TA0043 · RECONNAISSANCE
Search Closed Sources
Adversaries may search and gather information about victims from closed (e.g., paid, private, or otherwise not freely available) sources that can be used during targeting.
Detect it with
Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.
Why it matters on shift
Search Closed Sources is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve reconnaissance. Recognising it in telemetry lets you name the technique in your ticket and pivot to what came before and after.
What to look for next
After reconnaissance, the next tactic is usually Resource Development. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
2 sub-techniques
How it shows up in practice
- T1597.001
Threat Intel Vendors
Adversaries may search private data from threat intelligence vendors for information that can be used during targeting. Threat intelligence vendors may offer paid feeds or portals that offer more data than what is publicly reported.
- T1597.002
Purchase Technical Data
Adversaries may purchase technical information about victims that can be used during targeting.
Kill-chain context