CIS-Based Risk Assessment for Advanced Persistent Threats

Cybersecurity threats have evolved significantly over the years, with Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) emerging as one of the most insidious and dangerous forms of cyberattacks. APTs are characterized by their stealthy, persistent, and targeted nature, often carried out by skilled adversaries with specific goals in mind, such as stealing sensitive data, conducting espionage, or disrupting critical infrastructure. To effectively defend against APTs, organizations need to adopt a proactive approach, which includes a robust risk assessment framework.

One such framework that has gained prominence in recent years is the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls. In this article, we will explore how CIS-based risk assessment can help organizations identify and mitigate APT-related risks, ensuring a stronger defense against these sophisticated threats.

Understanding Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

Before delving into risk assessment, it’s crucial to grasp the nature of APTs. APTs are not your run-of-the-mill cyberattacks; they are well-planned, often state-sponsored, and involve a sustained effort over an extended period. Key characteristics of APTs include:

1. Stealth: APT actors use various techniques to remain hidden within the victim’s network for extended periods, making detection challenging.
2. Advanced Tactics: APTs leverage advanced hacking tools and techniques, including zero-day vulnerabilities, custom malware, and social engineering, to breach systems.
3. Targeted: Unlike widespread malware attacks, APTs focus on specific organizations or individuals, tailoring their tactics to achieve their objectives.
4. Long-Term Engagement: APTs aim to establish a persistent presence within a network, allowing them to gather intelligence or carry out malicious activities over an extended period.

CIS Controls: A Framework for Cybersecurity

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls is a widely recognized framework designed to help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture. These controls provide a prioritized set of actions that organizations can take to enhance their security measures. The CIS Controls are divided into three categories:

1. Basic Controls: These controls establish fundamental security practices, such as inventory and control of hardware assets, continuous vulnerability assessment, and secure configuration.
2. Foundational Controls: These controls build upon the basics and include activities like controlled use of administrative privileges, secure configuration for hardware and software on mobile devices, and data protection.
3. Organizational Controls: These controls focus on creating a culture of security within an organization, involving areas such as security training and awareness, penetration testing, and incident response planning.

Using CIS Controls for APT Risk Assessment

CIS Controls can serve as a valuable framework for assessing and mitigating the risks associated with APTs. Here’s how organizations can leverage this framework effectively:

1. Identify Critical Assets: Begin by identifying the critical assets and data that APT actors may target. This includes intellectual property, customer data, financial records, and sensitive communications. The first CIS Control, “Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets,” can help in this phase by creating a comprehensive inventory of all devices within the organization.
2. Continuous Vulnerability Assessment: APT actors often exploit vulnerabilities to gain access. Regularly assess your systems for vulnerabilities, both known and unknown (zero-days). The second CIS Control, “Continuous Vulnerability Assessment,” is instrumental in this regard.
3. Secure Configuration: Implement secure configurations for all hardware and software systems. This can reduce the attack surface and make it harder for APTs to exploit weaknesses. CIS Control three, “Secure Configuration for Hardware and Software on Mobile Devices, Laptops, Workstations, and Servers,” offers guidance in this area.
4. Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges: Limiting who has access to administrative privileges and monitoring their use can thwart APTs attempting to escalate privileges. CIS Control four, “Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges,” addresses this issue.
5. Data Protection: Encrypt sensitive data, both in transit and at rest. Proper data protection measures, as outlined in CIS Control five, can make it difficult for APT actors to access valuable information.
6. Security Training and Awareness: Educate employees about the risks of APTs and train them on best practices to identify and report suspicious activities. This falls under CIS Control seventeen, “Implement a Security Awareness and Training Program.”
7. Incident Response Planning: Develop a robust incident response plan that includes strategies for detecting and mitigating APT attacks. CIS Control eighteen, “Incident Response and Management,” provides guidance on this crucial aspect.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) stand out as one of the most formidable challenges organizations face. To defend against these persistent and highly targeted attacks, a proactive approach is essential.

Leveraging the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls as a risk assessment framework can significantly bolster an organization’s defense against APTs. By identifying critical assets, continuously assessing vulnerabilities, configuring systems securely, controlling administrative privileges, protecting data, raising security awareness, and having a robust incident response plan in place, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to APT risks.

Remember, APTs are not just a technology problem; they are a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic approach. By integrating cybersecurity practices into the organization’s culture and operations, organizations can better defend themselves against the persistent and evolving threat landscape posed by APTs.

Contact Cyber Defense Advisors to learn more about our CIS-Based Risk Assessment solutions.