// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM

Skill

A skill is a specific, observable action that an attacker uses to achieve a goal during a cyberattack. It's a single, defined procedure, like using a particular command to steal credentials from memory.

Skill — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

In cybersecurity incident response and threat intelligence, a 'skill' refers to a granular, atomic adversary technique or procedure used to accomplish a tactical objective within an attack lifecycle. These skills are often mapped to frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK (as techniques or sub-techniques) and are used in SOAR platforms to trigger automated defensive playbooks.

BACKGROUND

Computer security is a subdiscipline within the field of information security. It focuses on protecting computer software, systems, and networks from threats that can lead to unauthorized information disclosure, theft, or damage to hardware, software, or data, as well as to the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.

READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIA

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Technique
  • Procedure
  • TTP
  • Attack Pattern
  • Adversary Action
  • Sub-technique
  • Play

USAGE NOTE

The term is frequently used in SOAR and XDR platforms to describe the specific adversary behavior that a defensive playbook is designed to counter.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Skill.

  • Immersive Labs

    Develops a human cyber readiness platform that uses gamified, hands-on labs to upskill and assess the cybersecurity capabilities of individuals and teams.

  • Hack The Box

    An online cybersecurity training platform that allows individuals and organizations to level up their penetration testing and cyber defense skills through a gamified, hands-on environment.

  • RangeForce

    Provides a cloud-based, interactive platform for hands-on cybersecurity skills development, focused on training for SOC analysts, cloud security engineers, and other defensive roles.

  • Cyberbit

    Creator of a hyper-realistic cyber range platform that provides simulated training for cybersecurity professionals, enabling them to practice responding to complex, real-world cyberattacks.

  • Offensive Security

    An information security training company that provides hands-on penetration testing training and certifications (like the OSCP) through challenging lab environments that demand practical skill application.

  • SANS Institute

    A leading organization for information security training and certification, which develops and operates sophisticated cyber ranges like NetWars for hands-on skill validation and competitive training exercises.

  • TryHackMe

    An online platform that teaches cybersecurity through short, gamified, real-world labs. It provides guided learning paths and hands-on challenges accessible through a web browser.

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