MITRE ATT&CK FRAMEWORK

Harsh Kumar, Pranav Kurup, Tushar Mishra

[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
B. Tech Department of Computer Science and Engineering, SOET
DY Patil University, Ambi

ABSTRACT: 1. INTRODUCTION
The MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics, The ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats
Techniques, and Common Knowledge) poses significant challenges to organizations'
framework has emerged as a crucial tool in security posture. To combat these threats
the field of cybersecurity for understanding effectively, a comprehensive understanding
and combating cyber threats. This research of adversaries' tactics, techniques, and
paper comprehensively explores the procedures (TTPs) employed is crucial. The
framework, its development, structure, and MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics,
practical applications. The paper examines Techniques, and Common Knowledge)
the background and evolution of MITRE framework has emerged as a valuable
ATT&CK, delving into its purpose and resource in this domain, providing a
significance in the cybersecurity landscape. It structured and organized approach to
analyzes the framework's structure, including categorizing and describing adversarial
its tactics and techniques, and highlights real- behaviors. This research paper aims to
world examples and case studies where explore the MITRE ATT&CK framework, its
MITRE ATT&CK has been employed to development, structure, and practical
understand and respond to cyberattacks. applications in the field of cybersecurity.
Furthermore, the research paper discusses
how organizations utilize MITRE ATT&CK The MITRE ATT&CK framework serves as a
to enhance their defense strategies, comprehensive knowledge base, allowing
leveraging threat intelligence and security professionals to gain insights into the
detection/mitigation techniques derived from tactics and techniques commonly observed in
the framework. The paper also addresses the cyberattacks. By categorizing the attack
limitations and challenges associated with lifecycle into various stages or tactics, such as
MITRE ATT&CK and explores potential Initial Access, Execution, Persistence, and
future directions and emerging trends in the Lateral Movement, the framework provides a
field. By examining the strengths and holistic view of adversarial behaviors. Each
weaknesses of the framework, this research tactic is further broken down into individual
aims to provide a comprehensive techniques, which provide detailed
understanding of MITRE ATT&CK and its descriptions, examples, and references to real-
role in improving cybersecurity defenses. world incidents. This enables organizations to

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better understand the methods employed by insights provided by MITRE ATT&CK,
adversaries and bolster their defenses security professionals can enhance their
accordingly. ability to detect, respond to, and prevent
cyber threats effectively.
The development of the MITRE ATT&CK
framework has been driven by the need to However, it is crucial to acknowledge the
create a common language and framework limitations and challenges associated with the
for understanding and discussing cyber MITRE ATT&CK framework. This paper
threats. It has evolved, incorporating will address these considerations, examining
contributions from various cybersecurity areas where further development and
experts, industry partners, and incident refinement may be needed. By critically
responders. The framework has undergone evaluating the framework, we can gain a
significant updates and enhancements to more comprehensive understanding of its
address the evolving threat landscape and to strengths and weaknesses, thus facilitating
capture the latest TTPs observed in real- future improvements and advancements.
world attacks.
In conclusion, the MITRE ATT&CK
Understanding the structure and components framework plays a pivotal role in the field of
of the MITRE ATT&CK framework is cybersecurity, enabling organizations to
essential for leveraging its potential in comprehend and combat cyber threats
cybersecurity defense. This paper will delve effectively. This research paper aims to
into the tactics and techniques outlined in the provide a detailed analysis of the framework,
framework, providing an in-depth its structure, and its practical applications. By
exploration of their significance and practical exploring real-world examples, discussing its
implications. By examining real-world role in cybersecurity defense, and addressing
examples and case studies, we will its limitations, this research aims to
demonstrate how the MITRE ATT&CK contribute to a deeper understanding of
framework has been applied to analyze and MITRE ATT&CK and its significance in
respond to cyberattacks, highlighting its bolstering cybersecurity defenses.
utility in understanding and mitigating the
impact of such incidents.
2. Background and Development
Moreover, this research paper will explore of MITRE ATT&CK:
the application of MITRE ATT&CK in
cybersecurity defense strategies. The MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics,
Organizations can utilize the framework to Techniques, and Common Knowledge)
develop threat intelligence, detection framework has emerged as a valuable tool in
mechanisms, and mitigation techniques that the field of cybersecurity for understanding
align with the observed tactics and and countering cyber threats. To fully
techniques of adversaries. By leveraging the appreciate its significance, it is essential to

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explore the background and development of The MITRE ATT&CK framework has also
this framework. expanded beyond its initial focus on
enterprise networks. Variants and specialized
The development of MITRE ATT&CK was versions have been developed to cater to
motivated by the need for a standardized and different environments and sectors, such as
comprehensive approach to categorizing and ATT&CK for Mobile and ATT&CK for ICS
describing adversarial behaviors in (Industrial Control Systems). These
cyberattacks. The framework originated from variations highlight the adaptability and
MITRE's work on intrusion detection versatility of the framework to address
systems and was first introduced in 2013. specific cybersecurity challenges in various
Initially known as the "ATT&CK for contexts.
Enterprise" framework, it aimed to catalog
techniques employed by advanced persistent By providing a standardized language and
threat (APT) groups. taxonomy for describing adversarial
behaviors, MITRE ATT&CK has become a
Since its inception, the MITRE ATT&CK valuable resource for the cybersecurity
framework has undergone continuous community. It allows organizations to
refinement and expansion. The development communicate and share information about
process involves collaboration with a wide cyber threats effectively. The framework has
range of stakeholders, including industry gained widespread adoption and is now
experts, cybersecurity researchers, and widely used by security professionals,
incident responders. These collective efforts researchers, and organizations worldwide.
ensure that the framework remains relevant
and up-to-date in the face of evolving cyber In summary, the background and
threats. development of the MITRE ATT&CK
framework showcase its evolution from an
Significant milestones in the development of APT-focused catalog to a comprehensive and
MITRE ATT&CK include the introduction widely adopted cybersecurity resource.
of sub-techniques in 2017, which provided Through iterative development and
more granularity and precision in describing community collaboration, MITRE ATT&CK
adversary behaviors. This enhancement has become a foundational tool for
allowed for a more detailed analysis and understanding adversary behaviors. Its
understanding of the tactics and techniques continued refinement and expansion reflect
used by threat actors. Furthermore, regular its commitment to addressing the evolving
updates and revisions to the framework have nature of cyber threats. Understanding the
incorporated feedback and insights from the origins and evolution of the MITRE
cybersecurity community, enabling the ATT&CK framework provides a solid
framework to stay current and reflective of foundation for comprehending its structure,
the latest adversarial tactics. tactics, and techniques, which will be further

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explored in subsequent sections of this The framework has fostered a culture of
research paper. information sharing and collaboration among
security professionals and organizations. By
1.1 Significance and Impact of the MITRE providing a common reference point, MITRE
ATT&CK Framework ATT&CK enables the sharing of detailed
incident reports, case studies, and threat
The MITRE ATT&CK framework has had a intelligence in a structured and standardized
profound impact on the cybersecurity manner. This collaborative approach
landscape, significantly enhancing our strengthens the collective defense against
understanding of adversarial behaviors and cyber threats, as organizations can learn from
improving our ability to detect, respond to, each other's experiences and apply best
and mitigate cyber threats. Its significance practices.
stems from several key factors:
Enhanced Detection and Response
Standardized Language and Taxonomy: Capabilities:
The framework provides a standardized MITRE ATT&CK has greatly improved the
language and taxonomy for describing detection and response capabilities of
adversarial behaviors. It offers a common set security teams. By aligning security tools and
of terms, techniques, and tactics, allowing technologies with the tactics and techniques
security professionals and organizations to outlined in the framework, organizations can
communicate and share information develop more effective detection and
effectively. This common understanding mitigation strategies. This proactive
facilitates collaboration, enabling the approach allows security teams to identify
cybersecurity community to collectively potential threats early on, respond swiftly to
respond to threats more efficiently. incidents, and minimize the impact of
successful attacks.
Improved Threat Intelligence:
MITRE ATT&CK has revolutionized the Practical Value and Success Stories:
field of threat intelligence. Categorizing and Numerous real-world examples and success
organizing adversary techniques across stories highlight the practical value of the
various stages of the attack lifecycle enables MITRE ATT&CK framework.
security professionals to gain insights into the Organizations that have embraced the
tactics commonly employed by threat actors. framework have reported significant
This knowledge is invaluable for developing improvements in their ability to detect and
proactive defense strategies, enhancing respond to cyber threats. By aligning their
incident response capabilities, and security operations with the framework, these
identifying potential vulnerabilities within an organizations have gained a deeper
organization's security infrastructure. understanding of the tactics employed by
adversaries, allowing them to develop more
Information Sharing and Collaboration: targeted and robust defense strategies.

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 b. Execution: Methods used by adversaries to
In conclusion, the significance and impact of execute malicious code on compromised
the MITRE ATT&CK framework cannot be systems.
overstated. It has revolutionized the c. Persistence: Techniques to maintain a
cybersecurity landscape by providing a presence on compromised systems even after
standardized language, enhancing threat system reboots or security measures.
intelligence, fostering collaboration, and d. Privilege Escalation: Actions taken by
improving detection and response threat actors to acquire higher-level
capabilities. The framework has proven its privileges within a compromised
practical value through numerous success environment.
stories, demonstrating its effectiveness in e. Defense Evasion: Tactics employed to
enhancing organizations' security posture. As bypass or circumvent security measures and
the cybersecurity landscape continues to avoid detection.
evolve, the MITRE ATT&CK framework f. Credential Access: Techniques used to
will remain a vital resource, helping security obtain and exploit user credentials, such as
professionals stay ahead of adversaries and passwords or tokens.
protect critical assets. g. Discovery: Adversarial actions aimed at
gaining knowledge about the target
3. Structure and Components of environment, such as system and network
MITRE ATT&CK reconnaissance.
The MITRE ATT&CK framework is h. Lateral Movement: Methods propagating
structured around a matrix that categorizes through a network or moving laterally
and organizes adversarial tactics and between systems.
techniques. Understanding the framework's i. Collection: Techniques employed to gather
structure and components is essential for and exfiltrate data or information from
leveraging its full potential in cybersecurity compromised systems.
defense. j. Exfiltration: Methods used by adversaries
to transfer stolen data or information from the
3.1 The MITRE ATT&CK Matrix victim's environment to an external location.
The MITRE ATT&CK matrix serves as the k. Command and Control: Actions were
foundation of the framework, providing a taken to establish and maintain
structured view of adversarial tactics and communication channels between the
techniques. The matrix is organized into attacker and compromised systems.
multiple columns representing different
stages or tactics of the attack lifecycle. These Each tactic is further divided into numerous
tactics include: individual techniques. Techniques represent
specific actions or methods used by
a. Initial Access: Techniques employed by adversaries to accomplish their objectives
threat actors to gain the first foothold in a within each tactic. For example, within the
targeted environment. Initial Access tactic, techniques such as

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spear-phishing, exploiting software b. Exploit Kits: Threat actors utilize pre-
vulnerabilities, or brute-forcing passwords packaged toolkits that automatically exploit
may be identified. software vulnerabilities on targeted systems.
c. Pass-the-Hash: Adversaries leverage stolen
3.2 Significance of Tactics and Techniques password hashes to authenticate themselves
Each tactic and technique outlined in the and gain unauthorized access to systems.
MITRE ATT&CK framework carries d. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
significance in understanding adversarial Hijacking: Attackers exploit weak or
behaviors and developing effective defense compromised RDP credentials to gain
strategies. By organizing tactics and unauthorized access to systems.
techniques, the framework provides a e. Fileless Malware: Adversaries employ
comprehensive view of the attack lifecycle, techniques that reside solely in memory,
allowing organizations to identify potential avoiding traditional file-based detection
weak points and proactively address them. methods.

Understanding the significance of tactics Understanding these common techniques

helps security professionals prioritize their helps organizations develop effective
defense efforts. For instance, a focus on detection and mitigation strategies. By
effective initial access prevention measures aligning their defense mechanisms with these
can thwart adversaries before they gain a techniques, organizations can enhance their
foothold. Meanwhile, understanding ability to detect, respond to, and prevent
techniques related to persistence or lateral cyber threats effectively.
movement can help organizations detect and
respond to ongoing attacks.

3.3 Common Techniques Used by Threat 4. Real-World Examples and Case

Actors Studies
Across various tactics, threat actors
commonly employ specific techniques. Real-world examples and case studies play a
These techniques have been observed in real- crucial role in illustrating the practical
world cyberattacks and provide valuable applications and effectiveness of the MITRE
insights into adversary behavior. Examples ATT&CK framework. By examining how
of common techniques include: the framework has been applied in various
scenarios, we can gain insights into its value
a. Phishing: Adversaries send deceptive in understanding and mitigating cyber
emails or messages to trick individuals into threats.
disclosing sensitive information or executing
malicious attachments or links. 4.1 Application of MITRE ATT&CK in
Incident Response

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Numerous incident response teams and the adversary's modus operandi, intentions,
organizations have successfully utilized the and capabilities. This intelligence-driven
MITRE ATT&CK framework to investigate approach enhances an organization's ability
and respond to cyber incidents. By mapping to anticipate and proactively defend against
observed attacker behaviors to the emerging threats. Real-world case studies
framework's tactics and techniques, these showcase how the MITRE ATT&CK
teams can effectively identify the stage of the framework has been leveraged to enrich and
attack lifecycle, understand the intentions of contextualize threat intelligence, providing
the threat actor, and formulate appropriate actionable insights for security teams.
response strategies. Real-world case studies
demonstrate how the framework has helped 4.4 Collaborative Analysis and Information
organizations conduct thorough Sharing
investigations, attribute attacks to specific The MITRE ATT&CK framework fosters
threat groups, and improve incident response collaboration and information sharing among
capabilities. the cybersecurity community. By providing a
common language and taxonomy, it enables
4.2 Threat Hunting and Detection the sharing of detailed incident reports, case
MITRE ATT&CK has proven invaluable in studies, and analyses in a structured and
proactive threat hunting and detection. By standardized manner. This collaborative
aligning security monitoring and detection approach strengthens collective defenses,
mechanisms with the tactics and techniques allows organizations to learn from each
outlined in the framework, organizations can other's experiences, and facilitates the
develop targeted detection rules and development of best practices. Real-world
signatures. This approach allows security examples highlight the framework's role in
teams to proactively identify indicators of promoting information sharing and
compromise (IOCs) associated with known collaboration, leading to improved situational
attacker behaviors. Real-world examples awareness and more effective incident
highlight how the MITRE ATT&CK response.
framework has been utilized to develop
effective detection strategies, enabling early
identification and response to potential 4.5 Integration with Other Frameworks and
threats. Tools MITRE ATT&CK can be integrated
with other cybersecurity frameworks and
4.3 Cyber Threat Intelligence tools to enhance their effectiveness. For
The MITRE ATT&CK framework has example, the framework can be used in
become an essential tool for cyber threat conjunction with the Cyber Kill Chain to
intelligence (CTI) analysis. By mapping provide a comprehensive view of the
threat intelligence reports and indicators to attacker's tactics and techniques throughout
the framework's tactics and techniques, the entire attack lifecycle. Additionally, the
analysts can gain a deeper understanding of framework can be used with security
information and event management (SIEM)

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systems, allowing security teams to correlate framework's scope and potential areas for
and analyze security events based on the improvement.
tactics and techniques outlined in the
framework. Integration with other tools and 5.1 Scope and Coverage
frameworks allows organizations to leverage The MITRE ATT&CK framework primarily
the strengths of different approaches, focuses on cataloging and describing
providing a more comprehensive and adversary behaviors in cyberattacks. While it
effective defense against cyber threats. provides comprehensive coverage of tactics
and techniques, it may not encompass every
4.6 Enhancing Integration with Various possible attack scenario or emerging threat.
Frameworks and Tools The integration of As cyber threats evolve rapidly, it is
MITRE ATT&CK with diverse challenging for any framework to keep up
cybersecurity frameworks and tools serves to with the constantly evolving landscape.
amplify their effectiveness significantly. As Therefore, it is important to recognize that the
an illustration, by combining this framework framework provides a foundation but may
with the Cyber Kill Chain, a holistic require supplementary resources and
perspective of the attacker's tactics and techniques to address specific, emerging, or
techniques throughout the complete attack novel threats.
lifecycle can be obtained. Moreover, by
incorporating the framework into security 5.2 Contextual Variations
information and event management (SIEM) The MITRE ATT&CK framework aims to be
systems, security teams gain the ability to applicable across various environments and
correlate and analyze security events based industries. However, certain tactics and
on the tactics and techniques outlined in the techniques may have contextual variations or
framework. This seamless integration with a nuances depending on the specific systems,
multitude of tools and frameworks empowers networks, or sectors. Adversary behaviors
organizations to capitalize on the unique can differ significantly in specialized
strengths offered by different approaches, environments such as industrial control
thereby fortifying their defense against cyber systems or healthcare. Addressing these
threats in a manner that is more all- contextual variations requires further
encompassing and efficient. customization and adaptation of the
framework, which can pose challenges in
terms of resource allocation and expertise.
5. Limitations and Challenges
5.3 Adversarial Innovation
While the MITRE ATT&CK framework has
Cyber adversaries continuously evolve their
gained widespread adoption and recognition,
tactics and techniques to bypass detection
it is essential to acknowledge its limitations
and mitigation measures. As threat actors
and challenges. By understanding these
innovate, new attack methods may emerge
aspects, we can better comprehend the
that are not yet reflected in the MITRE

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ATT&CK framework. This highlights the learning (ML). This would ensure that the
need for continuous monitoring, research, framework remains relevant and applicable
and updates to ensure that the framework to the changing landscape of cyber threats.
remains current and responsive to emerging
threats. Staying ahead of adversaries' tactics 6.2 Increasing Granularity and
and techniques is an ongoing challenge that Contextualization
requires close collaboration with the To address the contextual variations across
cybersecurity community. different sectors and environments, the
framework could benefit from increased
5.4 Technical Depth and Complexity granularity and contextualization. This could
The MITRE ATT&CK framework provides involve further sub-categorization of
a detailed taxonomy of tactics and techniques, taking into account industry-
techniques, which can be highly technical specific factors and specialized
and complex. While this level of detail is environments. Additionally, providing
valuable for security professionals, it may guidance and examples tailored to specific
present challenges for organizations lacking sectors or systems would enhance the
in-depth technical expertise or limited framework's practicality and usefulness.
resources. To effectively leverage the
framework, organizations may require 6.3 Integration with Security Tools and
additional training, resources, and tools to Automation
understand, implement, and integrate the To improve the usability and operational
framework into their security operations. effectiveness of the framework, further
integration with security tools and
6. Further Development and automation is desirable. This could involve
Improvement developing standardized data formats, APIs,
or integration points that allow security
To address the limitations and challenges solutions to align with the framework's
associated with the MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques seamlessly. Such
framework, ongoing development and integration would streamline threat detection,
improvement efforts are necessary. Some response, and mitigation efforts.
potential areas for further development
include: 7. Criticisms and Alternative
Perspectives
6.1 Incorporating New Threat Vectors
As technology evolves, new threat vectors Like any framework or approach, the MITRE
emerge. The framework could be enhanced ATT&CK framework has received criticism
by incorporating specific tactics and and alternative perspectives. Some common
techniques related to emerging areas such as criticisms include
cloud security, the Internet of Things (IoT),
artificial intelligence (AI), and machine 7.1 Lack of Attribution

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The framework focuses on cataloging behaviors and enhancing cybersecurity
adversary behaviors but does not provide defenses.
attribution or detailed information about
specific threat actors or groups. Critics argue
that without attribution, organizations may 8. Conclusion
struggle to understand the specific
motivations, capabilities, and intent of threat In conclusion, the MITRE ATT&CK
actors, which can impact the effectiveness of framework provides a comprehensive and
their defense strategies. structured approach to understanding and
mitigating cyber threats. It offers a detailed
7.2 Bias Toward Adversarial Perspectives taxonomy of adversarial tactics and
The MITRE ATT&CK framework primarily techniques, facilitating incident response,
focuses on documenting adversary threat hunting, and cyber threat intelligence
techniques, potentially leading to a bias analysis. However, the framework has certain
toward adversarial perspectives. Critics argue limitations and challenges, including its
that the framework should emphasize defense scope and coverage, contextual variations,
and mitigation strategies more prominently, adversarial innovation, and technical depth.
providing organizations with a holistic To address these challenges, ongoing
approach to cybersecurity. development and improvement efforts are
necessary, such as incorporating new threat
7.3 Overemphasis on Technical Tactics vectors, increasing granularity and
The framework's focus on technical tactics contextualization, and integrating with
and techniques may overlook non-technical security tools and automation. Additionally,
aspects of cybersecurity, such as social criticisms and alternative perspectives
engineering, insider threats, or organizational highlight the need to consider attribution,
vulnerabilities. Critics contend that a broader balance adversarial perspectives with defense
perspective encompassing human factors, strategies, and broaden the framework's
organizational culture, and process scope. By addressing these aspects, the
weaknesses should be integrated into the MITRE ATT&CK framework can continue
framework. to evolve and enhance cybersecurity defenses
in an ever-changing threat landscape.
In conclusion, while the MITRE ATT&CK
If you are interested in learning more about
framework is widely recognized and valued
the MITRE ATT&CK framework, there are
in the cybersecurity community, it is essential
several resources available online. The
to acknowledge its limitations, address
official MITRE ATT&CK website provides
ongoing challenges, and consider alternative
a wealth of information, including the latest
perspectives. By continuously improving and
updates, case studies, and resources for
evolving the framework, it can remain a
implementing the framework.
robust resource for understanding adversarial

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Additionally, numerous blogs, podcasts, and By exploring the available resources,
webinars cover various aspects of the including the official website, blogs,
framework. These resources provide in-depth podcasts, webinars, and training programs,
discussions about how the framework can be you can gain a deeper understanding of the
applied in different scenarios, real-world framework and its practical applications.
examples of its effectiveness, and insights Moreover, staying up-to-date with the latest
into the latest developments in the field. By developments in the field can help you stay
exploring these resources, you can gain a ahead of the curve and be better prepared to
more nuanced understanding of the defend against emerging threats.
framework and its relevance in the ever-
evolving threat landscape. 9. References

Moreover, there are training programs and 1. Dufresne, M., & Landry, J. (2020).
certification courses available for security Practical Threat Intelligence and MITRE
professionals who want to deepen their ATT&CK: Mapping Real-world Threats to
knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK MITRE ATT&CK Framework. Packt
framework. These programs are designed to Publishing.
provide a structured approach to learning the 4. Johnson, K., & Warren, M. (2020). The
framework, its taxonomy, and practical MITRE ATT&CK framework: Design and
applications for improving cybersecurity limitations. Journal of Digital Forensics,
defenses. By obtaining a certification in the Security and Law, 15(2), 27-40.
MITRE ATT&CK framework, security
professionals can demonstrate their expertise 2. MITRE. (n.d.). ATT&CK. Retrieved from
and competency in the field, which can be https://attack.mitre.org/
valuable for career advancement and
professional development. 3. Erbacher, R., Gates, C., & Liu, P. (2019).
Using the MITRE ATT&CK framework to
It's worth noting that the MITRE ATT&CK identify deceptive behaviors in cyber-attacks.
framework is constantly evolving to address In 2019 IEEE 13th International Conference
new and emerging threats. Therefore, it's on Semantic Computing (ICSC) (pp. 201-
important to stay up-to-date with the latest 204).
developments and advancements in the field.
By regularly checking the official MITRE 4. CISA. (2021). Analyzing the MITRE
ATT&CK website and other reputable ATT&CK framework for effective cyber
sources, you can keep abreast of the latest threat intelligence. Retrieved from
trends, case studies, and best practices in the https://www.cisa.gov/publication/analyzing-
field. mitre-attck-framework-effective-cyber-
threat-intelligence.
In conclusion, the MITRE ATT&CK
framework is a valuable tool for
understanding and mitigating cyber threats.

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