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Cyber threats are changing faster than ever, so companies need well-organized plans to boost their defenses.
A recent report shows that 84% of companies use at least one cybersecurity plan. Choosing the right framework is tough with options like MITRE ATT&CK, the Cyber Kill Chain, CAPEC, and the Diamond Model out there. Each of these plans has a different job, from tracking how attackers work to managing risks and following rules.
This piece will explain what’s good and bad about each one, and when you should use them in your overall plan to keep your company safe from cyber attacks.
The MITRE ATT&CK Framework is an all-inclusive knowledge base of the tactics and techniques of the cyber adversary through the different stages of an attack lifecycle. It acts as a reference point for cybersecurity teams to identify and analyze attacker actions, helping them develop more effective security strategies and incident response plans.
Example: A SOC analyst suspects an attacker has gained unauthorized access via phishing. They use MITRE ATT&CK to map the attack:
It is a linear, 7-stage model, which states the phases involved in a cyber attack, right from reconnaissance up to achieving their objectives.
Example: A financial institution experiences a ransomware attack. Using the Cyber Kill Chain, they analyze how the attacker progressed:
The model describes interactions between adversaries, victims, infrastructure, and capabilities as it delves into four main elements regarding intrusions, including Adversary, Capability, Infrastructure, and Victim.
Example: A threat intelligence team tracks an APT group targeting critical infrastructure. Using the Diamond Model:
CAPEC serves as a dictionary of known attack methods, assisting security experts in identifying dangers through the recognition of attack patterns. It is frequently used in conjunction with the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) to link application security patterns to specific software
vulnerabilities. Unlike broader frameworks like as MITRE ATT&CK, CAPEC focuses on assaults against applications, especially online apps, providing a formal method for categorizing attack strategies and informing effective defenses.
Example: A web application developer references CAPEC to secure login functionality against credential stuffing attacks:
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is a widely used and adaptable framework designed to help organizations manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks. It offers a structured set of best practices, standards, and guidelines that can be customized to meet an organization’s unique security requirements.
Example: A retail company seeks to comply with industry regulations. They align their security policies with NIST CSF:
| Feature | MITRE ATT&CK | Cyber Kill Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Non-linear, defender-focused, details adversary behaviors. | Linear, offense-focused, describes attack progression. |
| Example | Maps phishing attacks to TTPs like Initial Access (T1566.001) and Execution (T1204). | Describes phishing as progressing through reconnaissance, delivery, exploitation, and execution. |
| When to Use | For technical teams building detections or conducting threat hunts. | For training non-technical teams on attack lifecycle. |
| Feature | MITRE ATT&CK | Diamond Model |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Emphasizes detection and response to adversary behaviors. | Emphasizes attribution and relationships between attack components. |
| Example | Tracks credential dumping as Technique T1003. | Analyzes an APT group using credential dumping to move laterally. |
| When to Use | Use for mapping defenses and detecting attacks. | Use for threat intelligence analysis and attribution. |
| Feature | MITRE ATT&CK | CAPEC |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Catalogs adversary behaviors (e.g., "Exploit Public-Facing Application"). | Catalogs attack patterns (e.g., "Cross-Site Scripting"). |
| Example | SOC analysts use ATT&CK to detect SQL Injection (T1190) in real time. | Developers use CAPEC to understand SQL Injection (CAPEC-66) vulnerabilities. |
| When to Use | For SOC teams detecting live attacks. | For developers building secure code. |
| Feature | MITRE ATT&CK | NIST CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Tactical guide for detecting specific threats. | High-level risk management framework. |
| Example | Maps detections for LSASS Memory Dumping (T1003.001). | Defines functions like "Detect: Develop and implement activities to identify cybersecurity events." |
| When to Use | For operationalizing defenses. | For compliance and board-level reporting. |
| Goal | Best Framework |
|---|---|
| Technical threat detection | MITRE ATT&CK |
| Compliance reporting | NIST CSF |
| Secure software development | CAPEC |
| APT attribution | Diamond Model |
| Training non-technical teams | Cyber Kill Chain |
Still unsure? Download our guide detailing how to create stronger defense strategies for MITRE ATT&CK, NIST, and other frameworks integrate into modern security programs.
Yes, organizations often combine frameworks to enhance their security strategy. For example, MITRE ATT&CK can be used for threat hunting deception, while NIST CSF helps with risk management and compliance.
While MITRE ATT&CK is detailed and technical, it benefits teams at various skill levels. Cyber deception techniques mapped to ATT&CK help threat hunting teams detect and mitigate attacks, while security leaders use it for strategic defense planning.
The Cyber Kill Chain provides a linear view of an attack’s progression, useful for training and high-level security planning. In contrast, MITRE ATT&CK is non-linear and focuses on real-world cyber deception tactics and techniques, making it more effective for deception in threat hunting and detection.
See Fidelis in action. Learn how our fast and scalable platforms provide full visibility, deep insights, and rapid response to help security teams across the World protect, detect, respond, and neutralize advanced cyber adversaries.