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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 8: Operationalizing CTI

CTI Playbooks and Runbooks

Objective: Understand the purpose and benefits of CTI playbooks and runbooks, and learn how to develop and implement them to standardize and streamline your CTI processes and incident response activities.

Introduction: CTI playbooks and runbooks are documented procedures that outline the steps, actions, and best practices for handling specific cyber threat scenarios or conducting CTI-related tasks. They provide a structured approach to guide analysts, incident responders, and other stakeholders through the process of detecting, investigating, and mitigating threats in a consistent and efficient manner.

Step 1: Identify Playbook and Runbook Scenarios

  • Determine the specific threat scenarios or CTI tasks that would benefit from standardized procedures and documentation.

  • Consider scenarios such as phishing attacks, malware outbreaks, data breaches, or threat hunting campaigns.

  • Identify tasks that are complex, critical, or frequently performed, such as indicator analysis, threat actor profiling, or intelligence report generation.

Step 2: Define Playbook and Runbook Structure

  • Establish a consistent structure and format for your CTI playbooks and runbooks, including sections such as:

    • Objective and scope

    • Prerequisites and assumptions

    • Roles and responsibilities

    • Step-by-step procedures

    • Decision trees and flowcharts

    • Communication and escalation guidelines

    • Post-incident review and lessons learned

  • Ensure that the structure is clear, concise, and easy to follow for all stakeholders.

Step 3: Develop Playbook and Runbook Content

  • Collaborate with subject matter experts, analysts, and incident responders to gather knowledge and best practices for each scenario or task.

  • Document the step-by-step procedures, including specific actions to be taken, tools to be used, and data to be collected and analyzed.

  • Incorporate decision points, branching logic, and conditional steps to account for different outcomes or variations in the scenario.

  • Include guidance on communication, escalation, and coordination with other teams or stakeholders.

Step 4: Integrate with Tools and Systems

  • Identify the tools, systems, and data sources that are relevant to each playbook or runbook scenario.

  • Integrate the playbook and runbook procedures with your CTI platforms, SOAR tools, or other security systems to enable automation and streamline execution.

  • Ensure that the necessary data, indicators, and context are readily available to support the execution of the playbook or runbook steps.

Step 5: Test and Validate Playbooks and Runbooks

  • Conduct thorough testing and validation of your playbooks and runbooks to ensure their accuracy, effectiveness, and usability.

  • Engage relevant stakeholders and subject matter experts to review and provide feedback on the documented procedures.

  • Perform tabletop exercises or simulated scenarios to validate the playbooks and runbooks in a controlled environment.

Step 6: Train and Disseminate Playbooks and Runbooks

  • Develop training materials and conduct sessions to educate analysts, incident responders, and other stakeholders on the use of the playbooks and runbooks.

  • Ensure that all relevant personnel are familiar with the procedures, their roles and responsibilities, and the tools and systems involved.

  • Make the playbooks and runbooks easily accessible to all stakeholders through a centralized repository or knowledge management system.

Step 7: Continuously Review and Update

  • Regularly review and update your CTI playbooks and runbooks to reflect changes in the threat landscape, organizational processes, or technology stack.

  • Incorporate lessons learned from real-world incidents or exercises to refine and improve the documented procedures.

  • Encourage ongoing feedback and suggestions from users to ensure that the playbooks and runbooks remain relevant and effective.

CTI playbooks and runbooks are essential tools for standardizing and streamlining your CTI processes and incident response activities. By developing well-documented, tested, and continuously updated playbooks and runbooks, you can ensure a consistent and effective approach to handling cyber threats and conducting CTI tasks.

Playbooks and runbooks not only improve the efficiency and quality of your CTI efforts but also facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous improvement within your organization. They serve as a centralized repository of best practices and institutional knowledge, enabling both experienced and new team members to execute CTI processes with confidence and precision.

Remember, the development and implementation of CTI playbooks and runbooks is an iterative process that requires ongoing commitment, collaboration, and refinement. By investing in this process, you can significantly enhance your organization's ability to detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats in a timely and effective manner.

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Last updated 11 months ago