Re: [cti] Threat Actor Sophistication Levels

_____________________________
From: Jordan, Bret <bret.jordan@bluecoat.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 6, 2016 9:28 PM
Subject: [cti] Threat Actor Sophistication Levels
To: <cti@lists.oasis-open.org>

These may be too granular for what are ultimately subjective assertions an analyst will make. Can we establish non-subjective criteria for each category?

Unspecified
Novice (script kiddie)
operator
1. Focuses on specific tasks within a campaign
2. Can operate systems for an attack
3. Can run tool kits designed by others
4. Is a contributor to a larger organization <<<remove-not a discriminator >>>
technician
1. Focuses on specific mission objectives and goals
2. Can troubleshoot and fix systems used in an attack
3. Can execute attack plans and campaigns
professional
1. Focuses on broad tactical and mission goals
2. Can identify targets and build attack plans
3. Can use and <<<tailor>> advanced toolkits
architect
1. Focuses on broad organizational goals
2. Can design the attack infrastructure
specialist
1. Has very specialized skills but is not planning on running the show
2. Reverse Engineers
3. 1-day Malware Author. <<<what is 1-day?>>>
4. Botnet infrastructure architect
expert
1. Focuses on strategic goals
2. Able to plan very elaborate and advanced attacks
3. Is a specialist in more than one area
4. 0-day Malware Author
innovator
1. Thinks and plans for the future
2. Designs new malware toolkits
3. Innovates and move the attacker community forward
4. Is an expert in more than one area

Thanks,

Bret

Bret Jordan CISSP

Director of Security Architecture and Standards | Office of the CTO

Blue Coat Systems

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