differences between Threat Analysis and Threat Modeling

[list-procurare at secureconsulting.net (Benjamin Tomhave)]

Jason,
 
I differentiate between the two like this:
 
Threat Analysis looks at specific threats (e.g., msblaster, zotob, latest
exploit of <pick your fav sw/os>).
Threat Modeling looks at classes of threats (e.g., network-distributed
malware, OS vulnerabilities of Type).
 
Threat analysis is used as a component to various assessment techniques
(vulnerability scanning, code review, etc.).  The aggregation of data from
multiple threat analyses within a define class of threat can then be used to
develop a model of that threat.  Threat modeling can then be used to look at
the overall security and resilience of a system, instead of focusing on the
minutae of every individual threat.  Ergo, foci on anti-virus, OS hardening,
patch management, etc.  Practices developed in response to the modeling of
classes of threats, the models for which were developed from analysis of the
threats that resulted in their classification.
 
Or something like that...
 
cheers,
 
-ben

---
Benjamin Tomhave, CISSP, NSA-IAM, NSA-IEM
falcon at secureconsulting.net
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-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt


 


  _____  

From: sc-l-bounces at securecoding.org [mailto:sc-l-bounces at securecoding.org]
On Behalf Of Jason Grembi
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 4:12 PM
To: sc-l at securecoding.org
Subject: [SC-L] differences between Threat Analysis and Threat Modeling


Hi Ken, 

I am currently researching the differences between Threat Analysis and
Threat Modeling. 

I thought your readers on the mailing list may give me a clearer
distinction.

 

How I understand it is that both identify security threats, determine risk,
and create the right countermeasures by analyzing various types of
documentation about the system and looking for vulnerabilities and/or areas
of weakness. 

 

Threat Analysis - is more informal way of 'eyeballing' system architecture
and application design.

Threat Modeling [Microsoft SDL] - more formal, every requirement is modeled
and scrutinized.
 
Any additional help you or your readers can provide would be appreciated.
 

Thanks

Jason Grembi

Web Developer



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