module 2: Data Sources and Collection
    • Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Sources
    • Technical Intelligence (TECHINT) Sources
    • Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Sources
    • Data Collection Techniques and Tools
    • Legal and Ethical Considerations
  • Module 3: Data Processing and Analysis
    • Structuring and Enriching Threat Intelligence Data
    • Indicator Analysis Techniques
    • Malware Analysis Fundamentals
    • Network and Host Artifact Analysis
    • Data Mining and Machine Learning for Threat Analysis
  • Module 4: Threat Modeling and Actor Profiling
    • Adversary Models and Frameworks
    • Tactics, Techniques and Procedures
    • Threat Actor Groups and Motivations
    • Attack Vector Analysis
  • Module 5: Cyber Threat Intelligence Analytics
    • Structured and Unstructured Data Analysis
    • Statistical and Visualization Techniques
    • Reporting and Presentation of Findings
  • Module 6: Threat Intelligence Sharing
    • Standards and Frameworks
    • Threat Intelligence Platforms and Tools
    • Information Sharing Communities
    • Trust Groups and Sharing Protocols
  • Module 7: Building a CTI Program
    • Developing a CTI Strategy and Roadmap
    • Roles and Responsibilities in a CTI Team
    • Integration with Security Operations
    • Measuring CTI Effectiveness and Metrics
  • Module 8: Operationalizing CTI
    • CTI Program Maturity Assessment
    • CTI Workflow Automation and Orchestration
    • CTI Playbooks and Runbooks
    • CTI-driven Threat Hunting Exercises
    • CTI Integration with Security Tools and Systems
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  1. Module 6: Threat Intelligence Sharing

Standards and Frameworks

There are some common standards and frameworks used in cyber threat intelligence sharing. The main standards are STIX, TAXII, and CybOX.

  1. STIX (Structured Threat Information Expression): STIX is a standardized language and serialization format used to represent and exchange cyber threat intelligence information. It provides a consistent and machine-readable way to describe threat actors, malware, indicators of compromise (IOCs), vulnerabilities, and other relevant threat data.

    Key features of STIX include:

    • Standardized format: STIX uses a common set of data structures and relationships to represent threat information, enabling interoperability and ease of sharing.

    • Flexibility and extensibility: STIX allows for the inclusion of custom properties and objects, making it adaptable to various threat intelligence use cases and evolving threat landscapes.

    • Integration with other standards: STIX is designed to work seamlessly with other threat intelligence standards and frameworks, such as TAXII for secure sharing and CybOX for describing observables.

  2. TAXII (Trusted Automated Exchange of Intelligence Information): TAXII is a set of specifications and protocols that define how cyber threat intelligence can be securely shared and exchanged between organizations, tools, and services. It provides a standardized way to communicate and distribute STIX-formatted threat intelligence data.

    Key features of TAXII include:

    • Secure communication channels: TAXII uses secure communication protocols, such as HTTPS and authentication mechanisms, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of shared threat intelligence.

    • Flexible architecture: TAXII supports various deployment models, including hub-and-spoke, peer-to-peer, and publish-subscribe, allowing organizations to choose the most suitable architecture for their needs.

    • Interoperability: TAXII enables threat intelligence sharing across different tools, platforms, and organizations, promoting collaboration and reducing silos in the cybersecurity community.

  3. CybOX (Cyber Observable Expression): CybOX is a standardized language and schema for describing and encoding cyber observables, which are measurable events or properties that can be observed in a system or network. CybOX provides a structured way to represent various types of observables, such as IP addresses, file hashes, registry keys, and network traffic patterns.

    Key features of CybOX include:

    • Granular representation: CybOX allows for the detailed description of cyber observables, including their properties, relationships, and context, enabling precise and unambiguous characterization of threat-related data.

    • Extensibility: CybOX can be extended to accommodate new types of observables and properties as the threat landscape evolves, ensuring its ongoing relevance and usefulness.

    • Integration with STIX: CybOX is designed to be used in conjunction with STIX, providing a way to include structured observable data within STIX-formatted threat intelligence reports.

These standards and frameworks play a crucial role in enabling effective threat intelligence sharing and collaboration within the cybersecurity community. By adopting STIX, TAXII, and CybOX, organizations can:

  • Improve the efficiency and automation of threat intelligence sharing processes

  • Enhance the quality and consistency of shared threat data

  • Foster collaboration and interoperability among different tools, platforms, and organizations

  • Strengthen collective defense against evolving cyber threats

It's worth noting that while STIX and TAXII have been widely adopted, CybOX has been integrated into STIX 2.0 and later versions, consolidating the representation of cyber observables within the STIX standard itself.

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Last updated 1 year ago