Determining Next Steps for Security Analysts

D.

When a security analyst discovers a specific series of IP addresses that are targeting an organization, the next step is to determine the appropriate course of action to mitigate the risk to the organization's assets.

In this scenario, none of the attacks have been successful, which means that the organization's security defenses have been able to repel the attacks. However, this does not mean that the organization is safe, and there is a need to take appropriate measures to prevent any future attacks.

Option A: Begin blocking all IP addresses within that subnet This option might seem like the most straightforward approach, but it is not always the best course of action. Blocking all IP addresses within a subnet could lead to a false sense of security. Attackers can quickly switch to another IP address or subnet, making this solution ineffective in the long run. Furthermore, it might lead to blocking legitimate traffic, which can impact the organization's operations.

Option B: Determine the attack vector and total attack surface This option is a better course of action as it involves understanding the nature of the attacks and how the organization's assets are vulnerable. It is essential to identify the attack vectors and total attack surface to better understand how attackers are targeting the organization. This information is vital in devising an effective mitigation plan to prevent future attacks.

Option C: Begin a kill chain analysis to determine the impact This option involves analyzing the attack from the attacker's perspective to identify their motives, tactics, and procedures. This information can be useful in understanding the attacker's objectives and the impact of the attack on the organization's assets. A kill chain analysis can provide insights into the attacker's behavior, which can help the organization improve its security posture and prevent future attacks.

Option D: Conduct threat research on the IP addresses Conducting threat research on the IP addresses can help determine the source of the attacks and the attackers' motives. This information can be useful in identifying the attacker's tactics and procedures, which can help improve the organization's defenses against future attacks. However, this option alone might not provide enough information to devise an effective mitigation plan.

Conclusion: Based on the above discussion, option B, Determine the attack vector and total attack surface, is the most appropriate next step. It is essential to identify the attack vectors and total attack surface to better understand how attackers are targeting the organization. This information is vital in devising an effective mitigation plan to prevent future attacks.