Exploring OpenBAS: An Open-Source Cyber Adversary Simulation Platform
In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, organizations must stay ahead by proactively testing their defenses. OpenBAS (Open Breach and Attack Simulation) is an open-source platform designed to empower organizations with the tools needed to simulate cyber adversary attacks. Whether you’re a government agency or a private organization, OpenBAS offers a comprehensive solution for planning, scheduling, and conducting cyber adversary simulation campaigns and tests.
The platform is not just another cybersecurity tool—it’s a strategic asset that enables organizations to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. OpenBAS is designed to be powerful, reliable, and versatile, catering to a wide range of simulation scenarios, from technical-level exercises to strategic-level operations.
Objective
The primary objective of OpenBAS is to provide a robust and open-source platform that enables organizations to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate cyber adversary simulations. The platform is designed to simulate real-world cyber threats, providing an accurate overview of an organization’s security posture and highlighting any vulnerabilities that may exist.
One of the standout features of OpenBAS is its integration with the OpenCTI platform, which brings in real-time threat intelligence. This integration ensures that the simulations conducted on OpenBAS are based on the latest and most relevant threat data, making the outcomes highly actionable.
OpenBAS is not limited to state services; it is equally valuable for private organizations that need to assess their cybersecurity defenses. The platform offers various modules—such as scenarios, teams, simulations, and verification of communication means—that provide a comprehensive suite of tools for conducting detailed and collaborative cybersecurity exercises. Additionally, the platform supports different types of injects, making it compatible with various communication channels like emails, SMS, social media, and even alarm systems. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor their simulations to specific needs and scenarios.
Editions of the Platform
OpenBAS is available in two different editions: the Community Edition (CE) and the Enterprise Edition (EE). While both editions offer powerful features, the Enterprise Edition is designed for organizations that require additional capabilities, which are often the result of specialized research and development efforts.
Community Edition (CE)
The Community Edition of OpenBAS is licensed under the Apache 2.0 license, making it free to use and modify. This edition is ideal for organizations that want to leverage the platform’s core features without any additional cost. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for conducting cyber adversary simulations, making it a valuable resource for organizations of all sizes.
Enterprise Edition (EE)
The Enterprise Edition of OpenBAS is designed for organizations that need more advanced features and capabilities. Licensed under the Enterprise Edition license, this version includes additional tools and functionalities that are not available in the Community Edition. These features may include enhanced reporting, advanced analytics, and integrations with other enterprise-level cybersecurity tools.
The Enterprise Edition can be enabled directly from the platform’s settings, allowing organizations to easily upgrade and unlock its full potential. To learn more about the features offered in the Enterprise Edition, you can visit the Enterprise Editions page on the Filigran website.
Key Features of OpenBAS
Comprehensive Scenario Planning
OpenBAS allows organizations to plan detailed cyber adversary simulation scenarios. These scenarios can be tailored to mimic a wide range of attack vectors, from phishing campaigns to advanced persistent threats (APTs). The platform’s scenario planning module provides a user-friendly interface for creating, modifying, and managing simulation scenarios, ensuring that every aspect of the simulation is meticulously planned and executed.
Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting
During a simulation, OpenBAS provides real-time monitoring and reporting tools that allow teams to track the progress of the exercise and respond to incidents as they occur. This real-time visibility is crucial for understanding how an organization’s defenses hold up under pressure and for identifying any weaknesses that need to be addressed.
Integration with OpenCTI
One of the most powerful features of OpenBAS is its integration with the OpenCTI platform. OpenCTI is a threat intelligence platform that provides real-time data on the latest cyber threats. By integrating with OpenCTI, OpenBAS ensures that the simulations it conducts are based on the most current and relevant threat intelligence, making the outcomes highly actionable.
Collaborative Work Environment
OpenBAS is designed to facilitate collaboration among different teams within an organization. Whether you’re working on a technical-level simulation or a strategic-level exercise, the platform provides tools that enable teams to work together effectively. This collaborative environment is essential for ensuring that all aspects of the organization’s cybersecurity posture are tested and evaluated.
Support for Various Injects
OpenBAS supports different types of injects, allowing the platform to be integrated with various communication channels such as emails, SMS platforms, social media, and alarm systems. This flexibility enables organizations to create realistic simulations that mimic real-world scenarios, providing a more accurate assessment of their security defenses.
Advanced Analytics and Reporting
For organizations using the Enterprise Edition, OpenBAS offers advanced analytics and reporting tools that provide deeper insights into the results of the simulations. These tools allow organizations to analyze the effectiveness of their defenses, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve their cybersecurity posture.
Documentation and Demonstration
For organizations interested in learning more about OpenBAS, the platform offers comprehensive documentation that covers every aspect of its use. Whether you’re looking to install the platform, create simulations, or contribute to its development, the OpenBAS documentation provides all the information you need.
In addition to the documentation, OpenBAS also offers a demonstration instance that is open to everyone. This demo instance is reset every night and is based on reference data maintained by the OpenBAS developers. It provides an excellent opportunity for organizations to explore the platform’s features and capabilities before committing to a full deployment.
Releases and Installation
Releases Download
The latest releases of OpenBAS can be downloaded from the GitHub releases page. This page provides access to the most recent stable versions of the platform, ensuring that organizations can deploy the latest features and updates.
For those who want to stay on the cutting edge, OpenBAS also offers a rolling release package generated from the master branch of the repository. This package provides access to the latest developments and features as they are added to the platform, making it ideal for organizations that need to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Installation
Installing OpenBAS is a straightforward process, and the platform offers multiple installation options to suit different needs. The official OpenBAS documentation provides detailed instructions for both Docker-based and manual installations.
Using Docker
For organizations that prefer a containerized deployment, OpenBAS can be installed using Docker. This method is recommended for its simplicity and ease of maintenance, as Docker allows for quick setup and easy scaling.
Manual Installation
For those who prefer a more traditional installation approach, OpenBAS can also be installed manually. This method provides more control over the installation process and is ideal for organizations with specific requirements or constraints.
Contributing to OpenBAS
OpenBAS is an open-source project, and contributions from the community are welcome and encouraged. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or new to open-source contributions, there are several ways to get involved with the OpenBAS project.
Code of Conduct
OpenBAS has adopted a Code of Conduct that all project participants are expected to adhere to. This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior of contributors and ensures that the OpenBAS community remains a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
Contributing Guide
For those interested in contributing to the development of OpenBAS, the project’s contributing guide provides detailed instructions on how to get started. The guide covers everything from setting up a development environment to proposing bug fixes and improvements. It also includes information on how to build and test your changes to ensure they meet the project’s standards.
Beginner-Friendly Issues
If you’re new to contributing to open-source projects, OpenBAS has a list of beginner-friendly issues that are easy to implement. These issues are a great way to get familiar with the OpenBAS codebase and contribute to the project while learning the ropes.
Development
For those who want to actively contribute to the development of OpenBAS, the project offers a dedicated documentation on setting up a development environment and getting started with source code modification. This documentation provides all the information you need to start making meaningful contributions to the project.
Community and Support
OpenBAS is more than just a platform; it’s a community of cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts working together to improve the state of cybersecurity. Whether you’re a user, a contributor, or just interested in learning more about the platform, there are several ways to engage with the OpenBAS community.
Status & Bugs
As an active and evolving project, OpenBAS is constantly being improved and updated. If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for new features, you can report them directly through the GitHub issues module. This module is the primary channel for tracking the status of the project, reporting bugs, and discussing potential enhancements.
Discussion
For those who need support or want to engage in discussions about OpenBAS, the platform’s community Slack channel is the place to be. You can join the discussion, ask questions, and share your experiences with other members of the community. If you prefer a more direct form of communication, you can also reach out to the OpenBAS team via email at contact@filigran.io.
About OpenBAS
Authors
OpenBAS is a product designed and developed by Filigran, a company dedicated to creating innovative cybersecurity solutions. Filigran’s mission is to provide organizations with the tools they need to stay ahead of cyber threats and protect their most valuable assets.
Data Collection and Privacy
As with any cybersecurity platform, data collection and privacy are important considerations for OpenBAS. The platform collects anonymous usage telemetry data to improve its features and performance. This data is essential for understanding how the platform is used and for identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Usage Telemetry
OpenBAS collects anonymous statistical data related to its usage and health. This data helps the developers understand how the platform is being used and identify potential areas for improvement. For more information on the data collected and how it is used, you can refer to the usage telemetry documentation.
OpenStreetMap Server
To provide users with cartography features, OpenBAS utilizes a dedicated OpenStreetMap server (https://map.openbas.io). Filigran collects access logs, including IP addresses, to monitor usage and adapt the server’s performance accordingly. Users have the option to deploy their own OpenStreetMap server if they prefer not to use the Filigran server.
If you have started using the Filigran server and wish to change your mind, you have the right to access, limit, rectify, erase, and receive your data. To exercise these rights, you can send a request to privacy@filigran.io.
Conclusion
OpenBAS is a powerful and versatile platform that empowers organizations to proactively test their cybersecurity defenses. With its comprehensive suite of tools, real-time monitoring, and integration with the OpenCTI platform, OpenBAS provides everything organizations need to simulate real-world cyber threats and identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Whether you’re a government agency or a private organization, OpenBAS offers the flexibility and scalability to meet your cybersecurity needs. By choosing OpenBAS, you’re not just investing in a tool—you’re investing in the future of your organization’s cybersecurity.
For more information on OpenBAS, visit the official documentation or explore the demonstration instance to see the platform in action. If you’re ready to take your cybersecurity strategy to the next level, consider downloading the latest release from the GitHub releases page and get started today.
