Cyber threats come in all shapes and sizes, but a sign of an attack is not always as obvious as a crashed system or an intrusive ransom note telling you that your sensitive data has been encrypted. While these threats are still prominent today, many cybercriminals are favoring a more subtle approach. Modern threats are becoming more cunning, eluding traditional security measures and running silently in the background to avoid detection.

In fact, reports found that it takes companies an average of 207 days to identify a security breach, giving attackers ample time to cause havoc and steal valuable information. By the time a company detects the breach, the damage has already been done and the cost of recovery can be substantial.

Rather than waiting for a cyberattack to occur, businesses need to proactively seek out threats before they cause irreparable damage. They need to go cyber threat hunting.

What is cyber threat hunting and how does it work?

Cyber threats are any activity that can potentially harm an organization’s digital assets, operations, and infrastructure. These can include malware, phishing scams, remote access attacks, denial-of-service attacks, and more. Cyber threat hunting involves actively searching for these threats to mitigate them before they cause harm.

Although automated security tools such as firewalls and anti-malware software are capable of detecting and responding to a majority of attacks, they’re not as effective at identifying highly covert and advanced threats.

Proactive cyber threat hunting focuses on identifying unknown and emerging threats that may not have been detected yet. The hunting process often starts with a trigger — an event or observation that suggests a potential threat. This could be an alert from an existing security tool, an unusual pattern in network traffic, strange emails or reports from employees, or intelligence about a new threat from external sources.

Once a trigger is identified, human threat hunters delve into a thorough investigation. This involves analyzing logs, network traffic and other data sources to determine the scope of the threat, its source and potential impact on the organization. Cyber threat hunters also use their knowledge of the latest hacking techniques, vulnerability assessments, and other forensic methods to uncover hidden threats that traditional security tools may miss. After identifying a threat, the professionals will isolate affected systems, remove malicious files and code, remediate vulnerabilities, and implement additional security controls to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Types of cyber threat hunting

When it comes to cyber threat hunting, there are three main approaches:

Hypothesis hunting

Hypothesis-driven hunting begins with the creation of hypotheses based on threat intelligence, historical data, and the threat hunter’s expertise. The threat hunter forms educated guesses about potential threats and their behavior within the network. They then systematically test these hypotheses by analyzing system logs, network traffic, and user activities to identify any anomalies or indicators of compromise. This method relies heavily on the hunter’s intuition and experience, combined with data-driven analysis from threat intelligence to uncover hidden threats.

Indicator of compromise (IOC) hunting

IOC-driven hunting focuses on identifying specific indicators that are associated with known threats. These indicators can include malicious IP addresses, domain names, file hashes, or unusual registry changes. Cyber threat hunters use these IOCs as a baseline to search through system logs, network data, and other sources of information to find matches. This method is effective in identifying and responding to threats that have been previously documented and characterized, allowing for a targeted and efficient approach to threat detection.

Technique, tactics, and procedures (TTP) hunting

TTP-driven hunting emphasizes understanding and detecting the techniques, tactics, and procedures used by cybercriminals. By studying the behavior patterns and methodologies of attackers, the cyber threat hunter can identify and anticipate similar activities within networks. This approach involves looking for signs of common attack methods, such as privilege escalation and data exfiltration. TTP-driven hunting requires a deep understanding of threat actor behavior and is particularly effective in identifying advanced and persistent threats that may not be detectable through IOCs alone.

How to better detect threats in your organization

There’s a lot of expertise and methodologies that go into effective cyber threat hunting. However, there are a few simple threat hunting steps businesses can take to better detect and mitigate threats:

Identify your organization’s normal

Understanding what constitutes normal behavior within your network is crucial. For instance, normal bandwidth consumption, login attempts, and data transfer patterns may vary when a threat is present. By knowing what normal looks like, your organization can better identify any deviations or anomalies that may indicate a potential threat. Regularly monitor and analyze network traffic, user activities, and system performance to maintain an accurate baseline.

Watch your weakest points

Threat actors often target the weakest links in an organization’s security posture. These can consist of unpatched software, misconfigured systems, and human error. Scan your network for vulnerabilities and patch any identified weaknesses. Additionally, provide ongoing security training for employees to raise awareness of potential threats such as social engineering scams.

Implement advanced security tools

While automated security tools may not be able to detect every threat, they can still play a vital role in threat detection and response. Tools such as intrusion prevention systems, next-generation firewalls, and AI-augmented endpoint protection can provide several layers of defense and help to identify potential threats. What’s more, implementing security information and event management software can help consolidate security data and provide a more comprehensive view for threat hunters to analyze.

Invest in a threat intelligence program

Threat intelligence programs are a valuable resource for identifying and responding to emerging threats. They provide up-to-date information on the latest malware variants, known attack patterns used by cybercriminals, and industry-specific security alerts. Having a well-developed threat intelligence program can help you form more effective hypotheses and improve your organization’s overall security posture.

What threats should businesses watch out for in 2024?

Considering the rapid evolution of cyber threats, it’s challenging to predict what specific threats businesses should watch out for in 2024. However, some potential areas of concern include:

  • Ransomware: There has been a rise of ransomware attacks in recent years and businesses now expect them to do more than encrypt data. Recent ransomware variants have been known to discreetly steal data, elevate access privileges, or load secondary malware onto a system before encryption, making them even more harmful.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) threats:: With the growing number of connected devices in workplaces, IoT-based vulnerabilities are becoming a major concern. These devices often lack proper security measures, making them easy targets for hackers looking to compromise networks and steal data.
  • AI-powered attacks: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, so do the capabilities of AI-powered cyberattacks. Their ability to learn and adapt to different digital environments makes them difficult to detect and prevent.
  • Social engineering: Social engineering attacks depend on human error and manipulation to gain access to sensitive information. These attacks are nothing new, but the cybercriminals behind them continue to find new ways to deceive and trick victims into giving up valuable data. Plus, with the help of AI, fraudulent messages and calls can be even more convincing.

Having the knowledge and tools to hunt down the latest threats can go a long way in protecting your business for many years to come. If you need a team of experts to sniff out the latest and most sophisticated threats, call Dynamic Solutions Group today. We offer comprehensive threat hunting services and advanced cybersecurity solutions to fortify your defenses and safeguard your business.