ICS Discovery consists of techniques adversaries use to gather information about the ICS environment. This includes enumerating network connections, sniffing ICS protocols for device information, discovering remote systems on the OT network, and gathering information about controllers, PLCs, and other operational technology assets.
Tactic Overview
Tactic ID: TA0102 — Matrix: ICS — Techniques: 5
The Discovery tactic represents a phase in the adversary lifecycle where the adversary is locating information to assess and identify their targets in your environment. This tactic is part of the MITRE ATT&CK ICS matrix and encompasses 5 known techniques that adversaries employ during this phase of an attack.
Understanding this tactic is critical for defenders to build effective detection strategies and implement appropriate countermeasures. Organizations should map their security controls against each technique to identify coverage gaps and prioritize defensive investments.
Techniques (5)
The following techniques are categorized under the Discovery tactic in the MITRE ATT&CK ICS matrix:
| Technique ID | Name | Description | MITRE Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
T0840 | Network Connection Enumeration | Adversaries enumerate network connections in ICS environments to map the OT network topology and identify targets. | T0840 |
T0842 | Network Sniffing | Adversaries capture ICS network traffic to observe process data, credentials, and control commands on OT protocols. | T0842 |
T0846 | Remote System Discovery | Adversaries discover remote systems on the ICS network to identify PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and other control devices. | T0846 |
T0888 | Remote System Information Discovery | Adversaries gather information about remote ICS devices including firmware versions, configurations, and capabilities. | T0888 |
T0887 | Wireless Sniffing | Adversaries capture wireless communications in ICS environments to intercept control data and credentials. | T0887 |
Detection & Mitigation
Organizations should implement layered defenses addressing each technique within this tactic. Below are key mitigation strategies recommended by Mjolnir Security analysts.
Key Mitigations
- Network segmentation
- ICS protocol monitoring
- Wireless intrusion detection
- Asset inventory management
- Network access control
Detection Strategies
Effective detection of Discovery techniques requires a combination of log analysis, behavioral monitoring, and threat intelligence correlation. Security teams should focus on establishing baselines for normal activity and alerting on deviations that may indicate adversary behavior aligned with this tactic.
- SIEM Integration: Correlate events across multiple data sources to detect technique patterns
- Behavioral Analytics: Deploy UEBA solutions to identify anomalous activity indicative of this tactic
- Threat Hunting: Proactively search for indicators of techniques within this tactic using hypothesis-driven investigations
- Purple Teaming: Regularly test detection coverage by simulating techniques from this tactic
Associated Threat Actors
The following threat actors are known to heavily leverage techniques from the Discovery tactic:
For comprehensive threat actor profiles, visit the APT Groups Hub.
Resources & References
Defend Against Discovery Techniques
Mjolnir Security provides expert threat intelligence, purple team exercises, and detection engineering services to help organizations defend against adversary tactics mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
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View All Reports →Written by Mjolnir Security Research — Published March 7, 2026