Threat Modeling Methodology: VAST
Threat modeling is the process of predicting all potential threats to an ecosystem and the vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Threat modeling is essential wherever there is a possibility of security threats, so it is very useful and finds wide application in the Web3 industry, as blockchain solutions are typically complex systems that accumulate significant amounts of funds, making them attractive to attackers.
The main benefit of threat modeling is that it helps projects build a comprehensive picture of all the cyber threats that could undermine their security. This helps security teams optimize their cyber defenses and makes the project’s security posture attractive to investors and stakeholders, as taking care of project security is an important part of due diligence. And, of course, this is a concern about your project’s future growth.
There are many threat modeling methodologies that provide a framework for the complex process of protecting systems from possible threats.
What is VAST?
VAST ( Visual, Agile, and Simple Threat model), as the name implies, is a threat modeling methodology created with Agile DevOps principles in mind to support scalability and sustainability. The methodology is based on ThreatModeler, an automated threat modeling platform. VAST enables scalable threat modeling across the enterprise, overcoming gaps and implementation challenges. This is its advantage over many other threat modeling methodologies.
Recognizing the differences in operations and challenges between development and infrastructure teams, VAST requires two types of models: an application threat model and an operational threat model.
- Application Threat Model — uses a process flow diagram to represent the architecture aspect of the threat.
- Operational Threat Model — uses DFD (data flow diagrams) to represent the threat from an attacker’s perspective.
This approach allows VAST to be integrated into the development and DevOps life cycles of the project.
VAST features
Key outcomes of using VAST include:
- Integration with Agile and enterprise tools, forming the basis for a collaborative, comprehensive threat modeling process.
- The ability for the project to automate and scale threat modeling across the entire DevSecOps portfolio to facilitate continuous delivery.
VAST capabilities
VAST stands on 3 fundamental concepts that allow to scale the VAST threat modeling practice.
As the project expands its technology stack, new threats emerge. While other methodologies are not designed for large-scale protection, VAST pillars support exponential growth by enabling self-service threat modeling:
- Automation
Complex technology ecosystems require automation to save time and eliminate repetitive, manual threat modeling activities, reducing model update time from hours to minutes. VAST solves the issues of resiliency and continuous updates required from development to subsequent deployment.
2. Integration
VAST as an Agile-based methodology promotes a short-term sprint structure of continuous improvement and updates. With VAST, threat modelers integrate with CI/CD tools to deliver consistent and accurate security results.
3. Collaboration
Scalable threat modeling requires collaboration and agreement among stakeholders. VAST emphasizes Agile collaboration tools, which are used by teams to widely communicate security controls and issues. More people in the project can be involved in the process, keeping the security concept collaborative and dynamic.
About SmartState
Launched in 2019 and located in Dubai, SmartState provides enterprise level of Web3 security and is retaining the place of one of the leading DeFi security auditing companies. We carry out tests of security of the code core, smart contracts and blockchain for all types of errors or vulnerabilities.
We specialize in manual testing, so the SmartState’s tech team of white-hat security professionals carefully measures up a project’s git and supports clients with guidelines and recommendations for the further advancement.
Our security audit reports review the threats and vulnerabilities with which codebases may be exploited in the future, because the network achieves scalability and expands to accommodate more use cases and functionality.
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