CyBOK’s Malware & Attack Technology Knowledge Area: Decoding the Dark Side
The CyBOK framework is a valuable resource for cybersecurity professionals, and its Malware & Attack Technology Knowledge Area (KA) dives deep into the underbelly of malicious code and attacker tactics.
i. Malware & Attack Technology Knowledge Area (KA) high level areas
o Demystify malware: Understand the different types of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, etc.), their functionalities, and how they infiltrate and harm systems.
o Unravel attack vectors: Learn how attackers exploit vulnerabilities in various systems, networks, and applications to launch their attacks.
o Decode tactics and techniques: Decipher the attacker’s playbook, from reconnaissance and exploitation to installation and persistence.
o Sharpen your detection and analysis skills: Gain insights into identifying malicious activities and analyzing malware samples to understand their intent and capabilities.
ii. This KA isn’t just about technical details; it fosters a deeper understanding of attacker motivations and methodologies
o Adversarial behaviors: Uncover the psychological and socio-technical aspects of attacker behavior, allowing you to anticipate their moves and design better defenses.
o Attacker tools and resources: Learn about the tools and resources readily available to attackers, both off-the-shelf and custom-built.
o Emerging threats: Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the latest trends and innovations in the cybercrime landscape.
CyBOK’s Malware & Attack Technology KA presents a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the ever-evolving threat landscape.
Whether you’re a security analyst, incident responder, or security architect,
iii. The knowledge area skillset focus
o Strengthen your defenses: Identify potential weaknesses in your systems and networks and implement effective countermeasures.
o Improve incident response: React swiftly and effectively to cyberattacks, minimizing damage and restoring operations.
o Stay informed and proactive: Continuously update your knowledge to stay ahead of the latest threats and adapt your security posture accordingly.
iv. Core concepts typically included in the Malware & Attack Technologies Knowledge Area
A. Malware Types: This involves a classification of different types of malicious software, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and others. It explores how they differ, how they propagate, and what their main effects are.
B. Malware Functions: The discussion around the functionality of malware, including payloads, backdoors, command and control (C2) mechanisms, and evasion techniques.
C. Malware Analysis: Techniques and methodologies for static and dynamic analysis of malware to understand its purpose, functionality, and potential impact.
D. Attack Technology: This encompasses various technologies and methods used in cyber attacks, like exploiting vulnerabilities, denial of service attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and SQL injection.
E. Campaigns: An examination of coordinated attacks launched by groups or individuals, often part of advanced persistent threats (APTs).
F. Attribution: The process and challenges of attributing a malware attack to specific actors or groups.
G. Countermeasures: Strategies and technologies that can be used to defend against malware and attack technologies, including antivirus software, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
v. Key aspects that might be addressed
A. Malware Types and Families:
o Aspect: Identifying and understanding different types of malware, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, etc.
o Objective: Enables recognition and analysis of malicious software in cybersecurity operations.
B. Attack Vectors and Techniques:
o Aspect: Exploring methods by which cyber attacks are initiated, such as phishing, social engineering, or exploiting vulnerabilities.
o Objective: Understanding how attackers gain unauthorized access and compromise systems.
C. Malware Analysis:
o Aspect: Techniques and methodologies for analyzing malware to understand its behavior and characteristics.
o Objective: Helps in devising countermeasures and understanding the impact of malware on systems.
D. Exploitation Techniques:
o Aspect: Studying methods used by attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in software and systems.
o Objective: Enhances the ability to identify and patch vulnerabilities, reducing the attack surface.
E. Attack Surfaces:
o Aspect: Identifying and securing potential entry points for cyber attacks in a system or network.
o Objective: Minimizes the opportunities for attackers to exploit weaknesses.
F. Rootkits and Stealth Techniques:
o Aspect: Understanding rootkits and stealthy attack techniques that aim to remain undetected.
o Objective: Enhances detection capabilities and helps in developing countermeasures against stealthy attacks.
G. Payload Delivery Mechanisms:
o Aspect: Analyzing methods used to deliver malicious payloads, including email attachments, drive-by downloads, etc.
o Objective: Enables proactive measures to prevent payload delivery.
H. Command and Control (C2) Techniques:
o Aspect: Understanding how attackers establish and maintain control over compromised systems.
o Objective: Facilitates the identification and disruption of malicious command and control infrastructure.
I. Evasion Techniques:
o Aspect: Examining techniques employed by malware and attackers to evade detection and analysis.
o Objective: Enhances the ability to detect and respond to evasive tactics.
J. Attribution Challenges:
o Aspect: Exploring the complexities of attributing cyber attacks to specific individuals or groups.
o Objective: Recognizes the challenges associated with determining the origin of attacks.
K. Anti-Forensic Techniques:
o Aspect: Understanding methods used by attackers to hinder or obstruct forensic investigations.
o Objective: Enhances the ability to counteract attempts to cover tracks.
L. Countermeasures and Defense Strategies:
o Aspect: Implementing strategies and technologies to defend against malware and cyber attacks.
o Objective: Strengthens the security posture of systems and networks.
The Cybersecurity Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) is an initiative that aims to codify the foundational and generally recognized knowledge of the cybersecurity discipline.
The Malware & Attack Technologies Knowledge Area within CyBOK covers a variety of topics that are essential to understanding how malicious software operates along with the technologies leveraged in cyber attacks.
CyBOK aimes to be a comprehensive resource for educators, researchers, practitioners, and students. It outlines the key areas of expertise necessary for a rounded understanding of the field of cybersecurity. The Malware & Attack Technologies Knowledge Area is continually updated by contributors to stay relevant with the latest threats and advances in the field.
https://www.cybok.org/media/downloads/Malware_Attack_Technologies_v1.0.1.pdf
https://www.qa.com/about-qa/our-thinking/cybok-video-attack-and-defences/