Detection Engineering vs Threat Hunting: Distinguishing the Differences

In the expansive realm of cybersecurity, the nuanced yet intertwined practices of Detection Engineering and Threat Hunting are two pivotal components. Although they share some commonalities, their key distinctions lie in their fundamental definitions, objectives, and applications. Understanding these differences is crucial to optimizing your cybersecurity efforts.

Key Differences:

1. Threat Awareness: Detection Engineering focuses on known threats, while Threat Hunting targets unknown threats.
2. Use of Infrastructure: Both use existing security tools, but Detection Engineering enhances detection mechanisms, while Threat Hunting leverages the tools to seek hidden threats.
3. Focus: Detection Engineering centers on detecting specific artifacts or meta-characteristics, whereas Threat Hunting focuses on suspicious behaviors.
4. Process: Detection Engineers work on balancing detection with minimizing false positives. Threat Hunting content, however, is written to accommodate non-malicious results that may show suspicious behaviors.
5. Automation: Detection content is designed for automation, while Threat Hunting content requires careful interpretation by skilled threat hunters.

Let’s dive deeper into these distinctions to further understand “Detection Engineering vs Threat Hunting.”

Detection Engineering: Reinforcing the Known

Detection Engineering is the practice of augmenting existing threat detection mechanisms, such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Network Detection and Response (NDR), and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). The primary purpose here is to combat known threats, which are thoroughly understood through analysis, sandboxing, and reverse engineering.

Detection engineers work to craft a balanced detection system that identifies threats while minimizing false positives. This balance enables security analysts to respond appropriately. They develop detections based on specific artifacts or meta-characteristics of threats, such as distinct filesystem changes or registry modifications.

Additionally, detection engineers are responsible for creating suitable response documentation prior to deploying their detection mechanisms. Detection content is often designed to seamlessly integrate into a standard automation ecosystem, where detection and even some remediation may be partially or entirely automated.

Threat Hunting: Seeking the Unknown

Contrarily, threat hunting content is inherently different, employing existing security infrastructure, including SIEM, EDR, NDR, and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) toolsets. The key distinction here lies in the utilization of these toolsets; threat hunters use them to conduct time-bound hunts for unknown threats that have evaded detection.

These elusive threats often employ advanced defense evasion techniques, escaping detection by conventional toolsets. As such, threat hunters focus on identifying behaviors exhibited by adversaries or their tools within an environment. This objective is accomplished through threat hunting content authored by highly skilled threat hunters who are intimately familiar with these behaviors.

Behavioral content stands apart from traditional detection engineering because it may include non-malicious results. Not every entity exhibiting suspicious behavior is necessarily malicious. Thus, threat hunting content is not intended for automation like simple detection. Instead, it must be carefully interpreted by skilled threat hunters to determine if a compromise has occurred.

Bridging the Gap: How Detection Engineering and Threat Hunting Connect

Despite their differences, Detection Engineering and Threat Hunting aren’t isolated practices. In fact, they intersect in several areas. For instance, the output from threat hunting activities often informs the development of detection mechanisms. The insights gained from hunting unknown threats can guide detection engineers in refining their detection mechanisms against evolving threats.

In conclusion, while both Detection Engineering and Threat Hunting use similar security infrastructures and tools, they differ significantly in their approaches, focus, and application. Their interplay, however, is undeniable and crucial to a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Understanding and leveraging these practices in their distinct capacities can substantially fortify your defense against the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.

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The post Detection Engineering vs Threat Hunting: Distinguishing the Differences appeared first on Cyborg Security.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Cyborg Security authored by Cyborg Security. Read the original post at: https://www.cyborgsecurity.com/glossary/detection-engineering-vs-threat-hunting-distinguishing-the-differences/