Threat Modeling
Threat modeling is a structured approach to identifying, quantifying, and addressing security threats to a system during design and development.
Threat modeling helps teams proactively identify security issues before they become vulnerabilities.
Common methodologies: - STRIDE: Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information disclosure, DoS, Elevation of privilege - PASTA: Process for Attack Simulation and Threat Analysis - Attack Trees: Graphical representation of attacks - DREAD: Damage, Reproducibility, Exploitability, Affected users, Discoverability
Basic threat model process: 1. Diagram the system (data flow diagrams) 2. Identify threats using methodology 3. Prioritize by risk 4. Define mitigations 5. Validate mitigations
When to threat model: - New system design - Major changes to existing systems - Before security testing - Periodically for critical systems
Why It Matters
Finding security flaws during design costs 10-100x less to fix than discovering them in production. Threat modeling systematically identifies security risks before code is written, enabling teams to make informed architectural decisions. ISO 27001 and PCI DSS reference threat assessment as part of secure development, and mature security programs integrate threat modeling into every significant design change.
Key Points
Applicable Compliance Frameworks
Related Terms
A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential threats to an organization's information assets.
Penetration testing is a simulated cyberattack on your systems performed by security professionals to identify exploitable vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I threat model?
During design before building, when making significant changes, and periodically for critical systems.
What is STRIDE?
Microsoft methodology categorizing threats: Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, Elevation of Privilege.
Related Services & Resources
Vanta Implementation
Expert Vanta deployment with 80+ integrations configured in 4-6 weeks
Learn moreDrata Implementation
Full Drata setup with automated evidence collection and control mapping
Learn moreHIPAA Compliance
Healthcare data protection requirements for PHI security
Learn moreGDPR Compliance
EU data protection and privacy regulations
Learn moreSOC 2 Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about achieving SOC 2 compliance
Learn moreHIPAA Checklist
Comprehensive checklist for HIPAA compliance requirements
Learn moreNeed Help with Threat Modeling?
Our experts can help you understand and implement the right controls for your organization.