Connect with us

News

PRE-ATT&CK Techniques: The Key to Preventing Cyber Attacks

Published

on

PRE-ATT&CK Techniques: The Key to Preventing Cyber AttacksReading 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

Latest News

The Untapped Potential of Localised Support January 2024

Published

on

the-untapped-potential-of-localised-support-january-2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Objective: Examine how customer experience shapes player retention and brand loyalty in iGaming, placing emphasis on the role of localised, high-quality support.

Outline:

  • Introduction: The growing focus on customer experience as a differentiator in iGaming.
  • The Value of Localised Support: Exploring how cultural nuances and language fluency enhance player satisfaction.
  • Flexibility in Resource Allocation: Meeting fluctuating demand without compromising quality.
  • Future Trends: How advancements in technology and localization will shape the next era of player engagement.

Questions for Exploration:

  1. How does high-quality, localised support impact player satisfaction and retention?
  2. What role does cultural understanding play in shaping effective customer interactions?
  3. How can operators balance flexibility with consistency in customer support?
  4. What emerging trends in customer experience should iGaming businesses prepare for?

Answer:

In the rapidly evolving iGaming industry, players have more choice than ever before—whether it’s brands, slots, game types, payment options, the list goes on. With so much competition, customer experience is quickly becoming a significant differentiator for operators. The ability to deliver a seamless, player-centric experience across multiple jurisdictions is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity in retaining players in this growingly saturated market.

Customer experience today goes far beyond just problem-solving for players. It encompasses proactive, personalised engagement, meaningful recommendations, and a culturally resonant approach. The operators that succeed in this space are those who maintain high standards across these elements, delivering them in a timely and localised manner. Localisation, in particular, is a key factor in turning good customer service into exceptional customer experiences.

So, why is localisation so important? At its core, successful customer support is built on trust. But building trust across diverse jurisdictions is not something that can be achieved through a single, uniform strategy. Methods of communication are a prime example. In Brazil, where the newly regulated market is flourishing, players may expect warm and conversational interactions. In contrast, many European players often favour more concise and formal communication. Recognising and adapting to these cultural nuances allows operators to foster a stronger connection with their entire player base.

Beyond communication style, localisation also plays a critical role in regulatory compliance. The iGaming industry is highly fragmented in terms of regulations, and players are increasingly aware of their rights. A customer service team that understands local legislation implicitly adds immense value, ensuring compliance while delivering tailored support. This not only reinforces trust but also strengthens the player’s respect for the brand.

At the same time, operators face the challenge of balancing high-quality customer support with the flexibility needed to respond to fluctuating demand. This is where RokkerX delivers measurable value. By offering scalable resource allocation and rigorous cross-functional training, we ensure our teams can adapt to surges in demand; whether it’s a major sporting event in a specific jurisdiction or global-scale activity, without compromising on quality. Our teams remain aligned with the core values of our clients’ brands, ensuring a customer-centric approach at all times.

Looking ahead, the iGaming industry is poised for further transformation, driven by advancements in technology and localisation. At RokkerX, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these changes to help our clients deliver exceptional experiences. Trends like the growing prominence of omnichannel communication, including social media and in-app messaging, and advancements in natural language processing (NLP) will enable operators to communicate with even greater precision and cultural nuance. Yet, the future will demand more than just technology. The ability to strike the right balance between tech-driven solutions and the human touch will be essential in creating meaningful connections with players.

As the industry evolves, the blend of cutting-edge technology, cultural understanding, and human expertise will define the next era of player engagement. By staying ahead of these trends, RokkerX ensures our clients are not only prepared for the future but thrive in it.

The post The Untapped Potential of Localised Support January 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know

Published

on

innovations-redefining-igaming:-what-operators-need-to-know
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

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.

Continue Reading

Latest News

What makes Turbo Games’ provably fair games so special?

Published

on

what-makes-turbo-games’-provably-fair-games-so-special?
Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

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/

Continue Reading

Trending