MITRE ATT&CK

Advanced Persistent Threats Targeting the Middle East: Tactics, Techniques and Recommendations for Countermeasures

Abstract:

This research analyses the tactics and techniques of Advanced Persistent Threat groups targeting the Middle East, focusing on improving regional cyber security practices. It evaluates security measures using the MITRE ATT&CK framework, threat intelligence feeds, and simulated attacks in a controlled environment simulating corporate networks. Through experimental testing methodology employing both quantitative and qualitative analysis approaches, the research executed 127 attack techniques against endpoints and 1,968 web-based attacks to evaluate detection capabilities. Testing revealed that only 6.3% of endpoint attacks were detected by security solutions, while just 41.4% of web attacks were blocked by the Web Application Firewall, highlighting significant gaps in existing defences and recommending adoption of more enhanced technologies.

Published In

Volume 24, Issue 2

Written By

Ahmed ElTijani

Four Foreign Forces: A CTI Analysis of APTs Targeting the U.S.

Abstract:

This paper analyzes the cyber threat landscape posed by advanced persistent threats (APTs) attributed to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It focuses on active groups and their cyber activities targeting the United States. Utilizing cyber threat intelligence data from authoritative sources such as Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Mandiant, and MITRE, this study identifies twelve key APT groups attributed to the four adversarial nations and creates a quick profile for each nation and group. It explores the common techniques and sub-techniques employed by each nation and then across all four nations. Examination of these nations, groups, and techniques then informs a list of six actionable mitigations that will enhance cybersecurity defenses targeting these adversarial groups in an efficient manner: User Training, Restrict Web-Based Content, Privileged Account Management, Network Intrusion Prevention, Execution Prevention, and Antivirus/Antimalware.

Published In

Volume 23, Issue 4

Written By

Bryon Miller

Journal of Information Warfare

The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.

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The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.

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