Threat Modeling Tools

Enterprise C-Suite and their executive colleagues face many challenges presented by the digital age. Few of these challenges are more significant than threat mitigation and the prevention of data breaches. A strong threat modeling tool enables key DevOps stakeholders to design, build, deploy and manage applications and underlying infrastructure with security built in. Automated threat modeling with sophisticated diagramming and toolchain integration enables teams to visualize threats along the attack surface, predict, and plan for external and internal threats. Identifying threats and defining security controls can save organizations millions of dollars in the long run, prevent massive brand damages and stop operational headaches immediately.

Threat modeling tools have evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the threat landscape.

Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool (TMT) vs. ThreatModeler

Microsoft entered the threat modeling market with its free tool, Microsoft SDL in 2008. Microsoft later replaced this tool with Microsoft TMT (Threat Modeling Tool), a limited solution adopted by enterprises to safeguard them from cyberattacks and security breaches. This tool is founded upon STRIDE, a model developed by Microsoft for identifying potential threats. STRIDE is an acronym which represents the following threats:

• Spoofing of User Identity
• Tampering
• Repudiation
• Information Disclosure
• Denial of Service
• Elevation of Privilege

Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool uses data flow diagrams (DFDs), an approach first adopted for threat modeling in 1970. The problem with this approach is that it oversimplifies the complex nature of modern security requirements for data (describing genericized component types). The world has adopted cloud technologies, microservices containers, and API ecosystems, which call for more granular threat details. Consequently, Microsoft TMT doesn’t provide users with the functionality required for successful threat modeling in today’s security climate. Another of its biggest drawbacks is its inability to perform in any computing environment other than Windows. DevOps ends up working in silos that lack the collaboration where everyone is involved.

ThreatModeler is based on the VAST methodology for threat modeling. VAST stands for a more modern view of enterprise security standards:

• Visual
• Agile
• Simple
• Threat Modeling

Unlike Microsoft TMT, ThreatModeler is built for modern DevOps teams using agile methodologies and advanced technologies. ThreatModeler’s industry-leading software makes creating threat models at scale - meaning hundreds and even thousands of applications - possible. This begins by creating an architecture process flow diagram of the threat model within a sophisticated, intuitive user interface. Architecture diagrams allow developers and business executives - even those with little-to-no technical know-how - to contribute to the development of adequate core security systems. ThreatModeler allows multiple business functions across an organization to collaborate with CISOs and security experts to create comprehensive, accurate and consistent threat models that incorporate multiple skills and perspectives.

ThreatModeler also supports operational threat modeling, something Microsoft TMT overlooks. Operational threat modeling creates a holistic view of the entire infrastructure by operations teams. Additionally, individual threat models can be chained together - create a new threat model, and nest it within other threat models, reducing the need to start new models from scratch. Changes made to a chained threat model automatically reflect in the threat models in which it's nested. Your self-service practice becomes easier and more accurate.

To learn more about how your organization can identify security threats during the SDLC for faster, smarter, more secure application production, request a live demo with a threat modeling expert by filling out the provided form.

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