Which security framework is commonly used to define SOC operations and incident response procedures?

The MITRE ATT&CK framework is a globally recognized knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. It is widely used in modern SOCs to provide a common language and structure for understanding attacker behavior. SOCs leverage ATT&CK to guide threat hunting, develop robust detection rules, map out incident response playbooks, and assess defensive coverage against known adversary methods. This makes it an essential framework for defining and maturing SOC operations and incident response procedures.

A. ITIL is a framework for IT Service Management (ITSM), focusing on IT services and availability, not cybersecurity operations.
C. PRINCE2 is a structured project management methodology and is not applicable to real-time security operations.
D. Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology for process improvement and quality management, not a security operations framework.

1. Palo Alto Networks. (n.d.). What Is the MITRE ATT&CK Framework? Palo Alto Networks Learning Center. Retrieved from https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-the-mitre-attck-framework. The article states, "Security operations centers (SOCs) can use ATT&CK to... improve their detection and response capabilities."

2. The MITRE Corporation. (2023). ATT&CK Use Cases. MITRE ATT&CK Website. Retrieved from https://attack.mitre.org/. The official site details its application for "Detection and Analytics," "Threat Intelligence," and "Adversary Emulation," which are all core SOC functions.

3. Coursey, T., & Dawson, M. (2021). Formulating a SOC Using the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. SANS Institute InfoSec Reading Room. This paper details the practical application of ATT&CK in building and operating a SOC.