As businesses, including those in the financial sector, prioritise cybersecurity in 2024, they’ll be wondering what they can do to protect themselves against cyber attacks.
Cyber hunting allows people to actively spot and search for potential cyber threats within their business and has become more popular in the last year.
CEO of compliance e-learning company Skillcast, Vivek Dodd, says “By incorporating cyber hunting into their cybersecurity strategy, businesses can better detect and respond to potential threats before they escalate into major security incidents.
“This proactive approach enhances overall cybersecurity resilience and helps organisations stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.”
So, what is cyber hunting and how can businesses use this tactic within their compliance strategy for 2024?
Cyber hunting, also known as threat hunting, is a proactive cybersecurity approach where organisations actively search for signs of malicious activity or security threats within their network infrastructure.
Unlike traditional cybersecurity measures that focus on passive defence mechanisms (firewalls, antivirus software, etc.), cyber hunting involves actively seeking out potential threats and vulnerabilities before they can cause damage.
Proactive approach:
- Cyber hunting involves actively searching for signs of compromise rather than waiting for automated security tools to alert the organisation. Security teams actively analyse network logs, traffic patterns, and other data sources to identify abnormal or suspicious behaviour.
Continuous monitoring:
- Cyber hunting is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring of network activities. Security teams may use both automated and manual methods to detect anomalies, such as unusual network traffic, unauthorised access, or abnormal user behaviour.
Threat intelligence integration:
- Incorporating threat intelligence feeds helps organisations stay informed about the latest threats and attack vectors. Cyber hunters use this intelligence to proactively search for indicators of compromise associated with known threats.
Collaboration and communication:
- Cyber hunting requires effective collaboration and communication among different teams, including security analysts, incident responders, and IT personnel. Timely sharing of threat information is essential for a coordinated response to potential risks.
Scenario-based exercises:
- Conducting simulated cyber-attacks or scenario-based exercises can help organisations train their cyber hunting teams and improve their ability to respond to real-world threats.
Incident response planning:
- Having a well-defined incident response plan is crucial. Cyber hunting should be integrated into the broader incident response strategy to ensure a coordinated and effective response to identified risks.
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