Behavioral analytics, or BA, is becoming increasingly useful in the world of cybersecurity. With cyberthreats ever-evolving and with businesses of all shapes and sizes striving to keep up, BA is helping companies future-proof their data, networks, and other assets with greater confidence

BA uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to train on threat trends. It trains AI on data sets to learn about and establish the status quo, therefore also learning to spot unusual network behavior and data processing patterns

If it makes an incorrect decision or raises a false flag, it’s trained to avoid such mistakes in the future

This allows BA to support in-depth auditing reports, help influence cybersecurity decision-making, and even provide real-time threat analysis and recommendations.

Understanding Key Cybersecurity Tools

Cybersecurity through BA breaks down into four main tools or use categories:

• EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response). Behavioral EDR analyzes user activities at endpoints to spot potential threats from inside a network. For example, BA EDR can be trained to raise flags if certain users download excessive amounts of data.
• SIEM (Security Information and Event Management). SIEM refers to collecting data through end-user hardware to devise plans of action. For example, companies use SIEM to collate data and produce real-time visualizations that make it easy to see harmful network behavior before it causes serious damage.
• UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics). UEBA works hand in hand with SIEM to build user and hardware profiles, creating “baselines” or status quo templates. UEBA tools use SIEM to absorb user behavior data to monitor and report if any activities deviate from the baselines set.
• NTA (Network Traffic Analysis). NTA specifically observes traffic patterns and reports potential anomalies. For example, by analyzing flow data, NTA can report unexpected communications or access requests or raise flags if traffic volumes spike without due cause or reason.

Comparative Analysis of Tools

Let’s examine each tool further and consider its strengths and weaknesses in detecting and preventing threats.

• EDR: EDR solutions are reliable for efficiently reporting potential threats, particularly as companies can use them to measure critical endpoints. However, EDR tools only measure endpoints, meaning you cannot rely on EDR alone to watch for potential threats outside the network.
• SIEM: Using BA and SIEM means you have a powerful threat detection and response protocol solution that’s safe to leave working fairly autonomously. SIEM can reduce unnecessary manual handling and is highly effective at streamlining complex activity logs. However, SIEM tools are time-consuming and complex to set up and maintain.
• UEBA: UEBA can pick up where EDR leaves off, effectively detecting external threats to prevent DDoS and brute-force attacks. What’s more, using BA with UEBA means there’s less need to hire specialists to maintain your security perimeter (although it’s always prudent to hire experts for vulnerability scanning and managed protection). The major downside to UEBA is that it needs significant data training before it becomes effective.
• NTA: NTA is an ideal solution as an automated, always-on threat response, and it offers clear visibility of activity across a potentially broad and complex network. It can also help to train and inform people about traffic threats at a granular level. The downsides, however, include the fact you largely need to train NTA and BA on extensive historical data, which can make for costly hardware investment. Considering the ongoing cost of device management alone is already affecting your overheads, it pays to find a good value security solution.

Real-World Applications and Success Stories

Cybersecurity and BA solutions are already helping to protect major businesses and brands worldwide.

For example, Pinsent Masons (PM) supported the UK Science Museum Group (SMG) with BA to help analyze its security culture.

Specifically, PM deployed its Human Cyber Index tool to pool insights into how the SMG’s employees behaved regarding approved security measures and protocols. By measuring behavior, the SMG gained useful insights into how to update its cybersecurity and where its team required additional training on best practices.

Practical Integration Tips for Cybersecurity Professionals

Implementing efficient and reliable BA cybersecurity is not an overnight process. Partnering with cybersecurity experts, for one, will help ensure your network and digital assets are secure in a machine-learning environment.

In the meantime, however, here are a few quick best practices to consider when setting up and managing BA cybersecurity:

• Don’t shy away from big data. The more information BA tools have to work with, the more accurate and efficient they will be at building a status quo – and learning what to fight back against.
• Don’t set and leave BA tools. Work with a cybersecurity expert to manage the hardware and monitor your security strategy over time. Be ready to change tools and approaches if, in time, your setup doesn’t prove beneficial.
• Don’t be afraid to integrate. It’s possible, if not advisable, to blend the old with the new. With a reliable cybersecurity team, you may not need to remove legacy systems to make way for a completely new installation.
• Compare and contrast solutions. Research the benefits of BA tools you’re considering and apply them to specific use cases. Look before you leap and read industry advice and reviews before committing.

Conclusion

Behavioral analytics and machine learning are making cybersecurity more efficient and easier to manage across the board.

However, it pays to look carefully into different BA tools and consider partnering with a cybersecurity firm. Just as it makes sense to compare mobile device management solutions and productivity tools, it pays to invest in the best analytical security strategies for your company.

The future of cybersecurity is certainly rooted in AI – meaning now is the time to start embracing ML and advanced analytics to protect your business better.