Choosing the right threat modeling framework is critical in cloud and AI environments. The wrong framework can create blind spots that attackers exploit.
This guide takes an advanced, analytical, and practical approach to threat modeling frameworks used by US enterprises.
What Is a Threat Modeling Framework?
A threat modeling framework provides a structured way to categorize and analyze potential attacks against a system.
In cloud environments, frameworks help security teams understand:
- How identities can be abused
- Where APIs expose attack paths
- Which risks require immediate mitigation
STRIDE: The Most Widely Used Framework
STRIDE Categories
- Spoofing
- Tampering
- Repudiation
- Information Disclosure
- Denial of Service
- Elevation of Privilege
STRIDE works well for API-heavy architectures and IAM design reviews.
Example: Over-permissioned IAM roles in AWS or Azure often lead to elevation-of-privilege attacks.
STRIDE Limitations
- Poor coverage of business logic abuse
- Weak modeling of AI-specific threats
- Limited focus on privacy impact
PASTA: Risk-Driven Threat Modeling
PASTA focuses on business impact and attack simulation. It aligns well with US compliance frameworks such as NIST RMF and SOC 2.
PASTA is ideal when threat modeling must support executive decision-making and budget justification.
LINDDUN: Privacy Threat Modeling
LINDDUN addresses privacy risks that STRIDE ignores. This is especially important for SaaS platforms, healthcare, and fintech systems operating under US privacy laws.
AI-Specific Threat Modeling
AI systems introduce threats that traditional frameworks do not fully capture:
- Prompt injection
- Training data poisoning
- Model extraction
Modern cloud security teams use hybrid threat models that combine STRIDE with AI-specific threat categories.
How to Choose the Right Framework
| Use Case | Recommended Framework |
|---|---|
| Cloud APIs | STRIDE |
| Enterprise Risk | PASTA |
| Privacy-focused SaaS | LINDDUN |
| AI Systems | Hybrid |
Next: The Cloud Threat Modeling Lifecycle – Step-by-Step Guide