The Complete Guide to Threat Hunting Tools

Cyber threats are evolving unprecedentedly, making it increasingly challenging for small and medium-sized businesses to protect their digital assets.

A staggering 68% of business leaders feel their cybersecurity risks are increasing. “Given this increasing danger, being able to proactively search for threats has become a crucial factor in effective cybersecurity strategies,” says Megan Reed, VP of Marketing for NetGain Technologies.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of threat hunting tools, offering actionable insights to help you fortify your defenses against malicious actors and the latest security threats.

What is Cyber Threat Hunting?

Before we explore threat hunting tools, let’s address a critical question: What is cyber threat hunting in cybersecurity?

Cyber threat hunting is the proactive search for malicious activity hidden within your network. Unlike traditional security measures, threat hunting delves deeper, using tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) to identify threats that evade basic detection systems.

The Pillars of Threat Hunting

Effective threat hunting relies on several key components:

• Data Collection: Gathering comprehensive security data from across your digital ecosystem.
• Analysis: Utilizing artificial intelligence and human expertise to identify anomalies.
• Response: Quickly acting on findings to mitigate risks.

Exploring the Different Types of Cyber Threat Hunting

Effective cyber threat hunting is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It encompasses various methodologies, each tailored to different aspects of cybersecurity. Understanding these types of cyber threat hunting is crucial for developing a comprehensive threat hunting strategy.

Intel-Based Hunting

Intel-based hunting leverages known information about threat actors and their TTPs. This method relies heavily on security data and intelligence feeds to identify threats that match known patterns of malicious activity.

It’s a proactive stance against known security threats, enabling security professionals to anticipate and counter attacks with precision.

Hypothesis-Driven Hunting

Hypothesis-driven hunting is a method where cyber threat hunters form hypotheses based on their understanding of the current threat landscape, recent incidents, and emerging TTPs.

This approach involves testing hypotheses against collected data to uncover potential security issues. It’s similar to detective work, where hunters use their knowledge and intuition to identify anomalies and explore potential threats.

Custom Hunting

Custom hunting is tailored specifically to an organization’s unique environment. This method involves creating custom detectors and scripts to hunt for malicious activity most relevant to the business’s specific systems and vulnerabilities.

Custom hunting allows for a high degree of specificity in threat hunting techniques, making it possible to uncover hidden threats that generic tools might miss.

Spotlight on Essential Threat Hunting Tools

When dealing with security threats, certain hunting tools stand out for their effectiveness and efficiency. Here is a close look at three threat hunting tools many security professionals rely on.

1. Huntress: The Silent Guardian

Huntress specializes in uncovering threats that slip past other defenses. It’s an effective threat hunting solution that shines by simplifying complex threat hunting techniques.

With Huntress, your team can effortlessly collect data, analyze it for signs of compromise, and receive actionable advice for remediation. Some of Huntress’s key features include:

• Integrations: Through the Huntress Portal, you can set up:
  • Email, API and text-based integrations
  • Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)
• Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Gain access to key information, such as:
  • Firewalls
  • Host isolation
  • Troubleshooting
  • Process insights
  • In-depth reporting
  • Managed antivirus
  • Ransomware canaries
  • Incident reports and remediations
  • Agent management and host configuration
• Managed Detection and Response (MDR) for Microsoft 365: Ensure your Microsoft 365 remains protected with:
  • AADSTS errors
  • Checking permissions
  • Incident reports and remediations
  • Remapping Microsoft 365 integration
  • Reauthorizing Microsoft 365 integration
  • And more

2. Splunk: The Data Wizard

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is crucial for today’s businesses, and Splunk is a leader in this space.

Splunk assists teams with managing and analyzing vast amounts of security data, identifying anomalies and potential security threats. It’s a great threat hunting tool for complex data landscapes.

Splunk’s features include:

• Threat topology
• Behavior analytics
• Investigation Workbench
• Risk-Based Alerting (RBA)
• Adaptive Response Actions
• Threat Intelligence and SOAR
• MITRE ATT&CK Framework Matrix
• Asset Investigator and Security Domains
• ES Content Updates and Use Case Library

Splunk also provides access to various dashboard, such as:

• Risk Analysis dashboard
• Incident Review dashboard
• SOC Operations dashboard
• Security Posture dashboard
• Access Anomalies dashboard
• Executive Summary dashboard

3. CrowdStrike Falcon Platform: The Rapid Responder

CrowdStrike Falcon revolutionizes incident response with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities. Real-time monitoring and analysis of endpoints makes it easier to spot and stop cyber criminals.

Falcon delivers what cyber threat hunters need in the fast-paced digital world: speed, precision, and reliability from a single, universal agent with features that include:

• Cloud security
• Identity Protection
• Next-generation SIEM
• Exposure Management
• Endpoint Security and Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
• Managed Detection and Response
• Effortless workflows and automation
• Streamlined, single agent architecture

How to Implement Threat Hunting Techniques

Now that you know about some prominent threat hunting tools, their functions, and how they defend your business, you might be wondering how you can integrate them into your threat hunt process. Here are some actionable steps:

1. Identify Anomalies: Use AI-driven analysis to pinpoint unusual behavior.
2. Collect Data: Ensure comprehensive data collection across all digital touchpoints.
3. Analyze TTPs: Understand the tactics, techniques and procedures used by threat actors to better anticipate their moves.
4. Automate Responses: Leverage tools like CrowdStrike Falcon to automate your incident response, reducing the time from detection to resolution.

Ensure You Choose the Right Threat Hunting Tool

Selecting the right threat hunting tool depends on your needs. Consider factors like compatibility with your existing systems, scalability, usability, and the level of support the vendor provides.

A Comparison of the Key Threat Hunting Tools

Choose a Partner Who Utilizes the Best Threat Hunting Techniques

In the relentless battle against cyber threats, threat hunting tools are your best allies. From Huntress’s intuitive threat detection to Splunk’s data analysis prowess and CrowdStrike Falcon’s rapid response capabilities, these tools empower security professionals to stay ahead of malicious actors.

NetGain Technologies stands at the forefront of providing cutting-edge threat hunting solutions. Serving small businesses like yours since 1984, our SOC 2, Type II certified security professionals utilize the latest threat hunting tools to keep your data out of the crosshairs.

For more information about our security team’s approach to the threat hunt process, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore how our expertise can bolster your cybersecurity strategy.