What Is Threat Hunting and Why Does It Matter?

What Is Threat Hunting and Why Does It Matter? 

Defense is one of the keys to cybersecurity. Intrusions are not always detected within a computer system. This discretion allows cybercriminals to set up and deploy their attack. Threat Hunting is a proactive protection approach. It intervenes upstream to identify threats implanted in an environment. Explore with Zcoderz's latest blog how this intrusion tracking works, one of the most effective IT security solutions to protect a company. 

What is Threat Hunting? 

Threat Hunting is a cybersecurity solution that detects so-called "unknown" cyber threats. This technique consists of identifying intrusions into an information system. Regarding IT security, experts estimate that 80% of attacks are stopped and that 20% pass through detection tools. It is on these latter that Threat Hunter works. 

The cyber threat hunter looks for the presence of a hacker in the system. A constructed and effective attack does not deploy as soon as it is intruded. The hacker settles in, scans the environment, and sharpens his offensive strategy. The role of the Threat Hunter is to intervene before the attack is triggered. Threat Hunting therefore ensures the security of a company's data. This solution is complementary to other threat detection tools, used to prevent any intrusion. 

To know more about the importance of cybersecurity in protecting data and building digital trust.  Read Zcoderz's guide that offers strategies for safeguarding your business here: Cybersecurtity in the Digital Age: A Full Guide for Businesses 

Why is Threat Hunting considered a proactive approach in cybersecurity? 

Threat Hunting brings a different approach to computer security. It does not simply respond to an attack by applying a defense strategy. Threat Hunter performs a real hunt in the systems to eliminate all threats. 

The limits of automated defense processes in computer security 

In cybersecurity, defenses are primarily based on automated processes. IT security professionals refer to detection systems based on mechanical research. There is no thinking, strictly speaking. The tools are configured to detect known cyberattacks in a precise manner. 

Hackers are becoming more resourceful in thwarting companies' automated defenses. To combat threats, IT security experts are increasing the number of updates to their devices. These automated tools remain relevant in their intervention. However, it is necessary to focus on "unknown" threats, those capable of getting past the defense lines of the best systems. 

Threat Hunter: continuous analysis and action to detect unknown attacks 

Hackers have a proactive approach: they constantly renew their modus operandi so that their intrusion becomes more effective. Defense must therefore innovate. The threat hunter does not simply apply a security strategy to the letter. He tracks, thinks, inspects, and anticipates the next attack techniques. 

His tactics are based primarily on his human skills and no longer on his technical skills. The hunter is in permanent action. He does not wait for the intrusion indicators to go on alert. This approach allows the security systems in place to adapt and evolve.  

Implementing Threat Hunting within an IT Security Service 

The Threat Hunter relies on analysis tools. He must perceive what represents a known threat and an unknown threat. In the first case, he can then direct the resolution of the threat to his collaborators. The unknown threat is his responsibility. The hunter develops a series of hypotheses concerning in particular the objective of the intrusion, its evolution tactics, and the offensive acts carried out by the hacker. 

The Threat Hunter constantly monitors cyber threats. This source of information allows him to develop strategies. He then tests them to jeopardize the cyberattack. 

What are the different types of Threat Hunting? 

There are different types of Threat Hunting to implement. Threat hunting depends on whether the hunter is interested in a hypothesis or a detected incident. 

This structured hunt is based on two indicators: the indicator of attack (IoA) and the hacker's tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). This technique aims to identify the cybercriminal and their modus operandi before they compromise an organization's data. 

This type of threat hunting is based on indicators of compromise (IoC). Hunters then use all the information collected on the cyber threat. They then develop hypotheses and then an action plan to carry out an active hunt. 

In the case where a company's information systems are important, hunters must target their hunting ground. It is necessary to define the entities considered "high risk", that is to say, vital for the organization. Hackers target the sections of a network that are most interesting to them. This could be, for example, the system administration part with, as a key, control over access to data. It is therefore in these sensitive areas that Threat Hunting is deployed. 

To Wrap Things Up 

Threat Hunting works at the heart of a company's IT security department. The hunter's mission is to detect present and unknown threats in an environment. As a reminder, these are all intrusions that have managed to get past the defenses. 

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