Mitre Attack Knowledge Base

The MITRE ATT&CK Knowledge Base is a structured knowledge base that serves as a global reference point for threat intelligence and cybersecurity strategy. Developed and maintained by the non-profit MITRE Corporation, this framework compiles real-world observed tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by adversaries across different attack surfaces. By providing a common language for describing malicious activity, MITRE ATT&CK enables security teams, vendors, and researchers to better understand how attackers operate, allowing for improved detection, prevention, and response strategies across industries.

What makes MITRE ATT&CK particularly valuable is its ability to standardize threat intelligence into a form that is both accessible and actionable. Rather than relying on fragmented or organization-specific terminology, the framework unifies the cybersecurity community with consistent descriptions of adversary behaviors. It categorizes attacks by phases, from initial access to execution and exfiltration, and details how adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and even specialized environments, such as SCADA. This tactic sharing not only fosters collaboration across enterprises but also supports continuous learning and refinement of defense strategies.

The knowledge base is widely adopted by security teams, threat hunters, penetration testers, incident responders, and organizations that need to protect critical infrastructure. Its structured approach benefits sectors ranging from financial services and healthcare to industrial operations, where SCADA and operational technology (OT) play critical roles. By mapping defenses to real-world observed tactics, security leaders can prioritize investments, close visibility gaps, and strengthen their security posture in the face of continually evolving threats.

For manufacturers and other industrial operators, the MITRE ATT&CK Knowledge Base complements identity and access management strategies by highlighting how attackers exploit weak access points and privilege escalations. Imprivata Enterprise Access Management (EAM) plays a crucial role in this ecosystem by enforcing strict access controls and supporting a holistic security posture. By integrating EAM solutions with frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, organizations can proactively reduce exposure to threat vectors across warehouses, SCADA systems, and factory floors, helping to prevent adversaries from leveraging user access as an entry point into critical infrastructure.