Cyber threat hunting
Cyber threat hunting is a proactive security measure used to detect and neutralize potential threats on a network before they cause significant damage. Security professionals utilize cyber threat-hunting tools, which are software solutions driven by advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to identify abnormal patterns in a system’s network and endpoints. These tools employ techniques like behavioral analytics, pattern matching, statistical analysis, and AI/ML modeling.
Reports from Statista show that 72% of businesses worldwide were affected by ransomware attacks in 2023, leading to an increased interest in cyber threat hunting solutions.
In this guide, we explore the top cyber threat-hunting tools for 2024 and compare their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Top threat hunting solutions comparison
The table below lists top threat hunting solutions and compares their features.
ESET PROTECT Advanced
- Employees per Company Size: Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
- Features: Advanced Threat Defense, Full Disk Encryption, Modern Endpoint Protection, and more.
ManageEngine Log360
- Employees per Company Size: Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
- Features: Activity Monitoring, Blacklisting, Dashboard, and more.
Graylog
- Employees per Company Size: Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
- Features: Activity Monitoring, Dashboard, Notifications.
Why I chose Splunk
I recommend Splunk as the best overall cyber threat hunting tool. Splunk, as a security information and event management system, offers cloud, on-premises, and hybrid solutions, making it a top-tier solution for proactively addressing hidden threats. It provides strong data query functionality suitable for large-scale threat hunting in enterprises.
SEE: 5 Best Endpoint Detection & Response Solutions for 2024
Through Splunk, security teams can generate threat-hunting queries, analysis routines, and automated defensive rules. Splunk’s SIEM capabilities offer speed in threat detection, with about 1,400 detection frameworks and an open, extensible data monitoring platform.
Why I chose VMware Carbon Black Endpoint
For hybrid or offline environments, VMware Carbon Black Endpoint is recommended. It offers behavioral endpoint detection and response, extended detection and response, and next-generation antivirus capabilities. The solution continuously analyzes endpoint activity and behaviors to detect advanced threats.
SEE: 4 Threat Hunting Techniques to Prevent Bad Actors in 2024
VMware Carbon Black Endpoint leverages unsupervised machine learning models to detect anomalies indicating malicious activity. While the Standard version lacks audit and remediation, it provides adequate EDR visibility.
Pricing
Contact the vendor for pricing information.
Features
- Next-gen antivirus.
- Behavioral Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).
- Anomaly detection.
- Increased endpoint and container visibility.
- Automated threat hunting.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|———————————————————–|———————————|
| Integration with popular security tools like Splunk | No audit and remediation in the standard version |
| Supports compliance and audit features | |
| Endpoint visibility inside and outside of the corporate network | |
| Advanced Predictive Cloud Security | |
| Mutual threat exchange between clients | |CrowdStrike Falcon Overwatch
For advanced threat hunting, CrowdStrike Falcon Overwatch is recommended. It offers advanced EDR and XDR capabilities, utilizing the SEARCH methodology to hunt and stop threats. The solution leverages cloud-scale data, insights from analysts, and threat intelligence for threat detection.
SEE: CrowdStrike vs Trellix (2024): What Are the Main Differences?
CrowdStrike Falcon Overwatch’s threat graph feature helps cyber analysts determine threat origins and potential spread, enhancing proactive security measures.
Why I chose CrowdStrike Falcon Overwatch
CrowdStrike Falcon Overwatch is chosen for its advanced threat hunting and automated response capabilities, utilizing advanced EDR, XDR, and proprietary features.
Pricing
CrowdStrike Falcon Overwatch offers a 15-day free trial and two plans: Falcon Overwatch and Falcon Overwatch Elite. Contact the vendor for a quote.
Features
- Advanced EDR and XDR.
- Visibility with Falcon USB Device control.
- Automated threat intelligence.
- Threat Graph.
- Firewall management.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|——————————————————-|—————————————————-|
| Threat alerts are augmented with context | Threat hunting and investigation coaching exclusive to Falcon Overwatch Elite users |
| Supports managed service | |
| Offers a 15-day free trial | |
| XDR capabilities for advanced threat detection and response | |
| Quarterly threat hunting reports | |SolarWinds Security Event Manager
For centralized threat management, SolarWinds Security Event Manager is recommended. It uses real-time network performance statistics and data from various sources like SNMP and log entries for threat hunting.
SEE: Top 8 Advanced Threat Protection Tools and Software for 2024
The solution parses and interprets log data to identify patterns, anomalies, and threats, providing a centralized hub for security events analysis and response.
Why I chose SolarWinds Security Event Manager
The choice of SEM is based on its centralized platform and seamless integration with security technologies, offering streamlined security management.
Pricing
SolarWinds Event Manager offers subscription and perpetual licensing plans. Contact the vendor for a custom quote.
Features
- Built-in file integrity monitoring.
- Centralized log collection and normalization.
- Integrated compliance reporting tools.
- Advanced pfSense firewall log analyzer.
- APT security software.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|————————————————————–|————————————-|
| Offers real-time network performance statistics | Absence of a cloud version |
| Centralized logon audit events monitor for tracking of security events | |
| Improved security, real-time monitoring and troubleshooting with advanced pfSense firewall log analyzer | |
| Integrates with various security technologies for better visibility | |
| Provides in-depth analysis of log entries to enhance threat detection | |ESET Enterprise Inspector
For tandem threat hunting service, ESET Enterprise Inspector is recommended. It is an EDR tool designed to analyze real-time endpoint data and detect persistent threats. The solution offers a dedicated threat hunting service alongside its EDR tool.
Why I chose ESET Inspector
ESET Inspector is chosen for its dedicated threat hunting service and EDR capabilities, making it suitable for organizations with minimal security expertise.
Pricing
Contact ESET’s Sales team for pricing information.
Features
- Behavior and reputation-based detection.
- Automated threat hunting capabilities.
- Dedicated threat hunting service.
- Protection against fileless attacks.
- Customizable alerts.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|———————————————|———————————————|
| Easily adjustable detection rules | May be resource-intensive for older systems |
| In cloud or on-premises deployment | |
| Good for businesses with minimal security expertise | |
| Integrates with other ESET solutions for synchronized response | |
| Seamless deployment | |Trend Micro Managed XDR
For dedicated SOC support, Trend Micro Managed XDR is recommended. The security service offers 24/7 monitoring and analysis, correlating data from various sources for threat detection.
Why I chose Trend Micro Managed XDR
Trend Micro Managed XDR is chosen for its 24/7 support for SOC teams and cross-layered detection and response capabilities.
Pricing
Trend Micro Managed XDR offers a 30-day free trial. Contact the vendor for pricing.
Features
- Endpoint detection and response.
- 24/7 analysis and monitoring.
- Advanced threat intelligence.
- Cross-layered detection and response.
- Optimized security analytics.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|————————————————————-|——————————————–|
| Dedicated support for SOC and IT security teams | Lack of on-premises solution |
| Offers server and email protection | |
| Proactive threat hunting for advanced threats | |
| Contains threats and automatically generates IoCs to prevent future attacks | |
| Generates threat alerts and detailed incident reports | |Heimdal Threat Hunting and Action Center
For single-command threat mitigation, Heimdal Threat Hunting and Action Center is recommended. The solution equips SecOps teams and IT administrators with tools for detecting and monitoring anomalous behavior across devices and networks.
Why I chose Heimdal Threat Hunting and Action Center
Heimdal stands out for its one-click execution of commands and in-depth incident investigation through its Action Center.
Pricing
Contact the vendor for pricing information.
Features
- Next-gen antivirus, firewall, and mobile device management.
- Incident investigation and management.
- Activity tracking and monitoring.
- XTP Engine and MITRE ATT&CK framework.
- Quarantine functionality.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|———————————————-|————————————–|
| Provides a centralized list of detected threats | No pricing information available online |
| Real-time threat monitoring and alerts | |
| Prompt reporting and statistics | |
| Single-command remediation capability | |
| Unified view for intelligence, hunting, and response | |Key Features of Cyber Threat Hunting Tools
Data collection and analysis
Threat hunting tools collect and analyze data from various sources like logs, events, endpoint telemetry, and network traffic. They utilize advanced analytics and machine learning to identify anomalies and unusual patterns for better threat detection.
Proactive search and identification of threats
This feature allows security analysts to explore extensive data, customize searches, and query data streams in real-time and historically for prompt threat detection and response.
Collaboration and intelligence sharing
Effective threat hunting involves collaboration and sharing of threat intelligence across organizations, security teams, and industry partners for a comprehensive approach to threat detection.
Behavioral analysis
Threat-hunting tools use behavioral analysis to understand normal user and system behavior, identifying anomalies and providing early threat detection.
Automated response
Automated response features prioritize alerts, contain threats, and automate incident response actions for efficient threat mitigation and compliance with security policies.
How do I choose the best cyber threat-hunting tool for my business?
Choosing the best cyber threat-hunting tool depends on factors like personal/business objectives, fit with existing security infrastructure, and budget constraints. Evaluating tools based on unique features and remediation capabilities is essential for effective threat hunting.
Review methodology
The review methodology involved considering important features, threat detection approaches, remediation processes, integration capabilities, personalized support, and vendor reputation gathered from vendor websites, review sites, and industry rankings.
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