Uncovering Cyber Threats: An Introduction to Cyber Threat Hunting,

Uncovering Cyber Threats: an Introduction to Cyber Threat Hunting,

Uncovering Cyber Threats: An Introduction to Cyber Threat Hunting,

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Table of Contents

What is cyber threat hunting?

  • Cyber threat hunting is a proactive security strategy where experts search for hidden threats on a network that traditional security measures may miss.
  • These experts use various methods such as investigating indicators of compromise, developing hypothesis-based hunts for new threats, and focusing on high-risk areas within an organization.
  • Cyber threat hunting differs from reactive security methods that only respond after a threat is detected.
  • Traditional security methods rely on comparing threat indicators to a database of known threats, while threat hunting is proactive and aims to prevent breaches.

    How does cyber threat hunting work?

  • Threat hunting involves collaboration between threat hunters and advanced detection tools to identify hidden threats.
  • Security analysts use their critical-thinking skills along with monitoring and analytics tools to detect threats within a network.
  • Various threat hunting techniques include searching for insider threats, patching vulnerabilities, identifying known threats like advanced persistent threats (APTs), and implementing security incident response plans.

    Benefits of cyber threat hunting

  • Proactive threat hunting can help identify and patch vulnerabilities before they are exploited, reducing successful breaches.
  • It allows for careful analysis of data to detect anomalies indicating a breach, limiting the impact and duration of attacks.
  • Cyber threat hunting techniques provide greater visibility and efficiency in security operations.

    Pros of threat hunting:

  • Proactively identifies and patches vulnerabilities
  • Limits the impact of breaches
  • Improves security monitoring efficiency

    Cons of threat hunting:

  • Requires a significant upfront investment in tools and cybersecurity talent

    Types of cyber threat hunting

  • There are three main types of threat hunting: hypothesis-driven, unstructured, and situational hunting.
  • Hypothesis-driven hunting involves formulating a hypothesis about a threat actor’s attack method based on indicators of attack.
  • Unstructured hunting starts with exploration and looking for indicators of compromise in the system.
  • Situational hunting focuses on specific resources or entities within an organization based on internal risk assessments.

    What is the cyber threat hunting process?

  • The cyber threat hunting process involves hypothesis setting, investigation, and resolution/response phases.
  • Threat hunters formulate hypotheses based on emerging security trends or indicators of attack.
  • They use security tools to investigate vulnerabilities and malicious areas, then respond to threats using advanced technologies.

    Threat hunting tools and techniques

  • Commonly used tools for threat hunting include security monitoring, advanced analytics, SIEM, XDR solutions, MDR systems, and pen testing.
  • These tools help in detecting and responding to threats proactively and efficiently.

    Popular threat hunting solutions

  • CrowdStrike, ESET, and Splunk are popular threat hunting solutions that offer a range of tools for different business sizes.
  • These solutions provide effective threat hunting tools like SIEM, XDR, EDR, and MDR services to help companies protect against cyber threats.
author avatar
roosho Senior Engineer (Technical Services)
I am Rakib Raihan RooSho, Jack of all IT Trades. You got it right. Good for nothing. I try a lot of things and fail more than that. That's how I learn. Whenever I succeed, I note that in my cookbook. Eventually, that became my blog. 
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