Cyber Threat Intelligence

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.

Critical Roles of Information, Analysis, Research, and Operations in the Cyber Realm

Abstract:

PNNL developed an Adaptive Cyber Integration Framework (ACIF) in a pilot program to facilitate the timely sharing of cyber threat information along with the advancement of situational awareness tools to enhance protection against and respond to critical infrastructure cybersecurity threats. ACIF comprises components implemented iteratively to achieve research and mission goals. The ACIF components include data-generation technologies, analytic-tools development and maturation, data enrichment and fusion, trust building with stakeholders, investigative research, analytic rigor, production, and dissemination. Each component, its importance to the ACIF, and how each can be adopted and applied across other information-sharing sectors and domains are discussed as a case study in this paper.

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.

Keywords

A

AI
APT

C

C2
C2S
CDX
CIA
CIP
CPS

D

DNS
DoD
DoS

I

IA
ICS

M

P

PDA

S

SOA

X

XRY

Quill Logo

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.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Get in touch

Registered Agent and Mailing Address

  • Journal of Information Warfare
  •  ArmisteadTEC
  • Dr Leigh Armistead, President
  • 1624 Wakefield Drive
  • Virginia Beach, VA 23455

 757.510.4574

 JIW@ArmisteadTec.com