What is the DeTT&CT Framework In Cybersecurity?

DeTT&CT, or the Detection and Tactics for Threat Hunting and Incident Response framework, is a comprehensive guide for detecting, responding to, and preventing cyber attacks. Created by a consortium of security experts, including the MITRE Corporation, the framework is designed to help organizations detect and respond to advanced persistent threats (APTs) by identifying the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers.

DeTT&CT provides a matrix of TTPs that can be used to map observed activity to specific stages of an attack. This allows organizations to identify which techniques an attacker is using and how they are progressing through the attack lifecycle. By understanding the attacker's tactics, organizations can create a more effective defense strategy.

To use DeTT&CT effectively, organizations should follow these steps:

1. Understand the Framework: Familiarize yourself with the DeTT&CT framework, including the matrix of TTPs and the different categories of attacks. This will help you understand how to use the framework to detect and respond to cyber threats.
2. Collect Data: Collect data from your network, including logs, system events, and network traffic. This data can be used to identify potential threats and to map observed activity to specific TTPs.
3. Analyze Data: Use a variety of tools and techniques to analyze the collected data, including machine learning algorithms and signature-based detection systems. This will help you identify potential threats and determine which TTPs are being used.
4. Respond to Threats: Once a threat has been identified, organizations should respond quickly and effectively to mitigate the damage. This may involve isolating affected systems, blocking malicious traffic, or deploying new security controls.
5. Improve Your Defense: Finally, organizations should use the information gathered from the DeTT&CT framework to improve their overall defense strategy. This may involve updating security policies, deploying new security controls, or training employees on best practices for cyber security.

Overall, DeTT&CT is a valuable tool for organizations looking to improve their cyber security posture. By using the framework to detect and respond to cyber threats, organizations can reduce the risk of a successful cyber attack and minimize the impact of any attacks that do occur.

How Is This Framework Different From ATT&CK?

The DeTT&CT framework is actually an extension of the MITRE ATT&CK framework. While the ATT&CK framework focuses on the tactics and techniques used by attackers during an attack, DeTT&CT expands upon this by providing more detailed information on the procedures used by attackers.

DeTT&CT maps out specific attack procedures to the relevant tactics and techniques, which can help organizations better understand how an attacker is moving through the attack lifecycle. This additional level of detail can help organizations detect and respond to attacks more effectively.

Both frameworks are designed to help organizations improve their cyber security posture by providing a common language and framework for describing and analyzing cyber threats. By using these frameworks, organizations can better understand the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by attackers, and develop more effective defense strategies. The two frameworks complement each other and can be used together to provide a comprehensive approach to threat detection and response.

Give Me A Sample TTP

Here's an example of a TTP (Tactic, Technique, Procedure) from the DeTT&CT framework:

Tactic: Defense Evasion

Technique: Obfuscated Files or Information

Procedure: An attacker may use various methods to obfuscate files or information to evade detection by security tools. For example, an attacker may use encryption, encoding, or packing techniques to hide the contents of a file or communication. Additionally, an attacker may use steganography to embed information within an image or other file format. By using obfuscation techniques, the attacker can make it more difficult for defenders to identify and block malicious activity.