News
PRE-ATT&CK Techniques: The Key to Preventing Cyber Attacks
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Cyber attackers are now targeting any kind of information that can reward them: from personal data to corporate information to government secrets. However, behind each attack, there is a long chain of thoroughly selected actions.
While most organizations focus their attention on protecting the perimeter of their corporate network, the cybersecurity experts from MITRE advise expanding their ability to understand the behavior of adversaries.
Hackers select their victims long before their attack and carefully collect information about them before executing any malicious actions. Nowadays, the internet provides them with a great variety of data about almost any company, so adversaries can learn enough not only about a company’s activity but also about its cybersecurity weak spots.
To help security officers understand how hackers choose their victims and prevent an attack before it even begins, MITRE, a non-profit corporation that tackles cybersecurity problems, has created the PRE-ATT&CK matrix that is a part of the Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge, also known as the ATT&CK framework.
What is the PRE-ATT&CK matrix?
PRE-ATT&CK allows security officers to prevent a possible attack before an adversary penetrates into their network. The PRE-ATT&CK matrix contains 15 tactics and more than 150 techniques that explain the adversary planning, information gathering, reconnaissance, and setup when preparing their attack.
The tactics in PRE-ATT&CK explain the typical adversarial techniques and procedures for selecting a victim, obtaining information about it, and launching the cyber attack. This information provides security officers with a broader understanding of adversary behavior before any indicators of compromise appear.
PRE-ATT&CK allows security officers to find answers on the following questions:
- Are there any signs that cyber attackers are targeting your organization?
- What adversary techniques may an attacker apply to your company?
- How can you analyze the collected data to notice a hacker’s interest into your organisation?
Analyzing the PRE-ATT&CK techniques and tactics, defenders can get a better understanding of cyber attacker activities. They can use this knowledge to make appropriate decisions on what technical measures and mitigations to adopt in order to reduce hacker’s chances on properly preparing an attack on their organization.
How to use the PRE-ATT&CK matrix
The PRE-ATT&CK matrix provides detailed information about how adversaries prepare for arranging a cyber attack. The PRE-ATT&CK tactics explain what goals an aversary sets for themselves, while each technique shows how these goals can be achieved. The tactics in PRE ATT&CK reflect such attacker goals:
- Priority definition
- Victim selection
- Gathering information about a victim
- Victim weakness identification
- Persona development
- Capabilities setup
The PRE-ATT&CK techniques show how adversaries perform each tactic and allow enterprise defenders to track and organize attack statistics and patterns.
Priority definition
Using this tactic, an adversary weighs all the pros and cons of arranging an attack. They set their goals by considering how the information they are getting can benefit them and what kind of information has the biggest value for them. At this stage, cyber criminals compare the cost of cyber intrusions with the expected reward from their activity.
Victim selection
Taking into account their priorities, adversaries begin to look for their victims. They take their strategic considerations and then narrow them down tactically and operationally until a victim is selected. Depending on their target, adversaries can decide to attack it directly or through business partners. However, for making the right decision, hackers usually need to collect all possible information about their target.
Gathering information about the victim
After adversaries select their victim, they can’t blindly execute an attack. They first need to gather all information about their target: the type of technical system the victim uses, the personnel that works for the victim, and the victim organization itself.
Attackers usually collect information about their victims by using open-source intelligence tools and techniques. Such data about a victim as organization’s domains, email address format, names of top personnel can be freely found online by combining phishing and social engineering techniques.
While organizations can’t minimize their presence on the internet nowadays, security officers can consider how the public data of their company may be abused and define vectors of possible attacks.
Identifying victim weaknesses
By analyzing all the data collected at the previous stage, adversaries can find potential weaknesses of their victim. The discovered vulnerabilities become the basis of creating a plan of the attack. Weakness identification also allows adversaries to test and configure their own systems for attack execution.
At this stage, defenders can consider the Pyramid of Pain that will help them define the importance of indicators of compromise.
Persona development
Though the internet is a place where you can find everyone, it’s also a place where anyone can create a fake persona. A hacker can develop their persona by providing a fake email address and personal information to one of the social media sites. Getting in contact with a potential victim, an adversary can gain greater access to the victim’s personal profile with an intention to abuse this data later.
Unfortunately, most social media don’t inform their users whether someone viewed their profile. However, organizations can establish tight privacy control for their corporate accounts in social media by establishing trusted connections, blocking suspicious content, and educating their employees.
Capabilities setup
After getting in contact with potential victims, an adversary will establish capabilities for arranging an attack. Though some cyberc riminals may be really technology-savvy, most of them look for the easiest way to maintain their own internet infrastructure.
There are plenty of cost-effective ways to anonymously use servers, autonomous systems, and networks. Adversaries often abuse this anonymity for achieving their malicious goals. Paying just several dollars per month, they can get a virtual presence enough for compromising your organization.
Even if your logs detected adversarial activity from a specific server, it would be very difficult to legally pursue that source because of the lack of evidence. Though it may seem nearly impossible to detect an adversary at this stage of the cyber attack, security teams should pay attention to behavioral patterns that indicate hacker’s activity.
While PRE-ATT&CK describes only the adversarial behavior before an attack, MITRE has recently integrated some PRE-ATT&CK techniques into ATT&CK to let security teams define the potential vectors of attacks on their organizations and improve their security measures accordingly.
Enterprises that integrate PRE-ATT&CK into their security best practices can significantly enhance their protection measures and prevent adversaries long before they actually begin their malicious campaigns.
Conclusion
It’s not a secret that cyber attacks are now more targeted than any time before. Cyber criminals carefully select their next victim and conduct a thorough investigation before penetrating into your corporate network. Using the PRE-ATT&CK matrix from MITRE, security teams can reveal the early signs of adversarial behavior and prevent an attack before hackers compromise your organization.
This article is a contribution from Marcell Gogan. Marcell is a specialist within digital security solutions, business design and development, virtualization and cloud computing, R&D projects, establishment and management of software research direction – working with Ekran System. He also loves writing about data management and cybersecurity.
Source: European Gaming Media
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: PRE-ATT&CK Techniques: The Key to Preventing Cyber Attacks
The iGaming industry is advancing at breakneck speed, driven by technological innovation and evolving player expectations. Itai Zak, Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, emphasizes the importance of bridging client aspirations with customized business solutions. Key trends shaping the future of iGaming include live dealer games, blockchain integration, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enhanced personalization, and shifting regulatory environments. Let’s delve into how these trends influence the industry, presenting new opportunities while paving the way for future growth.
A Closer Look at Emerging Trends
- Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are revolutionizing the online gaming experience, blending the best aspects of land-based casinos with the convenience of virtual gaming. Players can now engage with real-life dealers via high-definition video streams, enhancing the social component of online gambling. This bridge between physical and virtual casinos introduces interactive features like live chat and immersive gameplay. Industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt are setting new standards in player engagement with innovative game formats and top-tier studio setups, redefining the realism and appeal of live gaming.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration
Blockchain technology is transforming iGaming by offering unparalleled transparency and security. With blockchain’s ability to enable provably fair gaming, players can verify that each round is fair via an immutable ledger. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate faster, more secure transactions, catering to tech-savvy players who value privacy. Platforms like Bitcasino.io are leading the way, leveraging blockchain to ensure fairness and seamless payments. However, the rise of blockchain also attracts regulatory attention, requiring operators to balance innovation with compliance as governments navigate this new technology.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML are instrumental in enhancing player experience and operational efficiency. AI algorithms analyze player behavior in real-time, offering personalized game recommendations and promotions. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, improving user satisfaction. AI-driven predictive analytics also help operators fine-tune marketing strategies based on player preferences. Companies like Bet365 are already using these technologies to stay ahead of the competition, offering more personalized and efficient gaming experiences.
- Richer Personalization and Engagement
Personalization has become crucial for iGaming operators looking to boost player satisfaction and retention. By leveraging data analytics, companies can offer tailored game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and individualized promotional offers. This level of engagement enhances the player experience and strengthens loyalty. Industry pioneers like DraftKings and FanDuel push the envelope by offering highly customized features, such as personalized fantasy sports leagues and bespoke betting options.
- Regulatory Changes and Market Expansion
The constantly evolving regulatory landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for iGaming operators. As more regions legalize various forms of online gambling, companies gain access to new markets. With their large populations and increasing internet penetration, emerging markets like Brazil and Nigeria represent lucrative opportunities. However, navigating the diverse regulations in these markets requires agility and strict compliance with local laws to succeed.
- Enhanced Payment Solutions
With digital transactions becoming the norm, the demand for fast, secure, and flexible payment methods is skyrocketing. From digital wallets to instant banking and cryptocurrencies, players expect payment solutions that offer convenience and security. This growing demand is driving innovation in payment processing, giving operators more opportunities to streamline the transaction process while building trust with users.
Future Implications
The Expanding Role of AI and Blockchain
AI and blockchain are not just current trends, but they are poised to play an even more significant role in iGaming’s future. As AI technology evolves, more sophisticated algorithms will emerge, enabling real-time adaptation to player behavior and preferences. Blockchain’s application may extend beyond transparency and security, transforming game mechanics and player interactions potentially redefining how games are designed and played.
Shifting Player Preferences
Player expectations will continue to evolve toward immersive, interactive experiences. As Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) become more mainstream, they will significantly influence the future of iGaming. Players will demand more engaging, lifelike environments, pushing the industry to create innovative game formats and features that offer deeper immersion and entertainment value.
Regulatory Developments
The regulatory environment will continue to evolve, and iGaming operators must stay agile to navigate future changes. New regulations may increasingly emphasize responsible gaming and player protection, influencing platform design and operational practices. A more harmonized regulatory framework across jurisdictions could provide stability while requiring operators to prioritize compliance.
Integrating Emerging Technologies
Technologies like 5G and edge computing are set to revolutionize iGaming by enabling faster, more reliable connectivity. This will allow for more complex game designs and real-time player interactions, opening new avenues for innovative gaming experiences. As these technologies mature, operators will have greater opportunities to differentiate their offerings. The potential of these emerging technologies to revolutionize iGaming is truly exciting and promising for the industry’s future.
Final Thoughts
The iGaming industry is on the cusp of significant transformations, driven by technological advancements and shifting player demands. Innovations like live dealer games, blockchain integration, AI, ML, and enhanced personalization are just the beginning. As the industry evolves, staying ahead of these trends will be critical for operators looking to thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment.
At Digicode, we are constantly exploring new technologies and refining our solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our focus on adaptability and foresight ensures that our clients are not just keeping pace with the industry—they’re leading it.
The post Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
A partnership between game developer Turbo Games and iGaming solution provider and aggregator Slotegrator began in November 2022 via the APIgrator game integration solution. Since then, the collaboration has been developing successfully — and now it’s time to analyze what made it successful.
Turbo Games has noticed how the new technologies spreading throughout the industry can work for the good of brand transparency and player loyalty: “We can already see how blockchain technology has made it possible to make betting checks more accessible to players. All you need is a blockchain-hash and a decoder service. We think we will continue to move in this direction. Many traditional online casinos do not offer the possibility to check the bet. Sooner or later we all have to come to this. Perhaps the development of artificial intelligence will help here, because we are already seeing its involvement in all spheres of human life.”
Turbo Games specializes in provably fair games. Provable fairness is a concept where players can verify their wins or losses using blockchain technology — the outcome of the game is dictated by a smart contract and is absolutely random, barring the possibility of any human involvement. Using cryptographic hashing algorithms, the gambling site and the player’s device both generate seeds (random strings of numbers). Players receive a key that allows them to check the results; if the results are the same as the game round they witnessed, it proves that there was no foul play.
According to statistics from Turbo Games, the audience for provably fair games is mostly between 18 and 25 years old. However, there are also players aged 35-40 who prefer traditional games but would like to try something new, and have turned their attention to provably fair games.
There are good odds that the technology of provably fair games will become more popular, if not even commonplace, because it gives players a feeling of transparency and proves that the business is trustworthy without the need to search through dozens of reviews. Whereas many innovations in iGaming simply add entertainment, provable fairness addresses security concerns and reassures players that they’re not being exploited, which is invaluable.
Provably fair games are beneficial for both players and online casinos. Vadim Potapenko, Head of Sales at Turbo Games, comments: “It often happens that the users are not satisfied with the result, because gambling is not only about big wins, but also possible losses. By allowing them to check the fairness of a bet, we make life easier for platforms and players. Of course, this allows us to communicate with partners and users that we work honestly and that’s why they should trust our games.”
Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, adds that “this type of game is now becoming more and more popular and has great potential for both players and game providers in the future. On the part of the player, the advantage is that the player can always be sure that his game is fair and he can independently check any of his bets. And for the game provider, this also simplifies the process of implementing casino games, since now it will not be necessary to obtain the appropriate certificates from independent laboratories before launching new games, they can immediately enter the market with these games and where anyone can check the result and make sure that that there is no cheating with players. Many game providers are starting to look towards this type of game. And as far as I see, many operators are starting to think about adding these games.”
What do players in 2023 need? The iGaming industry is all about reputation and trust. Players have a huge number of platforms to choose from, making them pickier and pickier. There’s an abundance of forums where players leave reviews, so if players view a brand as untrustworthy, there are plenty of places they can share their opinion. Provable fairness not only stops that from happening, it provides evidence to the contrary, giving players something else to talk about.
Slotegrator also recommends investing time and effort into localization and creating an effective and detailed marketing strategy — before trying provably fair technology players need to get to the platform, and there is no acquisition without marketing.
ABOUT SLOTEGRATOR
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
More information: https://slotegrator.pro/
ABOUT TURBO GAMES
Turbo Games — a provably fair games provider that belongs to Turbo Stars company — has an ambitious goal to establish widespread recognition throughout the iGaming world. Even though it is young, the company consists of professionals who have been working on the brand for over five years and are even planning to introduce a new brand for a wider audience soon.
Turbo Games also works in Europe, India, and South Africa, where the company sees the most potential and expects the same “hype” as in Brazil.
The portfolio of Turbo Games consists of 21 titles, including well-known games like Mines, Crash X, DoubleRoll, Hi-Lo, and Plinko. The studio releases a game every month. However, not all games are developed from scratch. Wicket Blast and Spin Strike, the last two releases, are based on cricket and the Indian Premier League. Crash X remains the most popular fast game in the Turbo Games portfolio, and the studio reports that crash games enjoy stable levels of popularity. Overall, the main focus of the brand is provably fair games.
More information: https://turbogames.io/
Looking to take your career to the next level in the games industry? Then, Nordic Game Talents is the place to be! Games Factory Talents has teamed up with Nordic Game to bring you Nordic Game Talents.
From Oct 27-29, the online and interactive event is dedicated to recruitment and career building in the creative & games industry within the Nordic region. The event empowers participants to be part of a bigger community and motivates them to explore new paths in achieving their career goals.
Hiring creative & games studios – Supercell, Funcom, Panzerdog, Tactile Games, Gamecan, Fingersoft, Dazzle Rocks, Redhill Games to name a few from the Nordic region will be participating in the event. These studios will share information on their latest projects, work culture and what it takes to be part of their team. The individual games associations from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Estonia will share insights through live sessions on the booming games industry in their respective countries. Career development topics pertinent to job seekers like – How to have a successful first interview, Creative Portfolio reviews will also be discussed.
Experienced game industry professionals and individuals beginning their careers from around the world are welcome to join the event. One-to-one interviews with the hiring studios can be scheduled through the event platform. A great opportunity to get to know the studios and network with game professionals from around the world.
Participating in the event
As a job seeker attending Nordic Game Talents, take a few minutes to fill out a simple registration form. After filling the registration form you will receive a link to the online event platform – PINE, to join the event on 27th October. Participants joining Nordic Game Talents will also receive a free-of-charge pass to the Nordic Game Conference.
To view the complete agenda, please click here and to learn more about the event please visit Games Job Fair
About Games Factory Talents
A Helsinki-based talent attraction agency dedicated to the games & creative industry. Our services include direct recruitment, organizing game job fairs and managing a community of game industry professionals through our GameDev Talent Board.
To learn more about Games Factory Talents visit – Games Factory Talents
FBMDS sponsors SBC Summit Rio, driving its expansion in Brazil
1spin4win marks strong 2024 performance with 66% GGR growth
XSOLLA PARTNERS WITH DAY OF THE DEVS FOR 2025 TO SUPPORT NEW GAME DEVELOPMENT AND LAUNCHES AT KEY EVENTS
Light & Wonder Promotes Nathan Drane to Chief Product Officer
Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise Appoints Daniele Chilton as New CEO of Desert Diamond Casinos
Natural8 India welcomes 2025 in style with Natural8 India X APT Manila Classic 2025
Aristocrat Gaming Begins Expanded Launch of NFL-Themed Slot Machine Franchise with 13-Casino Event in Puerto Rico
Bragg Gaming Announces Preliminary Unaudited Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and 2025 Strategic Initiatives and Guidance
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
Golden Nugget Atlantic City Announces Re-opening of Sportsbook with New, Innovative Technology and Expanded Betting Markets
-
gaming2 years agoODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018
