Threat Modeling

5 minutes 5 Questions

Threat Modeling is a systematic process used to identify and evaluate potential threats and vulnerabilities within a software system during the design stage. By analyzing the software architecture and data flow, developers can identify potential attack vectors, types of attackers, and the system's assets. Once identified, developers can prioritize threats and determine appropriate security measures to mitigate them. Commonly used threat modeling techniques include STRIDE (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, and Elevation of Privilege) and Attack Trees.

Guide to Threat Modeling - CISSP Software Development Security

What is Threat Modeling?
Threat modeling is a process in which potential threats, such as structural vulnerabilities or the absence of appropriate safeguards, can be identified, enumerated, and prioritized – all from a hypothetical attacker’s point of view.

Why is Threat Modeling Important?
Threat modeling helps in identifying the potential threats and vulnerabilities at the early stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). This enables the organization to mitigate these risks before the software goes live, thereby saving costs and avoiding potential damage.

How Threat Modeling works?
Threat modeling involves four key steps: Identifying security objectives, Application decomposition, Identification of threats, and Identification and implementation of countermeasures.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Threat Modeling
1. Understand the Basics: Grasp the fundamentals of threat modeling including what it is, why it is important, and how it works.
2. Focus on the Steps: Remember the steps involved in threat modeling. Questions often revolve around these steps.
3. Real Life Scenarios: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios, as exam questions often present a practical situation.
4. Prioritization of Threats: Understand how threats are prioritized in threat modeling.

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Question 1

A software development company wants to identify potential threats during the design phase. Which threat modeling technique should they use?

ISO 27001 OWASP Top Ten NIST STRIDE

Correct Answer: STRIDE

STRIDE is specifically designed to identify potential threats during the design phase of a software development project. This approach helps developers build secure products by understanding and mitigating risks early on.

Question 2

A company is concerned about protecting its intellectual property from industrial espionage. What type of threat actor should they be most concerned about?

Hacktivists Script kiddies Nation-state actors Insiders

Correct Answer: Nation-state actors

Nation-state actors are often involved in industrial espionage, attempting to steal important information and trade secrets. In this scenario, the company should be most concerned about protecting its intellectual property from nation-state actors.

Question 3

A company is planning a new online banking system. Which threat modeling technique should be applied first?

Determine attack surface Classify data Quantify risk Identify assets

Correct Answer: Identify assets

When performing threat modeling, it is important to first identify the assets that need to be protected. This allows for a better understanding of potential risks, attack surfaces, and helps in prioritizing security measures.

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