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CIA triad is a foundational concept in both information security and cybersecurity.. Full Form of CIA: Confidential, Integrity, Availability.. CIA Triad ensure that information remains secure (confidential), accurate and unaltered (integrity), and accessible to authorized users (availability) throughout its lifecycle. Lets take an example to understand: Confidentiality: (Protect from unauthorized access) (Encryption) You use a strong password to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Additionally, you encrypt sensitive documents to ensure that even if someone gains access to your files, they can't read them without the decryption key. Integrity: (Protect from unauthorized modification) (Hashing) To maintain the integrity of your documents, you regularly check their digital signatures. If someone tries to tamper with a document, the digital signature won't match, indicating that the file has been altered. Availability: (Always Accessible to Authorized Users) (Backup) You regularly back up your documents to an external hard drive or cloud storage. In case your computer fails or is compromised, you can access your documents from the backup, ensuring their availability. Akash Patel

I will try to explain in easiest way. Cyber Kill Chain and the MITRE ATT&CK® Framework, stand as fundamental models in this arena, each offering unique perspectives and insights into the world of cyber threats. Cyber Kill Chain: Origin and Purpose: Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Cyber Kill Chain offers a breakdown of a cyber attack, mapping out the stages from an attacker's viewpoint. Focus and Application: It aids security teams in understanding the flow of an attack, potentially allowing for proactive defense strategies at various stages. MITRE ATT&CK® Framework: Origin and Purpose: Created by MITRE Corporation, the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by adversaries during different stages of an attack. Tactics and Techniques: This framework delineates various behaviors and procedures followed by attackers across multiple stages of an attack. It assists defenders in understanding adversary behavior more comprehensively. Comparison: Cyber Kill Chain: Focuses on attack stages, aiding in understanding the attack lifecycle. MITRE ATT&CK® Framework: Provides an extensive library of real-world adversary behaviors and tactics employed within those stages Cyber Kill Chain: Understanding the Attacker's Game Plan Imagine you're playing a game where the bad guys are trying to break into your house. The Cyber Kill Chain is like a playbook that shows how these intruders plan their moves. It breaks down their strategy into steps: Step 1: (Reconnaissance): Attackers gather info about your house (or network) using Google Maps (or online tools) to find weak points. Step 2: (Weaponization): They gather tools like crowbars (or malware) to break in. Step 3: (Delivery): They send a package (or email) with something sneaky hidden inside. Step 4: (Exploitation): Using their tools, they break open your back door (or exploit system vulnerabilities). Step 5: (Installation): Once inside, they settle down and make sure they can come back later. Step 6: (Command and Control): They call their buddies (or set up secret communication channels) to coordinate their next moves. Step 7: (Actions on Objectives): Finally, they grab what they came for, like your TV (or your valuable data) MITRE ATT&CK® Framework: Understanding the Sneaky Tactics Now, think of the MITRE ATT&CK® Framework like a secret spy manual that explains all the sneaky tricks attackers might use while they're in your house: Trick 1: (Persistence): Attackers might hide spare keys outside ( ways to stick around in your network). Trick 2: (Evasion): They might use tricks to hide from your security cameras (avoid getting caught by antivirus). Trick 3: (Privilege Escalation): They could mess with your locks to gain more access inside your house (or get more control over your computer system). Akash Patel

Hayabusa, the log analysis tool developed by the Yamato Security group, promises an unparalleled depth of investigation into Windows event logs. This blog explores key commands vital for harnessing Hayabusa’s potential in conducting thorough log analyses. Hayabusa Command Arsenal for Deep Analysis: 1. CSV Timeline Generation: Command: hayabusa.exe csv-timeline -d {Log Path} Use -d for directory path(where multiple logs stored) Use -f for single event log file. 2. Predefined Rules Usage: Command: hayabusa.exe csv-timeline -d {Log Path} -r rules/hayabusa/ Utilize predefined rules located in the "hayabusa" folder. Use -r for rules 3. Utilizing Sigma Rules: Command: hayabusa.exe csv-timeline -d {Log Path} -r rules/sigma/ Apply Sigma rules located in the "sigma" folder for analysis. Use -r for rules 4. UTC Timezone Adjustment: Command: hayabusa.exe csv-timeline -d -U {Log Path} Utilize -U for time zone adjustment to UTC. 5. Live Analysis with Administrator Privileges: Command: hayabusa.exe csv-timeline -l -m low Perform live analysis with minimum rule levels using -l and -m. 6. Verbose Information Printing: Command: hayabusa.exe csv-timeline -d -v {Log Path} Print detailed information including processing time and parsing errors with -v. 7. Logon Summary and Metrics: Command: hayabusa.exe logon-summary -d {Log Path} Generate logon information summaries. Utilize Command: hayabusa.exe metrics -d {Log Path} for Event ID metrics. 8. Pivot Keywords Listing: Command: hayabusa.exe pivot-keywords-list -d {Log Path} -m critical Create a list of unique pivot keywords, aiding in identifying abnormalities or correlation between events. (you can use high, low, medium depends on need) 9. HTML Report Generation: Command: hayabusa.exe csv-timeline -d {Log Path} -H hayabusa_report Create HTML reports for in-depth analysis using -H. 10. Export to CSV for Further Analysis: Command: hayabusa.exe csv-timeline -d {Log path} -o results.csv -p super-verbose Export log data to a single CSV file for additional analysis -p super-verbose can be ignored. 11. Search Command Usage: Command: hayabusa.exe search -d {Log path} -i -k "mimikatz" Conduct keyword searches within logs. Use -i for case-insensitive search and -k for keywords. Note :- you can use search for IP or to search event for particular workstation. 12. Rule Updates: Command: hayabusa.exe update-rules Stay updated with the latest rules by executing the update-rules command. These commands equip users to delve deeply into log analyses, enabling sophisticated investigations and comprehensive threat detection within Windows event logs using Hayabusa. Akash Patel

If presented with the choice between a chainsaw or any other log analysis tool versus Hayabusa, I would opt for Hayabusa. This preference is based on my strong confidence and trust in the capabilities and effectiveness of the Hayabusa tool within the realm of log analysis. In the realm of log analysis tools, Hayabusa stands out as an indispensable asset, particularly in deep investigations following initial analyses. This tool holds an unparalleled significance due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive threat detection capabilities. Unveiling Hayabusa: Hayabusa, crafted by the Yamato Security group in Japan, serves as a fast forensics timeline generator and threat hunting tool tailored for Windows event logs. Versatile Capabilities: 1. Extensive Rule Set: Hayabusa boasts an extensive rule repository, encompassing over 2500 Sigma rules and more than 150 built-in detection rules with more rules being added regularly, continually expanding to keep pace with evolving threats. 2. Color-Coded Analysis: The tool employs a color-coded system, marking critical log entries in red, high-priority in yellow, medium in blue, and low in green. This aids in focusing on critical areas within the logs for efficient analysis. 3. Report Generation: Hayabusa facilitates the creation of HTML reports, allowing users to present findings comprehensively and professionally. 4. Export and Analysis Options: The tool supports exporting data in .csv format for analysis on other platforms or tools like Timeline Explorer. Additionally, it offers integration with Elastic Dashboard for further analysis. Unmatched Functionality: Hayabusa's functionality surpasses expectations, enabling to streamline investigations and detect potential threats swiftly. Its user-friendly interface and diverse range of features make it a standout choice among log analysis tools. For example:- Hayabusa emerges as the tool of choice among various options, offering an unparalleled combination of simplicity and robust threat detection capabilities. In the next post, we'll delve deeper into running the tool and explore a few commands to kickstart your analysis. Akash Patel

To perform a basic analysis in Chainsaw, you can start with below commands: To do (Search) analysis of log using words: Using the command chainsaw.exe search mimikatz -i {Logs Path}, performing a case-insensitive search for the term "mimikatz" within the logs. Command :- chainsaw.exe search mimikatz -i {Logs Path} To do (Search) analysis of log using Event IDs: Using chainsaw.exe search -t "Event.System.EventID: =4104" {Log Path} to search for logs matching Event ID 4104. Command:- chainsaw.exe search -t "Event.System.EventID: =4104" {Log Path} To do (Hunting)analysis of log using inbuild rules: Leveraging inbuilt rules via chainsaw.exe hunt -r rules/ {Log Path}, utilizing the "hunt" keyword and applying rules located in the "rules/" directory. Command:- chainsaw.exe hunt -r rules/ {Log Path} To do(Hunting) analysis of log using Sigma rules: Using Sigma rules with chainsaw.exe hunt -s sigma/ --mapping mappings/sigma-event-logs-all.yml, specifying Sigma rules located in the "sigma/" directory and mapping via "--mapping" with a file that instructs Chainsaw how to interpret third-party rules. Command:- chainsaw.exe hunt -s sigma/ --mapping mappings/sigma-event-logs-all.yml These commands cover a range of log analysis scenarios, enabling users to perform targeted searches and utilize different rule sets within Chainsaw for comprehensive log analysis tasks. Akash Patel

In today's cybersecurity landscape, log analysis stands as a critical pillar in identifying potential threats and fortifying defenses. Among the array of log analysis tools, one tool, in particular, has revolutionized my approach to log scrutiny: Chainsaw. Having employed this tool for over two years, it has proven to be an indispensable asset within my toolkit. The Efficacy of Chainsaw: Chainsaw offers unparalleled agility and effectiveness, quickly surfacing potential threats in logs, providing instant alerts that are vital for any proactive security approach. What sets Chainsaw apart is its seamless integration of Sigma detection rules and custom Chainsaw detection rules. Distinctive Features I Highly Value: 1. Hunt with Sigma Rules: Leveraging Sigma detection rules unlocks deeper investigative capabilities, facilitating threat hunting, CVE-based rule analysis, network scrutiny, and numerous other exhaustive search patterns. 2. Lightweight Execution and Diverse Output Formats: Chainsaw ensures clean and lightweight execution, avoiding unnecessary bloat, and offers diverse output formats like ASCII table, CSV, and JSON, catering to various analysis preferences. 3. Cross-Platform Compatibility: The tool's versatility extends across multiple operating systems, making it accessible and operational on MacOS, Linux, and Windows environments. Chainsaw's Functionality and Usage: 1. Built-In rules: Chainsaw's built-in rules provides an initial analysis overview, covering various events such as PowerShell executions, RDP attacks, account tampering, antivirus detections, and more based upon logs. 2. Sigma Rules' Extensive Capabilities: Sigma rules' flexibility empowers deep dive investigations in logs, offering a wide spectrum of analysis, including threat hunting in logs, emerging threat detection through logs, and network rule scrutiny based upon logs. A Forewarning for Effective Log Retention: While Chainsaw stands as a dream tool for log analysts, it's crucial to highlight that its efficiency relies on the availability of logs. Saving logs on separate servers or locations, distinct from the endpoints, is imperative to prevent data loss in case of attacker interference. In the realm of log analysis, Chainsaw emerges as a game-changer, but its effectiveness hinges on the proactive retention and safeguarding of log data (I will provide basic rules how to run this tool in next post keep eye on post) Akash Patel

Introduction: I will start with Intro, FireEye Redline is a free endpoint security tool for detecting and investigating security incidents on Windows system. In my experience with FireEye Redline, there may be additional features, But I will highlight few functionalities which i worked with: 1. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Redline helps security professionals analyze and investigate security incidents on individual endpoints. 2. Memory Analysis: Redline allows for the analysis of volatile memory to identify suspicious or malicious activities that might not be evident through traditional file-based analysis. 3. Indicator of Compromise (IoC) Detection: The tool can identify indicators of compromise on a system, helping security teams understand and respond to potential threats. Data Capture and Analysis: Data capture capabilities of Redline, including memory, disk, system, and network information. 1. Memory Analysis: Enumerate features like process listing, driver enumeration, hook detection as well as acquire memory image. 2. Disk Analysis: Gather File enumeration included deleted files from recycle bin, active files, NTFS INDX Buffers included directories and more... as well as disk enumeration. 3. System Analysis: Cover system information, user accounts, restore points, OS details, prefetch files, registry hive, event logs, etc. 4. Network Analysis: ARP tables, routing tables, ports, DNS tables, and browser history. As well as Services, Scheduled tasks, Common persistence mechanisms Very Easy Execution: --Install the tool. --Select/create a comprehensive collector. --Edit the script to choose specific details. (Windows, Linux, OS X) -- Choose the preferred location (e.g., a pendrive). After this you have script ready for you to collect evidence. --Insert the pendrive. --Run the file from the pendrive. --Collect the data effortlessly. You can use this tool for IOC scanning. For this another tool is needed which is OpenIOC 1.0 and use AlienVault website for IOCs. -- Obtain IOCs from AlienVault -- Make necessary edits using OpenIOC 1.0 and there you go run scan using Redline and if Redline identifies any of the IOCs on the endpoint, it will collect that information. In My Point of view, FireEye's Redline one of the best tools you can have in your cybersecurity inventory. Its capabilities, ease of use, make it an indispensable asset for anyone. The ability to capture a, ensures that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of identifying and mitigating potential security threats. But there are other tools which are far more better but this tool definitely is best asset in inventory Akash Patel

Well another tool in my inventory that has garnered my attention is Cyber Triage. If i start with overview Cyber Triage provide cybersecurity professionals with quick and comprehensive answers to intrusion-related queries. Developed by Brian Carrier, renowned for his work on filesystem forensic analysis, Autopsy, and The Sleuth Kit (TSK). What I Like About Cyber Triage: --The tool provides a user-friendly interface with straightforward options. --It covers a wide range of artifacts, including processes, network activity, user logins, and more, simplifying the investigation process. --Ability to create timelines, identify network connections. --Ability to flag Bad/suspicious items with recommendations, allowing the analyst to focus on potential threats and investigate further. Functionality of this tool which I used a lot: --Disk Image Analysis Cyber Triage excels in images. It conducts a thorough scan, collecting volatile data, encompassing running processes, open ports, logged-in users, network connections, DNS cache, and more. Notably, it identifies suspicious items, streamlining the investigative process. --Memory Image Analysis In the memory analysis, Cyber Triage shines by utilizing the powerful Volatility framework (Which is the best framework till now in term of memory analysis according to me for example tool volatility 3). It provides intricate details about running processes, user accounts, execution history, and network connections from memory artifacts. The tool adeptly flags suspicious items, aiding in the identification of potential threats Lets talk about Usage: --Cyber Triage offers two main modes: live (automatic or manual) and file analysis (disk or memory images). --It can be deployed on endpoints through a collection tool, manually run from removable media, or process disk and memory images.. --Users can perform quick and effective incident response by leveraging the automated analysis process. My Point of view: Cyber Triage is valuable tool for automated incident response and forensic analysis. I used this tool a lot because of multiple reasons like ease of use and comprehensive analysis. and this tool is a beneficial addition to my cybersecurity toolkit. Wanna check out (Link given) :- https://www.cybertriage.com/ Akash Patel

One tool stands out remarkably from my inventory list is : OS Forensics by PassMark. OS Forensics is a comprehensive, non-free digital forensics tool that has established itself as a game-changer in the field. Its versatility and profound capabilities make it a dream come true for professionals delving into forensic investigations. The tool's prominence extends to law enforcement agencies, signifying its reliability and credibility in critical investigations. Comprehensive Capabilities: Memory Analysis: Utilizing the Volatility framework, it provides memory analysis with precision and efficiency. Disk Imaging: Seamlessly create images of entire disks or endpoints, crucial for preserving evidence. Artifact Collection: Gather system artifacts, hash files, and identify file hashes effortlessly. File Search and Indexing: OSForensics allows for rapid searching of files, including deleted files, within a computer system. It creates an index of file metadata for quick and efficient searches. File Analysis: OSForensics allows deep analysis of files, including metadata examination, hex viewer, and hash identification, providing detailed information about file attributes and contents. Registry Analysis: It enables investigators to analyze Windows registries, extracting information about user activities, installed programs, and system configurations. Password Recovery: The tool includes features to recover passwords from various applications, aiding in accessing encrypted or password-protected files. Internet History Examination: It helps in analyzing internet browsing history, cookies, cache, and download history to trace online activities. Ease of Use: 1. User-Friendly Interface: Despite its powerful capabilities, OS Forensics maintains a user-friendly interface, allowing for easy navigation and operation. 2. One-Click Functionality: The tool's standout feature lies in its ability to perform multiple tasks with a single click, streamlining processes and saving time. The Magic of Report Generation: Exceptional Reporting: Perhaps the pinnacle of OS Forensics is its report generation feature. The tool's ability to create detailed, comprehensive reports is simply awe-inspiring. All-In-One Solution Imagine having every essential function required for forensic analysis at your disposal within a single platform. OS Forensics Tools offer precisely that. From file analysis to memory examination, registry inspection to timeline creation, the tools encompass a wide array of functionalities, eliminating the need for investigators to navigate between multiple applications. Conclusion: OS Forensics by PassMark isn't just another tool in the realm of digital forensics; it's a catalyst for efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in investigations. Its capabilities to analyze memory, create disk images, collect artifacts, and generate detailed reports are invaluable assets for any forensic professional. Link:- https://www.osforensics.com/ Akash Patel

-- Promote use of strong, unique passwords and MFA to protect accounts -- Emphasize the importance of keeping system and software up to date to address vulnerabilities -- Prioritize ongoing security awareness training to educate employees about recognizing and responding to threats like phishing. -- Limit data access to authorized individuals and classify sensitive data for appropriate security measures. -- Stress the need of monitoring and periodic internal and external security audits to detect and address weakness. -- Regular data backups for effective mitigations and recovery in the event of security breach.

"I have identified a series of strategic actions that can be effectively employed across diverse incident scenarios after attack or while investigating attack." Auditing all AD accounts, especially any Administrative or Domain admin accounts, check for new additions, remove any unrecognized accounts or stale accounts. (Specifically check things like scanning accounts or any other service accounts https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns) Checking for startup items, registries, scheduled tasks or WMI objects that may be added to achieve persistence. Checking for the path "‎\Device\HarddiskVolume*\Windows\System32\" and delete anything suspicious. Reseting the account for all the AD users and also reset the Kerberos account - Krbtgt Make sure to reset it twice. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password Auditing all firewalls and ensure there are no rules allowing RDP (3389 default) or Remote Access externally facing from the internet. Checking firewalls as well for non-standard remote access ports being allowed and ensure these are disabled from being internet facing if at all possible. Auditing accounts with administrative permissions, and ensure they are limited based on least privilege needed to perform required functionality. Requesting clients to the autoruns tool from Microsoft and verify there is nothing suspicious in the startup items, scheduled tasks, or WMI objects: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns Verifying integrity of OS files using command "sfc /scannow" Akash Patel

A topic that frequently surfaces is the comparison between Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions. While people mostly say that SIEM is better than EDR. For me, the two serve different, yet complementary, functions within the security landscape. EDR: EDR solutions are the guardians of endpoints. The most important benefits I can think of are: Threat Detection: As it uses AI and behaviour and multiple engines. It becomes very effective to detect threats and malicious activities on endpoints. Incident Response: Very best benefit, EDR provide enabling quick actions to contain and mitigate security incidents. (for example Sentinel One is its ability to capture snapshots at regular intervals, such as every four hours, as a proactive measure against threats like ransomware. These snapshots serve as crucial checkpoints in the event of a security incident, allowing for a potential rollback action to restore the endpoint to a previous, uncompromised state) On other hand SIEM: SIEM, on the other hand, acts as the central intelligence hub for network-wide security. It collects and analyzes data from diverse sources, including network devices, applications, and systems. The most important benefits I can think of are: Centralized Data Analysis It correlates data from multiple sources, helping organizations understand the full context of the threat. Now for me where Defense-in-Depth Approach comes into place: In truth, EDR and SIEM are not adversaries; they play complementary roles in your cybersecurity strategy. EDR acts as the frontline protector of endpoints, ensuring real-time monitoring and incident response. SIEM serves as the network-wide guardian, offering comprehensive incident management, compliance adherence, and historical data analysis. In Conclusion: (I have seen multiple hiring Companies neglect experience in EDR, I still don't understand why) For me EDR plays an indispensable role in cybersecurity. Neglecting EDR in favor of SIEM can leave an organization vulnerable to endpoint-focused threats.