How the MITRE ATT&CK Framework Can Improve Your Cybersecurity Posture

In other blogs, I have discussed how and why Secrets & Non-Human Identity Management have become the #1 cause of breaches.

This situation is only going to be exacerbated with democratization of Large Language Models (LLMs) and the rise in adoption of Agentic AI. The rise of the machines (Applications, Services, Automated Processes, AI agents) will lead to rise in secrets (credentials, certificates and keys) used in secure machine to machine communication and will also lead to rise in identities (specifically non-human identities).

As it stands today, for every human identity, there are 45 machine identities.

This will more than double in the next 18 months.

From Rising Machines to Expanding Cybersecurity Risks

This expansion of surface area for hackers will weaken enterprise cybersecurity posture unless more concerted efforts are taken. How can you stay a step ahead of the hackers and protect your enterprise? 

Enter the MITRE ATT&CK framework—a powerful tool that helps organizations understand, detect, and defend against adversarial tactics. By providing a shared vocabulary and structured approach to cybersecurity, this framework has become a cornerstone of proactive defense strategies.

In this blog I will provide a high-level introduction to the MITRE ATT&CK framework and the critical role of secrets management in it that helps you improve your cybersecurity posture. Of course, to implement and see it in action, we are also publishing a new white paper Breaking the Chain: Secrets Management in the MITRE ATT&CK Framework and also encourage you to request a customized demo to see the product in action. 

What Is the MITRE ATT&CK Framework?

The MITRE ATT&CK framework is a comprehensive guide that categorizes the various tactics and techniques attackers use throughout the lifecycle of a cyberattack. It enables security teams to:

• Understand how attackers operate.
• Identify vulnerabilities in their defenses.
• Map out and strengthen their security strategies.

At its core, the framework breaks down the attack lifecycle into specific stages—like Initial Access, Privilege Escalation, and Exfiltration—giving teams a clear picture of where they’re most at risk and how to address those threats.

For organizations, the framework also fosters collaboration by creating a common language for CISOs, engineers, and cross-functional teams to align their goals and defenses.

Why Organizations Need MITRE ATT&CK

The MITRE ATT&CK framework offers distinct advantages for organizations looking to improve their cybersecurity posture:

1. Better Collaboration

Security isn’t just an IT issue—it’s an organizational one. The framework provides a shared understanding that helps CISOs, security engineers, and operational teams work together seamlessly.

2. Proactive Defense

By mapping potential adversarial tactics, organizations can identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. For instance, during the “Initial Access” phase, teams can focus on reducing secrets sprawl and automating secrets rotation to secure entry points.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

No phase of an attack is overlooked. Whether it’s defending against credential theft during the “Credential Access” stage or blocking lateral movement across systems, the framework ensures all potential vulnerabilities are addressed.

Enhancing Cybersecurity with Secrets & Non-Human Identity Management

Secrets management is a cornerstone of effective cybersecurity, especially in defending against credential-based attacks. Mismanaged secrets—like passwords, keys, API tokens, and certificates—are often exploited during key phases of the attack lifecycle.

Modern platforms like Akeyless play a critical role in enhancing security at every stage. Features such as Dynamic Secrets, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and Just-in-Time (JIT) Access help prevent attackers from gaining entry, escalating privileges, or moving laterally within a network.

For example:

• Dynamic Secrets provide temporary credentials that expire after use, neutralizing stolen secrets and ensuring Zero Standing Privileges.
• Granular RBAC ensures that only verified users or systems can access sensitive secrets, mitigating the risk of privilege escalation.
• Secrets Rotation automatically updates static credentials, reducing the attack surface for Initial Access and Persistence phases.
• Secretless: Eliminate the need to management and protect secrets using frameworks like Secure Production Identity Framework for Everyone (SPIFEE) 

Take Your Cybersecurity Strategy to the Next Level

The MITRE ATT&CK framework empowers organizations to map, mitigate, and counter cyberattacks with precision. By integrating proactive secrets management strategies, organizations can close critical security gaps and reduce the risk of breaches caused by credential-based attacks.

Want to dive deeper into how secrets management aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework? 

Download our free white paper and get 16 pages of practical insights, actionable strategies, and expert guidance to help you protect your organization at every stage of the attack lifecycle.

OR

Request a customized demo of the Akeyless platform in action and how it improves your cybersecurity posture and prevents the leading cause of breaches.