Advanced Threat Detection (ATD) is a set of technologies and processes that identify sophisticated cyber threats.
Unlike traditional security measures, ATD is specifically designed to identify subtle indicators of complex threats that evade conventional defenses. By employing advanced analytical techniques, ATD detects anomalous behavior, analyzes suspicious files and network traffic, and uncovers hidden malware or intrusions.
This proactive approach enables organizations to identify and respond to stealthy attacks, minimizing potential damage and improving their overall cyber defense posture.
In this article, we’ll look at ATD’s role in fortifying your organization’s cyber defenses. We’ll also explore how it works, its benefits, common dangers it exposes, and the best ATD solutions to adopt.
How Advanced Threat Detection Works?
Advanced threat detection works by combining various technologies and techniques to identify and warn of advanced cyber threats.
Here’s a breakdown of the processes ATD employs to deal with these dangers:
Behavioral analysis
An advanced threat detection system establishes a baseline of “normal” activity, such as:
- Usual traffic patterns
- Typical user behaviors
- Expected application interactions
ATD monitors for deviations from this baseline. For example, if an application starts sending large amounts of data to an unknown server, it would be considered a deviation. The system flags this as suspicious and raises an alert.
Sandboxing
When a file or application appears suspicious, it is sent to a “sandbox”—a safe, isolated environment where the file can be checked out. The idea is to prevent it from infecting other devices and the network.
Your security team can run the file and observe its behavior. If it attempts something mischievous, like connecting to a dubious domain, it is treated as a threat and dealt with in safe isolation.
Threat intelligence
Advanced threat detection systems integrate with threat intelligence feeds, which provide up-to-date information on known threats, attack patterns, and malicious actors. This allows the system to identify and block probes that are classified as dangerous.
Network Traffic Analysis (NTA)
ATD often incorporates NTA tools, which analyze network traffic patterns, looking for anomalies. They can detect potential problems like data exfiltration, command-and-control communication, and lateral movement within the network.
A complete view of network activity helps to identify threats that could spread dangerously.
User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)
Integrated UEBA solutions create profiles of normal user and device behavior. They look for deviations that might indicate a compromised account or suspicious activity.
UEBA is good at picking up insider threats or when credentials or a device have been stolen.
Machine Learning and AI
ATD learns from vast amounts of data (internal and external) to spot patterns and anomalies that could indicate a threat. They adapt and evolve as new threats emerge, becoming better at recognizing the signs of malicious activity.
What Are Examples of Advanced Cyber Threats?
The most common examples of advanced threats that ATD combats are
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): APTs are prolonged, targeted attacks where criminals gain unauthorized access to your network and remain undetected for an extended time. ATD can pick up the subtle signs of APT activity, such as:
- Unusual network traffic patterns
- Lateral movement within the network
- Data exfiltration
- Zero-day exploits: These attacks exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities in software or hardware. ATD uses behavioral analysis and sandboxing to identify and block suspicious activity associated with zero-day risks.
- Polymorphic malware: Malware is malicious software designed to corrupt, steal, or delete data. Polymorphic malware constantly changes its code to evade detection by signature-based antivirus software. Advanced threat detection tools can often spot signs of polymorphic malware, even if its signature is unknown.
- Fileless attacks: Fileless attacks occur in a computer’s memory. Because they don’t rely on traditional files, they are difficult to catch with conventional antivirus scans. ATD leverages endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities to monitor memory activity, which allows it to recognize and warn about fileless attacks.
- Ransomware: Advanced ransomware attacks aim to encrypt your data and hold it hostage, demanding a “ransom” for its restored return. Using behavioral analysis and threat intelligence, ATD helps to stop ransomware before it encrypts data.
- Spear phishing payloads: Spear phishing typically uses emails to deliver malicious “payloads”—infected attachments or links to steal data or compromise systems. These highly targeted approaches are personalized to deceive specific individuals or groups and often bypass standard email security. ATD employs behaviour analysis and sandboxing to spot these devious operations.
Which Advanced Threat Detection Solution Should You Choose?
The advanced threat detection solution you choose depends on your organization’s specific needs, based on factors such as:
- Company size
- Company risk profile
- Industry
- Compliance requirements
- IT infrastructure and personnel
- Budget
- Existing security tools
A solid ATD system should incorporate sandboxing, machine learning and AI, behavioral analysis, and threat intelligence capabilities. When considering ATD, bear in mind your priority risks and critical value areas, such as email or data protection.
Understanding your most vulnerable entry points will guide you to the best solution and deployment. This will likely encompass a combination of the following:
- Network-based ATD: Is monitoring for suspicious behaviour traffic across your network a security priority? Network ATD detects lateral movement and threats that might otherwise move between devices unnoticed. This is important for mid-to-large enterprises with internal networks and data centers.
- Endpoint-based ATD: Installed on laptops, desktops, and servers, these solutions track behavior at the device level. They can detect fileless malware and targeted attacks that bypass firewalls. This is particularly relevant for businesses with remote workforces or bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies.
- Email security ATD: Is your email a high-risk area? ATD tools analyze attachments and links, using sandboxing and threat intelligence for deeper interrogation. This allows for the prevention of phishing, malware, and other intrusions before they infect inboxes. This is important for any organization, as email is still the most popular target for cyber criminals.
- Data security: These solutions employ behavioral analysis and anomaly detection to catch unauthorized access and breach attempts. Data security is crucial for organizations handling confidential and critical data, including financial institutions, healthcare providers, legal firms, and government institutions.
- Application-based ATD: Focused on securing software applications, these solutions ensure apps are free from vulnerabilities that criminals can exploit. They monitor application behavior in real time to flag unusual happenings. This is relevant for businesses developing or relying on custom apps, particularly in technology, e-commerce, and SaaS industries.
- Cloud-based ATD services: These are fully managed services that combine multiple detection techniques. They integrate easily with your existing tools and scale with your business. A managed cloud solution is widely used by small- to mid-sized businesses without in-house security experts.
Combining ATD with other security controls
ADT isn’t a complete security solution in itself. Rather, it’s a strategy that works alongside other cybersecurity controls like:
- Firewalls, your first line of defense.
- Antivirus to detect and block known threats.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to investigate and resolve common security incidents.
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) for centralized threat monitoring and management.
- User awareness training to educate your team on how to spot phishing and social engineering and cultivate a strong awareness of online dangers.
Ideally, you want to deploy several measures together to defend against threats from all angles. A well-orchestrated, comprehensive ATD solution is generally best, albeit more complex to implement and manage.
The Benefits of Advanced Threat Detection
Businesses operate in an environment where roughly 60 billion records are exposed to cyber breaches annually. Against this backdrop, it’s easy to appreciate ATD’s many advantages:
Enhanced threat detection
ATD’s advanced tools enable you to detect complex and stealthy threats that might otherwise go unnoticed. These tools spot suspicious activity and potential breaches in real time.
Deploying ATD keeps you a step ahead of bad actors exploiting online vulnerabilities.
Preventing financial loss
By detecting and blocking cyber threats before they cause serious harm, you avoid significant financial losses, including:
- Data breaches (costing organizations $4.88 million on average in 2024)
- The cost of restoring data
- Infrastructure damage
- Reputational harm
- Lost business and trust
- Penalties from regulators
Enhanced security posture and reputation
Proactive threat detection enhances a company’s overall security posture. Organizations that demonstrate solid security and data protection often build stronger trust with consumers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Security team efficiency
Advanced threat detection systems can automate threat identification and response. This reduces manual workloads, enabling your security team to focus on higher-value, strategic activities.
Greater threat visibility
These systems contribute to a bird’s-eye view of your organization’s security status, delivering insights into your vulnerabilities and how they might be exploited. Understanding your threats and weaknesses is the first step to addressing them.
Maintaining business continuity
Rapid identification and reaction to cyber breaches minimizes business disruption and downtime. The costs of disrupted operations can mount quickly and be substantial. It’s estimated that unplanned downtime costs major organizations $400 billion annually.
Regulatory compliance
ATD solutions help organizations comply with industry and national regulations, including HIPAA, FINRA, and PCI-DSS. Vigilant detection and alerts ensure the integrity and security of sensitive data.
User education and awareness
Many ATP solutions include support and training that educate users about cybersecurity best practices and help your team identify potential threats.
The value of improving security awareness in the workplace shouldn’t be underestimated. The Verizon 2024 Data Breach Report found that 68% of data breaches were caused by human error, such as staff being tricked by a phishing operation.
How Can Acrisure Cyber Services Help With Advanced Threat Detection?
With over 20 years of expertise, Acrisure Cyber Services is your trusted partner in advanced threat protection. Our affordable Advanced Threat Detection (ATD) service brings enterprise-grade defenses to businesses of all sizes.
Beyond safeguarding against current risks, we proactively anticipate the evolving threat landscape, ensuring the continuous protection of your assets and critical data.
When you partner with Acrisure Cyber Services, you enjoy premium ATD solutions that incorporate:
- Leading-edge technology and tools
- Customization to your specific needs
- Advanced AI and automation
- Cost-effectiveness
- Continuous monitoring and ongoing support
- Staff training as needed
We can help you with just ATD, but if you need to upgrade other aspects of your cyber defenses, our full-suite managed security services include:
Ready for an affordable, forward-thinking defense that grows with your business?
FAQs
How does advanced threat detection differ from traditional methods?
Traditional methods rely heavily on signature-based identification. By contrast, advanced threat detection uses AI, machine learning, and behavior-based techniques to spot threats that evade regular detection.
Does advanced threat detection generate false positives?
ATDs can generate false positives, especially if not properly tuned. However, modern ATD systems use AI and threat intelligence to reduce false alarms and deliver high-confidence alerts.
What should I look for in an ATD solution?
Key features to look for in an ATD solution include:
- Real-time behavioral analysis
- Sandboxing capabilities
- Integration with your existing tools
- Low false positive rates
- Machine learning/AI-driven detection
- Threat intelligence feeds
What is threat hunting?
Threat hunting is a proactive cybersecurity strategy where experts systematically search for malicious or risky activities that bypass traditional security defenses. Unlike reactive measures, it assumes attackers may already be present.
It focuses on identifying unusual indicators and signs of compromise before damage is done. Threat hunting can extend to neutralizing discovered threats.
Can ATD include Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?
Yes, ATD often incorporates EDR tools. EDR monitors endpoint devices (e.g. laptops, servers, routers) for abnormal behavior and produces detailed data and insights into what’s happening on each device. EDR is effective at uncovering and responding to advanced threats that are hiding within seemingly normal activity.