Process for Attack Simulation & Threat Analysis (PASTA)

"The Process for Attack Simulation and Threat Analysis (PASTA) is a methodology developed to address cybersecurity risks comprehensively. It focuses on understanding and mitigating threats through a structured approach.
PASTA involves seven key stages. Firstly, define business objectives aligned with technical requirements, security needs, and compliance considerations. Conduct preliminary business impact analysis to assess potential consequences.
Secondly, define the technical scope and boundaries, identifying dependencies across IT assets. Gain a comprehensive overview of devices, data points, operating systems, applications, servers, and protocols.
Thirdly, perform application decomposition, evaluating each component. Analyze data flows, entry points, and trust boundaries between systems. Identify data sources and application users.
Fourthly, conduct threat analysis, gathering threat data from security event and information systems, external threat intelligence, and web application firewall logs. Evaluate attack scenarios and vectors.
Next, perform vulnerability analysis. Scan devices, operating systems, applications, and networks to identify vulnerabilities. Use dynamic and static analysis to enumerate and prioritize vulnerabilities mapped to identified threats.
In the fifth stage, perform attack modeling. Simulate attacks to assess likelihood and impact on IT assets. Determine the attack surface and potential impact.
Sixthly, perform risk and impact analysis. Refine business impact analysis, prioritize risks, and develop a risk mitigation strategy.
Lastly, implement risk mitigation strategies based on findings. Monitor and adapt strategies to evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
PASTA aims to provide a structured, risk-focused approach to cybersecurity, enhancing organizational resilience against threats.
Thank you."