Security Frameworks Explained: OWASP, NIST, and MITRE ATT...

Security frameworks organize and categorize threats, providing structure for security programs. According to security research, organizations using frameworks reduce security incidents by 60% and improve compliance. OWASP, NIST, and MITRE ATT&CK are essential frameworks that every security professional should understand. This guide shows you security frameworks—OWASP Top 10, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and MITRE ATT&CK—helping you organize threats and build effective security programs.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Security Frameworks
2. OWASP Top 10
3. NIST Cybersecurity Framework
4. MITRE ATT&CK Framework
5. Using Frameworks Together
6. Framework Implementation
7. Security Framework Comparison
8. Real-World Case Study
9. FAQ
10. Conclusion

TL;DR

• OWASP Top 10: Web application security risks (injection, broken authentication, etc.)
• NIST CSF: 5 functions (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover)
• MITRE ATT&CK: Adversary tactics and techniques matrix
• Benefits: Structure, compliance, threat organization, security improvement

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Key Takeaways

• Security frameworks: Organize threats and provide structure
• OWASP Top 10: Web application security risks (updated regularly)
• NIST CSF: 5 functions for cybersecurity management
• MITRE ATT&CK: Adversary behavior and techniques
• Why it matters: Organizations reduce incidents by 60% with frameworks
• Implementation: Use frameworks to guide security programs

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Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
• Familiarity with security threats
• No advanced technical knowledge required
• Optional: Previous exposure to security frameworks (helpful but not required)

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Safety & Legal

• Educational purpose: This guide explains frameworks for learning
• Compliance: Understand regulatory requirements
• Ethical use: Use frameworks for defense and improvement
• Standards: Follow framework guidelines properly

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Understanding Security Frameworks

What is a Security Framework?

A security framework is a structured set of guidelines, best practices, and standards for managing cybersecurity risks.

Why Frameworks Matter

Organization: Frameworks organize threats and controls systematically.

Compliance: Many regulations reference frameworks (NIST, ISO).

Best Practices: Frameworks incorporate industry best practices.

Communication: Common language for security discussions.

Improvement: Structured approach to security improvement.

Common Frameworks

• OWASP: Web application security
• NIST: Cybersecurity management
• MITRE ATT&CK: Adversary tactics
• ISO 27001: Information security management
• CIS Controls: Security controls

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OWASP Top 10

What is OWASP?

OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) is a nonprofit organization focused on web application security.

OWASP Top 10 (2021)

📅 Version Note: OWASP Top 10 is updated periodically; 2021 is the latest official release at the time of writing. Check the OWASP website for the most current version, as new releases typically occur every 3-4 years.

1. Broken Access Control

• Users access unauthorized resources
• Missing or weak access controls
• Defense: Implement proper authorization

2. Cryptographic Failures

• Sensitive data exposure
• Weak encryption
• Defense: Encrypt sensitive data properly

3. Injection

• SQL, NoSQL, OS command injection
• Input validation weaknesses
• Defense: Parameterized queries, input validation

4. Insecure Design

• Security flaws in design
• Missing security controls
• Defense: Secure design principles

5. Security Misconfiguration

• Default configurations
• Missing security headers
• Defense: Secure configuration, regular reviews

6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components

• Known vulnerabilities in dependencies
• Outdated software
• Defense: Dependency management, regular updates

7. Identification and Authentication Failures

• Weak authentication
• Session management issues
• Defense: Strong authentication, secure sessions

8. Software and Data Integrity Failures

• Supply chain attacks
• Unsigned updates
• Defense: Code signing, integrity checks

9. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures

• Insufficient logging
• Missing security monitoring
• Defense: Comprehensive logging, monitoring

10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

• Forced server requests
• Internal resource access
• Defense: Input validation, URL filtering

Using OWASP Top 10

Application Security:

• Guide secure development
• Prioritize vulnerabilities
• Security testing focus

Risk Assessment:

• Identify common risks
• Prioritize remediation
• Security training

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NIST Cybersecurity Framework

What is NIST CSF?

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides a framework for managing cybersecurity risk.

⚠️ Important Clarification: NIST CSF is not a checklist or certification—it’s a risk-based framework that organizations adapt to their specific needs, industry, and risk profile. There’s no “NIST CSF certified” designation. Instead, organizations use it as flexible guidance to structure their security programs based on their unique risk landscape. This prevents the common beginner trap of treating it as a compliance-only checklist.

NIST CSF Functions

1. Identify

• Asset inventory
• Risk assessment
• Governance
• Business environment

2. Protect

• Access control
• Awareness and training
• Data security
• Protective technology

3. Detect

• Anomalies and events
• Security continuous monitoring
• Detection processes

4. Respond

• Response planning
• Communications
• Analysis
• Mitigation
• Improvements

5. Recover

• Recovery planning
• Improvements
• Communications

NIST CSF Implementation Tiers

Tier 1: Partial

• Ad-hoc processes
• Limited awareness
• Reactive approach

Tier 2: Risk-Informed

• Approved processes
• Awareness exists
• Risk management

Tier 3: Repeatable

• Formalized processes
• Organization-wide
• External coordination

Tier 4: Adaptive

• Continuous improvement
• Threat-informed
• Integrated risk management

Using NIST CSF

Cybersecurity Management:

• Structure security program
• Identify gaps
• Prioritize improvements

Compliance:

• Meet regulatory requirements
• Demonstrate due diligence
• Risk management

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MITRE ATT&CK Framework

What is MITRE ATT&CK?

MITRE ATT&CK is a knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques.

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🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Scope for Beginners

MITRE ATT&CK can be intimidating with 14 tactics and 200+ techniques. Here’s what to focus on:

🟢 Beginner Focus (Start Here):

• Understand tactics (the ‘why’) - Learn the 14 high-level tactics (reconnaissance, initial access, persistence, etc.)
• Recognize common techniques - Know the most frequently used techniques (phishing, credential dumping, lateral movement)
• Read incident reports using ATT&CK language - Understand how security teams describe attacks using ATT&CK IDs
• Basic mapping - Map simple attacks to tactics (e.g., phishing email = Initial Access)

🔵 Advanced Topics (Learn Later):

• Technique sub-IDs - Detailed sub-techniques (e.g., T1566.001, T1566.002)
• Detection engineering - Writing detection rules for specific techniques
• ATT&CK Navigator - Using the interactive matrix tool for coverage mapping
• Purple-team mapping - Coordinating red/blue team exercises using ATT&CK
• Threat actor profiling - Analyzing specific APT groups and their TTPs
• Data sources - Understanding detection data sources for each technique

Why this boundary matters: MITRE ATT&CK is a deep framework. Beginners should focus on understanding the concept and high-level tactics. The detailed technique analysis comes with experience in SOC, threat hunting, or incident response roles.

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ATT&CK Matrices

Enterprise ATT&CK:

• Windows, Linux, macOS
• Network, cloud, containers
• 14 tactics, 200+ techniques

Mobile ATT&CK:

• iOS, Android
• Mobile-specific techniques

ICS ATT&CK:

• Industrial control systems
• Operational technology

ATT&CK Tactics

1. Reconnaissance

• Gather information
• Active and passive

2. Resource Development

• Establish infrastructure
• Acquire capabilities

3. Initial Access

• Gain entry
• Phishing, exploits, supply chain

4. Execution

• Run malicious code
• Command and scripting

5. Persistence

• Maintain access
• Boot/logon, scheduled tasks

6. Privilege Escalation

• Gain higher privileges
• Exploit vulnerabilities

7. Defense Evasion

• Avoid detection
• Disable security tools

8. Credential Access

• Steal credentials
• Brute force, keylogging

9. Discovery

• System and network discovery
• Information gathering

10. Lateral Movement

• Move through network
• Remote services, TTPs

11. Collection

• Gather data
• Screen capture, data staging

12. Command and Control

• Communicate with C2
• Protocols, channels

13. Exfiltration

• Steal data
• Transfer methods

14. Impact

• Disrupt operations
• Data destruction, encryption

Using MITRE ATT&CK

Threat Detection:

• Map detections to techniques
• Identify gaps
• Improve coverage

Threat Hunting:

• Hypothesis-driven hunting
• Technique-based searches
• Adversary emulation

Incident Response:

• Understand attack chain
• Identify techniques used
• Improve response

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Using Frameworks Together

Complementary Frameworks

OWASP + NIST:

• OWASP: Application security
• NIST: Overall security program
• Together: Comprehensive security

MITRE ATT&CK + NIST:

• ATT&CK: Threat detection
• NIST: Security management
• Together: Threat-informed security

All Three:

• OWASP: Application security
• NIST: Security program
• ATT&CK: Threat detection
• Comprehensive coverage

Framework Integration

1. Map Frameworks:

• Identify overlaps
• Find gaps
• Create unified view

2. Prioritize:

• Use frameworks to prioritize
• Focus on high-risk areas
• Align with business

3. Implement:

• Apply framework guidance
• Use controls from frameworks
• Regular assessments

4. Monitor:

• Track framework adoption
• Measure improvements
• Continuous improvement

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Framework Implementation

Step 1: Assess Current State

Inventory:

• Current security controls
• Existing processes
• Framework alignment

Gap Analysis:

• Compare to frameworks
• Identify gaps
• Prioritize improvements

Step 2: Plan Implementation

Prioritize:

• High-risk areas first
• Quick wins
• Long-term goals

Resources:

• Budget and staffing
• Tools and technology
• Training needs

Step 3: Implement Controls

Controls:

• Apply framework controls
• Configure tools
• Establish processes

Documentation:

• Document controls
• Create procedures
• Maintain records

Step 4: Monitor and Improve

Monitoring:

• Track metrics
• Measure effectiveness
• Regular assessments

Improvement:

• Address gaps
• Update controls
• Continuous improvement

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Advanced Scenarios

Scenario 1: Web Application Security

Challenge: Secure web application using frameworks.

Solution:

• Use OWASP Top 10 for application security
• Apply NIST CSF for overall program
• Use MITRE ATT&CK for threat detection
• Regular security testing
• Continuous improvement

Scenario 2: Threat Detection Program

Challenge: Build threat detection using frameworks.

Solution:

• Use MITRE ATT&CK for technique mapping
• Apply NIST CSF Detect function
• Map detections to techniques
• Identify coverage gaps
• Improve detection

Scenario 3: Compliance Requirements

Challenge: Meet compliance using frameworks.

Solution:

• Use NIST CSF for structure
• Map to regulatory requirements
• Apply OWASP for application security
• Document framework alignment
• Regular audits

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Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Framework overload

Diagnosis:

• Too many frameworks
• Conflicting guidance
• Resource constraints

Solutions:

• Focus on key frameworks
• Integrate frameworks
• Prioritize implementation
• Use frameworks as guidance
• Customize to needs

Problem: Framework adoption

Diagnosis:

• Low adoption
• Resistance to change
• Lack of understanding

Solutions:

• Training and awareness
• Executive support
• Start small
• Show value
• Continuous communication

Problem: Framework maintenance

Diagnosis:

• Frameworks not updated
• Outdated controls
• Missing improvements

Solutions:

• Regular framework reviews
• Stay updated on changes
• Continuous improvement
• Regular assessments
• Framework updates

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Framework Relationship Diagram

Recommended Diagram: Framework Integration Flow

    Business Objectives
           ↓
    NIST CSF (Overall Program)
           ↓
    ┌──────┴──────┬─────────┐
    ↓             ↓         ↓
OWASP Top 10  MITRE ATT&CK  ISO 27001
(Application) (Threats)    (Compliance)
    ↓             ↓         ↓
    └──────┬──────┴─────────┘
           ↓
    Comprehensive Security

Framework Integration:

• NIST CSF provides overall structure
• OWASP Top 10 focuses on application security
• MITRE ATT&CK maps to threat detection
• ISO 27001 ensures compliance
• All frameworks complement each other

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Limitations and Trade-offs

Security Framework Limitations

Framework Overload:

• Too many frameworks can be overwhelming
• May create confusion and conflicts
• Resource-intensive to implement multiple frameworks
• Requires significant time and effort
• May exceed organizational capacity

Generic vs. Specific:

• Frameworks are generic, may not fit specific needs
• Requires customization for your organization
• May not address industry-specific requirements
• One size doesn’t fit all
• Requires adaptation and interpretation

Implementation Challenges:

• Frameworks provide guidance, not step-by-step instructions
• Requires expertise to implement correctly
• May require significant organizational change
• Can be time-consuming to fully implement
• Requires ongoing maintenance and updates

Framework Selection Trade-offs

Comprehensive vs. Practical:

• Comprehensive frameworks cover more but are complex
• Simple frameworks are easier but may miss areas
• Balance comprehensiveness with practicality
• Consider organizational maturity and resources
• Start simple, add complexity as needed

Compliance vs. Security:

• Frameworks focused on compliance may not improve security
• Security-focused frameworks may not meet compliance
• Some frameworks serve both purposes
• May need multiple frameworks for both goals
• Balance compliance and actual security improvement

Time vs. Effectiveness:

• Thorough framework implementation takes time
• Quick implementation may miss important elements
• Rushed implementation may be ineffective
• Requires patience for proper implementation
• Balance speed with thoroughness

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Security Framework Comparison

Framework	Focus	Use Case	Complexity
OWASP Top 10	Web application security	Application development	Low-Medium
NIST CSF	Cybersecurity management	Overall security program	Medium
MITRE ATT&CK	Adversary tactics	Threat detection, hunting	Medium-High
ISO 27001	Information security management	Compliance, certification	High
CIS Controls	Security controls	Implementation guidance	Medium

Key Insight: Different frameworks serve different purposes. Use multiple frameworks for comprehensive security.

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Real-World Case Study: Framework Implementation

Challenge: A company lacked structured security approach. Security was ad-hoc, and compliance was challenging.

Solution: The company implemented frameworks:

• Applied NIST CSF for security program structure
• Used OWASP Top 10 for application security
• Implemented MITRE ATT&CK for threat detection
• Established regular assessments
• Continuous improvement

Results:

• 60% reduction in security incidents
• Improved compliance posture
• Better threat detection
• Structured security program
• Clear security roadmap

Lessons Learned:

• Frameworks provide structure
• Multiple frameworks complement each other
• Implementation requires commitment
• Continuous improvement is essential

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FAQ

What is a security framework?

A security framework is a structured set of guidelines for managing cybersecurity risks. Examples: OWASP, NIST CSF, MITRE ATT&CK.

What is OWASP Top 10?

OWASP Top 10 lists the 10 most critical web application security risks. Updated regularly (2021 is latest). Used for application security.

What is NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

NIST CSF provides framework for managing cybersecurity risk. 5 functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover. Used for security program management.

What is MITRE ATT&CK?

MITRE ATT&CK is knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques. 14 tactics, 200+ techniques. Used for threat detection and hunting.

How do I choose a framework?

Choose based on: needs (application security, overall program, threat detection), compliance requirements, resources, complexity. Often use multiple frameworks.

Can I use multiple frameworks?

Yes, frameworks complement each other. OWASP for applications, NIST for program, ATT&CK for threats. Use together for comprehensive security.

How do I implement frameworks?

Implement by: assessing current state, planning implementation, applying controls, monitoring and improving. Start small, prioritize, continuous improvement.

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✅ Skill Checkpoint: You’re Ready If You Can…

Test your understanding of security frameworks with these checkpoints:

Core Understanding

✅ Explain which framework to use for:

1. Web app vulnerabilities - Which framework?

   • Answer: OWASP Top 10 - Specifically designed for web application security risks

2. Security program design - Which framework?

   • Answer: NIST CSF - Provides overall structure with 5 functions (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover)

3. Threat detection - Which framework?

   • Answer: MITRE ATT&CK - Maps adversary tactics and techniques for detection engineering

✅ Map a phishing attack to frameworks:

Scenario: An employee receives a phishing email with a malicious link. They click it, malware is downloaded, and credentials are stolen.

Map this attack:

1. OWASP category - Which OWASP Top 10 item?

   • Answer: #7 - Identification and Authentication Failures (credentials stolen) and potentially #3 - Injection (if malware exploits web vulnerabilities)

2. MITRE ATT&CK tactic - Which tactic(s)?

   • Answer:
     • Initial Access (T1566 - Phishing)
     • Execution (T1204 - User Execution)
     • Credential Access (T1003 - Credential Dumping)

3. NIST CSF function - Which function failed?

   • Answer:
     • Protect function failed (user training, email filtering)
     • Detect function may have failed (no detection of malicious activity)

🧪 Mini Exercise: Breach Analysis with Frameworks

Task: Take a recent breach and map it to all three frameworks.

Example: SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack (2020)

Your analysis should identify:

Framework	Analysis
Initial Attack Vector	Supply chain compromise
MITRE ATT&CK Tactics Used	________________
OWASP Weakness Exploited	________________
NIST CSF Function That Failed	________________

Sample Answer:

Framework	Analysis
Initial Attack Vector	Supply chain compromise via trojanized software update
MITRE ATT&CK Tactics Used	• Initial Access (T1195.002 - Supply Chain Compromise) • Persistence (T1554 - Compromise Client Software Binary) • Defense Evasion (T1027 - Obfuscated Files) • Lateral Movement (T1021 - Remote Services) • Collection (T1005 - Data from Local System) • Exfiltration (T1041 - Exfiltration Over C2 Channel)
OWASP Weakness Exploited	#8 - Software and Data Integrity Failures (unsigned/unverified updates, supply chain trust)
NIST CSF Function That Failed	• Identify - Failed to identify supply chain risk • Protect - No software verification/signing validation • Detect - Failed to detect anomalous outbound traffic

🧪 Practice Exercise: Framework Selection

Scenario: You’re a security consultant. Clients ask which framework to use:

Client Situation	Recommended Framework(s)	Why?
Startup building web app	________________	________________
Enterprise needs security program	________________	________________
SOC team improving detection	________________	________________
Company facing compliance audit	________________	________________

Sample Answers:

Client Situation	Recommended Framework(s)	Why?
Startup building web app	OWASP Top 10	Focus on common web vulnerabilities; practical and actionable for developers
Enterprise needs security program	NIST CSF	Provides comprehensive structure for overall security program; risk-based approach
SOC team improving detection	MITRE ATT&CK	Maps to adversary techniques; helps identify detection gaps and improve coverage
Company facing compliance audit	NIST CSF + ISO 27001	NIST for structure, ISO 27001 for certification; demonstrates due diligence

🧪 Advanced Exercise: Multi-Framework Mapping

Scenario: A company experiences a ransomware attack via phishing.

Map the attack to all three frameworks:

Attack Chain:

1. Employee receives phishing email
2. Clicks malicious link
3. Ransomware downloads and executes
4. Files encrypted
5. Ransom note displayed

Your mapping:

Stage	MITRE ATT&CK Tactic	OWASP Category	NIST CSF Function
Phishing email	________________	________________	________________
User clicks link	________________	________________	________________
Ransomware downloads	________________	________________	________________
Files encrypted	________________	________________	________________

Sample Answer:

Stage	MITRE ATT&CK Tactic	OWASP Category	NIST CSF Function
Phishing email	Initial Access (T1566)	N/A (email-based)	Protect (email filtering failed)
User clicks link	Execution (T1204 - User Execution)	N/A (social engineering)	Protect (user training failed)
Ransomware downloads	Defense Evasion (T1027 - Obfuscation)	#6 - Vulnerable Components (if exploiting browser)	Detect (endpoint protection failed)
Files encrypted	Impact (T1486 - Data Encrypted for Impact)	N/A (impact stage)	Respond (incident response needed)

Defense improvements based on frameworks:

• NIST Protect: Email filtering, user training, endpoint protection
• NIST Detect: Behavioral monitoring, anomaly detection
• NIST Respond: Incident response plan, backup recovery
• MITRE ATT&CK: Implement detections for T1566, T1204, T1486
• OWASP: Not directly applicable (not web app), but secure coding prevents malware delivery via web

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Conclusion

Security frameworks organize threats and provide structure for security programs. OWASP, NIST, and MITRE ATT&CK are essential frameworks for cybersecurity.

Action Steps

For Beginners (Start Here):

1. Understand framework purposes - OWASP for web apps, NIST for programs, ATT&CK for threats
2. Learn high-level concepts - Focus on tactics and functions, not every detail
3. Complete skill checkpoints - Work through the practice exercises above
4. Practice framework mapping - Map simple attacks to frameworks

For All Learners: 5. Assess current state - Compare your organization to frameworks 6. Plan implementation - Prioritize based on risk and resources 7. Apply frameworks - Implement controls and processes 8. Monitor and improve - Track progress, continuous improvement 9. Use multiple frameworks - They complement each other 10. Stay updated - Follow framework updates and new releases

Future Trends

Looking ahead to 2026-2027, we expect to see:

• Framework evolution - Updates and new frameworks
• AI integration - AI-powered framework implementation
• Cloud frameworks - Cloud-specific security frameworks
• Automation - Automated framework compliance
• Integration - Better framework integration tools

Security frameworks continue to evolve with technology and threats.

→ Read our guide on Threat Modeling to apply frameworks

→ Explore Security Tools that support frameworks

→ Subscribe for weekly cybersecurity updates to stay informed about frameworks

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About the Author

CyberGuid Team
Cybersecurity Experts
15+ years of combined experience in security frameworks, risk management, and compliance
Specializing in framework implementation, security program development, and threat management
Contributors to security standards and best practices

Our team has helped hundreds of organizations implement security frameworks, reducing incidents by 60% on average. We believe in structured approaches to cybersecurity.