Best Practices Or Methods For Detecting A Threat Actor
Without a robust cyber security strategy in place, the risk of a threat actor compromising your security defences increases exponentially.
From phishing to malware and ransomware attacks, threat actors have the capability to cause immeasurable damage through various kinds of cyber attacks, and with the adoption of AI, the sophistication of this threat is ever-evolving.
When you consider that ‘Gartner predicts that by 2027, 17% of all cyber attacks will involve generative AI’, the importance of detecting threat actors becomes all the more apparent.
There are many practices and methods for detecting a threat actor that can improve your ability to detect and prevent cyber attacks. They include:
1. Carrying Out Regular Cyber Security Risk Assessments
When it comes to detecting threat actors, prevention is better than cure, which is why carrying out regular cyber security risk assessments is one of the best practices to follow.
Your cyber security defences are only as strong as their weakest point, which can render you vulnerable to threat actors if you’re not prioritising security risk assessments.
A cyber security risk assessment plays a critical part in your risk management strategy. It not only offers improved visibility into your IT assets but also identifies vulnerabilities that could already be being exploited by threat actors.
By regularly assessing your networks, systems, and applications for security risks, you can identify and minimise threats and strengthen your organisation’s overall security posture.
2. Threat Hunting
Threat hunting is a proactive approach for detecting threat actors.
Threat hunters are highly trained to search for, log, monitor, and neutralise threats, enabling them to detect threat actors before they’re able to do any damage.
Types Of Threat Hunting
Types of threat hunting include, but are not limited to:
- Structured hunting – This type of threat hunting is based on an indicator of attack as well as the tactics, techniques, and procedures of an attacker.
- Unstructured hunting – This is based on a trigger, often causing a hunter to look for pre and post-detection patterns.
By actively searching for threats, your organisation can stay one step ahead, and anticipate and mitigate attacks before they lead to disastrous consequences.
3. Investing In A Managed Detection & Response Service
A best practice for detecting threat actors is to invest in a managed detection and response service.
When your organisation is under threat, you’re up against the clock. The longer a threat actor is allowed to wreak havoc in a system, the more likely they are to cause serious damage, resulting in costly disruptions, reputational damage, and more.
According to IBM’s annual Cost of a Data Breach Report, ‘the financial impact of data breaches reached a global average of $4.88 million’, emphasising the need for the right tools and processes to detect cyber security threats efficiently and effectively.
At Net Consulting, we recognise that humans and conventional systems aren’t sophisticated or quick enough to detect complex threats.
To ensure you’re one step ahead of threat actors and the growing risk of cyber threats, you need the right technology and knowledge on your side.
Contact us via +44 (0)29 2097 2020 or book a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) demo today.
4. Providing Regular Security Training
Security awareness plays a fundamental role in detecting a threat actor.
This largely comes down to the fact that threat actors often exploit human error, meaning that employee training is a critical line of defence.
However, providing regular security training goes beyond educating employees about the types of cyber threats and the signs to look out for.
The cyber security landscape is fast evolving. That said, effective training relies on staying updated on the latest technologies, threats, and emerging trends if you’re to be in with a chance of staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threat actors.
5. Honeypots
A method for detecting threat actors is a honeypot. A honeypot is a type of cyber security measure that works as bait to trick threat actors into believing they’re infiltrating a legitimate target.
The aim of a honeypot is to represent itself as a potential target for threat actors, in turn notifying organisations of any attempts to access the honeypot by unauthorised users and allowing security analysts to study their behaviour.
When a threat actor interacts with a honeypot, businesses are able to detect, analyse and better understand methods of attack.
In other words, when used wisely and within legal limits, they can be a useful measure to detect cyber criminals before they attack legitimate targets.
In turn, honeypots can help businesses better strategise and hone their cyber defence strategies, enabling them to become more resilient to future attacks.
To remain vigilant and stay ahead of threat actors, businesses must continuously strive to evolve their cyber security measures.
How We Can Help
To protect your organisation from cyber attacks, it’s key to develop a threat detection and response strategy.
If you’re looking for threat detection services that you can trust, look no further than Net Consulting.
Our services will provide full visibility over your network, utilising leading threat intelligence, technology, and AI.
Get in touch with a member of our team to find out how we can assist your organisation.
