Adapt Threat Modeling to New Challenges
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:
- Explain future threat modeling challenges.
- Describe evolved practices and skills for threat hunters.
An Evolved Threat Model
The rapid pace of IT innovations and the ever-evolving landscape of security vulnerabilities present significant challenges for organizations seeking to protect their systems and data. Threat modeling, a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks, plays a crucial role in maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses.
As new technologies emerge and novel attack vectors arise, threat modeling must continually evolve to address these changes. In this table, we explore various IT innovations and security vulnerabilities and outline the ways threat modeling can adapt to effectively counter the associated risks.
| Emerging Security Challenges | How Threat Modeling Can Adapt |
|---|---|
|
AI and machine learning |
Threat models can be used to identify the potential for AI involvement in attacks and to develop countermeasures to mitigate these risks. For example, threat models identify valuable organizational data that could potentially be used for AI training, and guide control implementation to protect this data. |
|
Internet of Things (IoT) |
Threat models can be used to understand the security risks of IoT devices specific to the kind of data that these devices generate or collect. For example, threat models identify IoT data types, which enables control implementation for data protection. |
|
5G networks |
Threat models can be used to identify the security implications of 5G, such as the increased attack surface and the potential for attacks to spread faster. For example, threat models identify the overall architecture of 5G networks, which enables mitigation of risks that sometimes arise from the network design. |
|
Quantum computing |
Threat models can be used to assess the potential impact of quantum attacks and develop mitigation strategies. For example, threat models identify vulnerable algorithms to quantum attacks, which guides the development of more resistant algorithms. |
|
Geopolitical tensions |
Threat models can be used to identify potential threats to critical infrastructure during geopolitical instability and to assess the effects of disruptions. For example, threat models reveal that certain government facilities, energy infrastructure, or financial institutions are at higher risk of attack or disruption. |
|
Misinformation and disinformation |
Threat models can be used to anticipate misinformation and disinformation campaigns related to geopolitical events. For example, threat models identify the types of false narratives that are disseminated and the potential impact on an organization’s reputation or public perception. |
By staying ahead of the curve and incorporating these considerations into their threat modeling practices, organizations can enhance their security posture and better protect against emerging threats.
Implications for Threat Hunters
As threat modeling evolves, threat hunters should engage in the following activities to effectively address emerging security challenges.
- Stay updated on new attack techniques, evolving technologies, and emerging threats through threat intelligence sources, industry reports, and research findings.
- Develop a deep understanding of advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, cloud computing, blockchain, and quantum computing to identify and mitigate risks effectively.
- Enhance collaboration and communication skills to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams, participate in information-sharing communities, and collaborate with industry peers.
- Leverage advanced security analytics platforms, machine-learning-driven threat detection systems, and automation tools to enhance investigative capabilities and efficiency.
- Continuously improve skills, adapt to new technologies, foster collaboration, and utilize cutting-edge tools to stay at the forefront of threat modeling.
By actively embracing these activities, threat hunters can stay ahead of evolving threats, effectively navigate the complex threat landscape, and contribute to the ongoing security of organizations.
Sum It Up
In this module, you’ve been introduced to threat modeling for threat hunters. You’ve learned about threat modeling, threat hunting techniques, and threat hunter skills.
Interested in learning more about cybersecurity roles and hearing from security professionals? Check out the Cybersecurity Career Path on Trailhead.
Resources
- External Site: World Economic Forum (WEF): Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023 Insight Report
- Trailhead: The Emerging Future of Cybersecurity
- External Site: National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS): Cyber Threat Modeling
- Blog Post: SOC Prime: Threat Hunting Maturity Model Explained with Examples