The Importance of Indicators of Attack (IoAs) in Cybersecurity

In today’s digital age, organisations are facing an unprecedented level of threat when it comes to protecting their data. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2021 has highlighted cybersecurity failure as one of the top five ‘clear and present dangers’ that the world will face in the next two years. This means that even the most well-equipped international organisations are vulnerable to attacks from skilled adversaries.

Traditionally, cybersecurity teams have relied on Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) to detect security incidents after they have occurred. However, with the emergence of next-generation security solutions, a new approach called Indicators of Attack (IoAs) is gaining traction. IoAs allow security teams to proactively identify and understand common actions that adversaries must take to succeed, such as code execution, persistence, stealth activity, command control, and lateral movement within a network.

To put it into perspective, a data breach can be compared to a bank robbery. Just like authorities arrive after a bank robbery has taken place and collect evidence, cybersecurity teams typically rely on IoCs to investigate security incidents. However, by monitoring for IoAs, security teams can prevent attacks before they happen by detecting suspicious behaviors and taking proactive action.

By focusing on the tactics, techniques, and procedures of attackers, security teams can better understand the intent behind an attack and thwart it before any damage is done. This proactive approach is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, where traditional IoCs may not be enough to keep up with sophisticated adversaries. Ultimately, by embracing IoAs, organisations can stay one step ahead of cyber threats and protect their valuable data effectively.