MISP has introduced a new cybersecurity standard, Threat Actor Naming (RFC), aimed at addressing a major challenge in cyber threat intelligence: the unified and reliable identification of hacker groups.
The Problem of Inconsistent Naming
The absence of standardized naming conventions for threat actors often results in confusion, duplicated efforts, and reduced efficiency in analysis. A lack of uniformity means the same hacker group may be identified by multiple names, complicating collaborative efforts. For instance, groups like APT-1 and TA-505 refer to the same actors, while dictionary-based names, such as “ZooPark,” add further ambiguity due to their common meanings.
A Unified Approach to Naming
The new standard emphasizes the use of existing databases and unique identifiers (UUIDs) to enhance accuracy and consistency in data exchange. By fostering closer collaboration and streamlining the comparison of cyber threat information across platforms, the standard aims to reduce misunderstandings. It also suggests using single-word names or hyphenated phrases, encoded in 7-bit ASCII to prevent language barriers.
The guidelines stress avoiding dictionary words, tool names, and technique names when creating new identifiers. A centralized registry is proposed for storing threat actor names, ensuring historical tracking and uniqueness. Good examples like “APT-1” and “TA-505” are highlighted, while names like “ShadyRAT” or “GIF89a” are discouraged due to their potential overlaps with unrelated terms.
Ensuring Accuracy and Security
The document includes recommendations for maintaining the integrity of the naming process. Before assigning a new name, existing databases should be thoroughly checked to prevent duplicates. Additionally, security measures should be observed to ensure no sensitive information is inadvertently revealed when publishing a new identifier, notes NIX Solutions.
By adopting this unified standard, MISP aims to facilitate better cooperation between analysts and platforms, improving the overall understanding of cyber threats. Yet we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available and this initiative evolves.
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