Understanding Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)

This article was originally published on Kiledjian.com

In the complex landscape of cybersecurity, understanding the intricacies of threats is crucial for robust defence. One key concept that can help demystify cyber threats is Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).

What are TTPs?

TTPs stand for Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, and they represent the behaviour and methods used by cyber adversaries to achieve their objectives. Here's a brief breakdown:

• Tactics: These are the high-level plans or goals that adversaries aim to achieve, such as data exfiltration or system compromise.
• Techniques: These are the general methods or strategies used to accomplish a tactic, such as phishing or credential dumping.
• Procedures: These are the specific steps or actions taken by adversaries to implement a technique, like using a particular phishing email template or a specific malware variant.

Who Identifies TTPs?

TTPs are typically identified by cybersecurity professionals and organizations dedicated to threat intelligence and research. These include:

• Cybersecurity Firms: Companies like Mandiant, CrowdStrike, and Palo Alto Networks analyze cyber threats and document TTPs.
• Government Agencies: Agencies such as the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security provide detailed reports on observed TTPs.
• Threat Intelligence Platforms: Platforms like MITRE ATT&CK offer a comprehensive framework for understanding and tracking TTPs across various adversaries.

Where Can You Find TTPs?

TTPs can be found in various resources dedicated to cybersecurity:

• MITRE ATT&CK Framework: A globally accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations.
• Threat Intelligence Reports: Publications from cybersecurity firms and government agencies that provide in-depth analysis of specific threats and their associated TTPs.
• Cybersecurity Conferences and Webinars: Events where experts share the latest findings and trends in cyber threats.

What Do You Do with TTPs?

Understanding TTPs is essential for building a proactive cybersecurity strategy. Here’s how you can leverage TTPs:

• Threat Hunting: Use TTPs to search for signs of adversary behaviour within your network. This helps in identifying potential breaches early.
• Incident Response: TTPs guide response teams on what to look for and how to contain and remediate threats effectively.
• Security Awareness Training: Educate your staff about common TTPs used in phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics.
• Security Controls: Implement and adjust security controls based on the TTPs most relevant to your industry and threat landscape.

APT41: An Example of Chinese APT TTPs

APT41, also known as Double Dragon, is a Chinese state-sponsored cyber threat group that conducts both espionage and financially motivated operations. Active since at least 2012, APT41 targets various sectors, including healthcare, telecoms, high-tech, and video game industries.

TECHNIQUES USED BY APT41

APT41 employs a range of techniques to infiltrate and persist within target networks:

• Spear-Phishing: Often using lures related to healthcare, job postings, and password policies to gain initial access.
• Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Utilizes known vulnerabilities in software to execute their code on victim systems.
• Custom Malware: Deploys sophisticated malware like Cobalt Strike, a popular penetration testing tool, for establishing persistence and conducting lateral movement.
• Credential Dumping: Uses tools to extract and use credentials stored in browsers and system memory.
• Data Exfiltration: Transfers stolen data using standard web protocols and sometimes encrypts data to evade detection.

APT41's extensive toolkit and diverse attack vectors make it a formidable adversary. By studying and understanding their TTPs, organizations can better defend against such sophisticated threats and improve their overall cybersecurity resilience.

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