Month: November 2024

According to the “State of the UAE – Cybersecurity Report 2024”, the nation currently hosts over 155,000 vulnerable assets, with more than 40% of critical vulnerabilities remaining unaddressed for over five years. Ransomware attacks represent over half of the cyber incidents, with major global ransomware groups like Lockbit 3.0, Cl0p, and Alphv (Blackcat) being the primary actors. The Government, Energy, and IT sectors are the most targeted, while the Middle East, including the UAE, is experiencing the second-highest data breach costs globally.

Introduction to Cyber Threat Hunting

Cyber threat hunting is the practice of actively searching for cyber threats that may have bypassed an organization’s existing security measures. Unlike traditional reactive security measures, threat hunting is proactive and involves a combination of human expertise and advanced technologies to detect and mitigate threats.

What is the importance of Cyber Threat Hunting?

• Proactive Defense: Threat hunting helps in identifying threats before they can cause significant damage.
• Enhanced Security Posture: By continuously monitoring and analyzing the environment, organizations can improve their overall security posture.
• Detection of Advanced Threats: Threat hunting is particularly effective in detecting advanced persistent threats (APTs) and other sophisticated attacks that traditional security measures might miss. 

What are the Common Threat Hunting Techniques? 

• Searching: Searching involves querying data for specific artifacts that may indicate malicious activity. This technique requires clear search criteria to avoid overwhelming results. For instance, searching for unusual login times or access patterns can help identify potential insider threats.
• Cluster Analysis: Cluster analysis is a statistical technique that groups similar data points based on specific characteristics. This technique is useful for identifying outliers and patterns that may indicate a threat. Machine learning algorithms are often used to process large datasets and identify clusters of suspicious activity.
• Grouping: Grouping involves examining sets of unique artifacts to identify circumstances under which they appear together. This technique helps in identifying related instances of malicious activity and is often used in conjunction with clustering.
• Stack Counting: It involves analyzing datasets for similarities and anomalies. This technique is useful for detecting outliers in specific metrics, such as unusual network traffic patterns or login attempts from unexpected locations. 

Which are the three key Threat Hunting Methodologies? 

• Hypothesis-Based Threat Hunting: This methodology involves forming a hypothesis about potential threats based on known tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of attackers. The hypothesis is then tested by collecting and analyzing relevant data. The MITRE ATT&CK framework is often used to guide hypothesis-based threat hunting. 
• Intelligence-Based Threat Hunting: The threat hunting relies on threat intelligence sources to identify indicators of compromise (IoCs). This methodology is reactive and involves analyzing data based on known IoCs, such as malicious IP addresses, domain names, and hash values. 
• Custom or Situational Threat Hunting: Custom threat hunting is tailored to the specific environment and industry of the organization. This methodology combines elements of both hypothesis-based and intelligence-based hunting and is influenced by situational awareness and industry-specific threats. 

Behavioral Analysis in Threat Hunting

Behavioral analysis involves monitoring and analyzing the behavior of users, systems, and networks to detect anomalies that may indicate a threat. This technique leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to identify patterns and deviations from normal behavior. 

AI-Powered Behavioral Analysis

AI-powered behavioral analysis uses advanced algorithms to learn and predict adversarial behavior patterns. This approach enhances traditional detection methods by providing real-time detection of anomalies and potential threats. For example, AI can detect unusual login patterns or data exfiltration activities that may indicate an insider threat. 

Cyber Threat Hunting and SecureWorks’ Role 

Cyber threat hunting is a proactive cybersecurity practice that involves actively searching for hidden threats within an organization’s network. Unlike traditional reactive security measures, threat hunting aims to identify and mitigate potential threats before they can cause significant damage. SecureWorks, a leading cybersecurity company, offers advanced threat hunting capabilities through its Taegis™ platform and specialized services. 

SecureWorks’ Approach to Threat Hunting 

SecureWorks employs a comprehensive approach to threat hunting, combining advanced technology with human expertise:

 Taegis™ ManagedXDR Elite

Taegis ManagedXDR Elite is SecureWorks’ flagship threat hunting solution, offering continuous, managed threat hunting services:

• Continuous Managed Threat Hunting: Unlike periodic searches, ManagedXDR Elite provides ongoing threat hunting activities that leverage the Taegis platform’s insights and the expertise of seasoned security professionals.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The solution hunts for threats across all sources of telemetry, including endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and identity systems.
• Focus on Evasive Threats: ManagedXDR Elite doesn’t just look for undetected intrusions or malware but specifically targets threats that are difficult to detect using conventional methods.
• Designated Expert Threat Hunter: Clients are assigned a dedicated SecureWorks threat hunting expert who becomes an extension of their security team.
• Bi-Weekly Meetings: The designated threat hunter conducts bi-weekly meetings with the client to discuss findings and provide recommendations. 

Threat Hunting Assessment

For organizations looking for a point-in-time evaluation, SecureWorks offers a Threat Hunting Assessment: 

• Intensive Evaluation: This 30-day comprehensive assessment reveals unknown compromises and cyber threats that may have evaded existing security controls.
• Hypothesis-Driven Approach: The assessment goes beyond simple scans of indicators of compromise, employing a focused, human-led approach informed by context.
• Prioritized Investigation: The assessment prioritizes the investigation of assets that are most critical to the organization’s security.
• Multiple Data Sources: It can leverage endpoint, network, cloud telemetry, and other information sources for a holistic view of the environment. 

The SecureWorks Advantage 

SecureWorks brings several unique advantages to the threat hunting process:

Human Expertise: The company employs a team of elite security and cyber incident response practitioners with decades of experience in combating adversaries.

Taegis™ XDR Analytics: SecureWorks’ advanced security analytics platform scales the hunters’ ability to process data from various sources and identify both historical and active compromises.

Integrated Threat Intelligence: A dedicated team of over 200 researchers collates, analyzes, and synthesizes the latest insights into actionable threat intelligence.

Counter Threat Unit™ (CTU™): This world-class research team consumes data from thousands of monitored customer environments and incident response engagements, providing valuable insights for threat hunting activities.

MITRE ATT&CK Framework Alignment: SecureWorks maps threat hunting activities to industry-standard threat models like the MITRE ATT&CK framework, ensuring comprehensive coverage of potential attack vectors. 

Benefits of Using SecureWorks for Threat Hunting

 Reduced Risk: Holistic monitoring across various environments helps organizations identify and mitigate threats more effectively.

Investment Protection: SecureWorks’ open platform approach allows for better integration with existing and future security investments.

Access to Expertise: Organizations can tap into years of cybersecurity expertise through 24/7 live chat support.

Improved Visibility: The combination of advanced analytics and human expertise provides enhanced visibility into potential threats.

Customized Approach: SecureWorks tailors its threat hunting activities to each organization’s specific environment and priorities.

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the need for robust Digital Risk Protection (DRP) has become paramount. Digital Risk Protection has become an indispensable component of modern cybersecurity strategies. By providing comprehensive monitoring, expert analysis, and rapid mitigation capabilities, DRP enables organisations to stay ahead of evolving digital threats. This comprehensive guide will explore how DRP works, its key components, and why it’s critical for organisations in 2024 and beyond.

What is DRP (Digital Risk Protection)?

DRP is the process of safeguarding digital assets and brand reputation from external threats, especially during digital transformation. It primarily deals with threats originating outside an organization’s security perimeter, such as on social media, the open/deep/dark web, and other public platforms.

What are the core components of DRP?

To understand how Digital Risk Protection works, it’s essential to break down its core components:

Comprehensive Collection

Companies typically resolve problems only after they have occurred, as they may lack the ability to predict threats before they emerge. This reactive approach poses a significant challenge for security experts.

Hiding and Changing IP Addresses

The foundation of effective DRP lies in its ability to gather vast amounts of threat intelligence from diverse sources. This process involves:

Wide-ranging data collection: DRP solutions continuously monitor various digital channels, including:

• Social media platforms
• Mobile app stores
• Email communications
• Open web forums and discussion boards
• Deep and dark web marketplaces
• Code repositories and paste sites 

Automated scanning: Advanced algorithms and web crawlers are employed to scour these sources for relevant information, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the quest for potential threats.

Real-time monitoring: The collection process operates 24/7, providing organizations with up-to-the-minute intelligence on emerging risks and threats.

Expert Curation

Raw data alone is not enough to provide actionable insights. The expert curation phase is where collected information is analyzed, contextualized, and prioritized:

• Data analysis: Skilled analysts and advanced AI systems work in tandem to sift through the collected data, identifying patterns, anomalies, and potential threats.
• Contextual enrichment: Threats are evaluated within the context of an organization’s specific digital footprint, industry, and risk profile.
• Relevance scoring: Identified risks are prioritized based on their potential impact and likelihood, allowing organizations to focus on the most critical threats first. 

Complete Mitigation

The final component of DRP involves taking action to neutralize identified threats:

• Rapid response: Once a threat is identified and verified, DRP systems can initiate automated responses or alert security teams for immediate action.
• Takedown services: Many DRP solutions offer the ability to quickly remove malicious content, phishing sites, or brand impersonations through established relationships with hosting providers and domain registrars.
• Ongoing monitoring: After initial mitigation, DRP systems continue to monitor for any resurgence of the threat or related activities. 

Specialized Centers of Excellence

To address the complex and diverse nature of digital risks, many DRP providers have established specialized Centers of Excellence. These centers bring together: 

• Threat-specific expertise: Teams of specialists focus on particular types of threats, such as brand abuse, account takeovers, or data leaks.
• Custom technologies: Each center utilizes tailored tools and technologies designed to combat specific threat categories effectively.
• Streamlined workflows: By concentrating on particular threat types, these centers can develop and refine efficient processes for threat detection and mitigation. 

Key Areas of Protection

Digital Risk Protection covers several critical areas to ensure comprehensive coverage of an organization’s digital assets: 

Brand Protection

Brand reputation is one of the most valuable assets for any organization. DRP helps safeguard it through:

• Continuous monitoring: Scanning for unauthorized use of logos, trademarks, and brand names across various digital channels.
• Domain monitoring: Identifying and taking action against typosquatting and domain abuse that could lead to brand impersonation.
• Content removal: Rapidly removing infringing content or fake profiles that could damage brand reputation. 

Account Takeover Protection

With the increasing value of online accounts, preventing unauthorized access is crucial: 

• Phishing campaign detection: Early identification of phishing attempts targeting an organization’s employees or customers.
• Credential monitoring: Scanning dark web marketplaces and forums for leaked or stolen login credentials.
• Automated killswitches: Implementing rapid response mechanisms to lock down compromised accounts and prevent further damage. 

Social Media Protection

As social media becomes an integral part of business operations, protecting these channels is paramount:

• Profile monitoring: Continuous surveillance of official social media accounts for suspicious activities or unauthorized changes.
• Impersonation detection: Identifying and taking action against fake profiles or pages impersonating the organization or its executives.
• Content analysis: Monitoring social media conversations for potential threats, negative sentiment, or confidential information leaks. 

Data Leak Detection

Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure is a critical aspect of DRP:

• Sensitive data monitoring: Scanning various online sources for exposed confidential information, such as customer data, financial records, or intellectual property.
• Deep and dark web surveillance: Monitoring underground forums and marketplaces where stolen data is often traded or discussed.
• Supply chain risk assessment: Evaluating potential data leaks or vulnerabilities within an organization’s vendor ecosystem. 

The DRP Process in Action 

To illustrate how Digital Risk Protection works in practice, let’s walk through a typical workflow:

• Initial setup: The organization defines its digital assets, risk tolerance, and specific areas of concern.
• Continuous monitoring: DRP systems begin scanning various sources for potential threats related to the organization’s defined parameters.
• Threat detection: An automated system flags a suspicious domain that closely resembles the organization’s official website.
• Analysis and verification: Expert analysts review the flagged domain, confirming it as a phishing site designed to steal customer credentials.
• Risk assessment: The threat is evaluated based on its potential impact and urgency.
• Mitigation action: The DRP system initiates a takedown request to the domain registrar while simultaneously alerting the organization’s security team.
• Ongoing monitoring: The system continues to watch for any attempts to relaunch the phishing campaign or related activities.
• Reporting and intelligence: The incident is documented, and the gathered intelligence is used to enhance future threat detection capabilities. 

Choosing the Right DRP Solution 

When selecting a Digital Risk Protection solution, organizations should consider several factors:

• Comprehensive coverage: Ensure the solution covers all relevant digital channels and threat types for your organization.
• Accuracy and speed: Look for solutions with high accuracy rates in threat detection and rapid response capabilities.
• Ease of use: The platform should provide clear, actionable insights without overwhelming users with technical jargon.
• Customization options: The ability to tailor the solution to your organization’s specific needs and risk profile is crucial.
• Integration capabilities: Consider how well the DRP solution will integrate with your existing security infrastructure.
• Reporting and analytics: Robust reporting features can help demonstrate the ROI of your DRP investment and inform strategic decision-making.
• Support and expertise: Look for providers with a strong track record and access to expert analysts who can provide context and guidance.

 How Fotra DRP Platform Offers Digital Risks Protection 

Fortra’s Digital Risk Protection (DRP) is designed to safeguard an organization’s critical digital assets from various cyber threats through expert-curated threat intelligence and comprehensive mitigation strategies. Here are the key aspects and features of Fortra’s DRP:

Overview

Fortra’s DRP platform is developed in collaboration with some of the world’s most targeted brands, providing a robust solution for identifying and mitigating digital risks. The platform focuses on:

• Comprehensive Collection: Gathering extensive threat intelligence from various sources.
• Expert Curation: Analyzing and contextualizing the collected data to identify relevant threats.
• Complete Mitigation: Implementing measures to neutralize identified threats effectively.

Key Features

Brand Protection

• Continuous Monitoring: The platform continuously monitors the web, social media, mobile app stores, and email to detect and mitigate digital brand abuse.
• Domain Monitoring: Ongoing surveillance of domains to identify and remove damaging content, protecting against brand impersonation and abuse.

Account Takeover Protection

• Phishing Campaign Detection: Quickly identifies phishing campaigns to prevent account takeover fraud.
• Automated Killswitches: Utilizes an extensive network of relationships to access automated killswitches and preferred escalation integrations, ensuring rapid threat takedown at an enterprise scale.

Social Media Protection

• Platform Monitoring: Monitors highly trafficked social platforms, repositories, forums, blogs, paste sites, and gripe sites.
• Expert Mitigation: Social media experts take immediate action to mitigate risks through strong business relationships and procedural knowledge.

Data Leak Detection

• Sensitive Data Monitoring: Detects and monitors sensitive data leaks by gathering relevant data through automated and expert collection methods.
• Visibility Across Web: Provides visibility across the open web, dark web, and social media to offer personalized data leak protection. 

Fortra Centers of Excellence

•  Fortra’s DRP leverages specialized Centers of Excellence, which bring together threat-specific technology and operations. These centers focus on:
•  Early Threat Detection: Sourcing intelligence to deliver better visibility into threats early in the attack process.
• Specialized Mitigation: Enhancing mitigation with handling procedures and workflows designed for specific threat types.

 Recognition and Awards

Fortra’s DRP has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as a leader in the global digital risk protection services market. In 2022, Fortra was named the Company of the Year for its innovation, market performance, and customer care. The company’s proprietary mitigation methodology and workflow automation capabilities have been highlighted for bolstering digital trust and delivering measurable ROI for its customers.

Conclusion

Integrating artificial intelligence and cybersecurity presents immense opportunities for improving security measures. However, it also comes with risks as cybercriminals adapt to exploit AI capabilities. Establishing robust protections against cybercriminals and maintaining a balance between AI implementation and human oversight is crucial for minimising losses and safeguarding businesses in today’s digital landscape.

With a keen focus on integrating artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, expert teams can provide high-quality cybersecurity solutions to safeguard your data and privacy. To know how AI in cybersecurity can be helpful for your organisational needs, get help from cybersecurity firms that provide high-quality cybersecurity solutions.

Being a leading cybersecurity firm in the UAE, Green Method stands at the forefront by offering a wide range of high-quality cybersecurity solutions. Green Method delivers innovative and advanced measures to protect valuable data assets. To learn more about artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, contact Green Method.