Network Detection And Response

What is network detection and response?

NDR is an application of the detection and response security system that was developed for endpoint security (this is known as EDR). The principles of detection and response focus on discovering hidden malicious actors on a system and initiating a counterattack to remove the actor and heal any damage it’s already done. NPMs already come equipped with detection functions, but primarily discover issues that affect performance. NDR providers design their tools specifically for discovering threats hiding on your network.

An NDR system contains root cause analysis and mitigation response features to deal with security problems it discovers. When it detects a threat, it performs real-time analysis to determine what kind of threat it is. It then configures a counterattack response based on this analysis in an attempt to stop and remove the actor from the network. The NDR functions continuously monitor the network, capturing and killing threats 24/7. Many NDR solutions also employ intelligence and machine learning capabilities that store information about threats that it finds. This allows the tool to learn from attacks that enter your network and provide quicker analysis and response in the future.

What does NDR look for and respond to?

One of the biggest cybersecurity challenges is that cyber threats are constantly evolving. As more security solutions are introduced, threat developers find ways to get around them or break them entirely. As such, the current landscape of hazardous actors that IT teams face is expansive. Since there are so many types of cyber threats, security tools need to evolve to keep up with malicious actors as they pop up.

Depending on the specific NDR solution, an NDR system may search for any and all of the following network threats, plus others not listed here:

Malware

Files and software are commonly distributed across networks, usually by users downloading or sending files stored somewhere on the network. If a device is infected with malware, it could potentially hijack itself onto a network when that device transmits data.

Harmful use of business-critical applications

Companies install and run several applications to help them operate and manage their business. If a user without the proper authority gains access to these applications, they can gain access to your information or disrupt your business’ workflows.

Zero day attacks

Some cyberattacks take advantage of the buffer time between the actor reaching the target and the cybersecurity team’s response to it. They begin their attack as soon as the actor is installed onto the system.

What’s the difference between NDR and NPM?

We mentioned above that NPMs already feature detection capabilities, so what makes an NDR tool any different? NPMs are built to monitor a network’s performance – bandwidth usage, data speeds, proper network routing, and so on. They also usually come with basic security functions designed to alert network teams of performance data that indicates a possible security issue. These detection features find flaws with a network’s performance. NPM security features analyze suspicious behavior but often don’t eliminate threats directly.

That’s where an NDR comes in. NDR systems specifically target the prevention and removal of threat actors on a network. Detection and response monitoring scans for signs of malicious information on the network and send counterattack protocols to destroy it. NDR tools provide enterprises with a combative measure designed to stop attacks before they wipe out everything on the network.

Why should I bother with a dedicated NDR system?

You might believe your enterprise’s network is already safe enough because you have systems like firewalls and perimeter security tools in place. However, as has already been established, cyber threats are constantly improving themselves. Standard security tools simply aren’t enough anymore, since malware and threat actors can easily bypass or disable them.

NDR tools work alongside your network’s security and NPM programs to cover for security blind spots. Since threats can lay dormant anywhere on your network before attacking to avoid detection, a security system that reacts to bad behavior won’t catch it. By contrast, an NDR implements AI and machine learning to gather a database of known threats and appropriate responses. These features allow the NDR to eliminate dormant threats before they have a chance to start attacking. Cybersecurity is multi-faceted: the best approach to securing your network is to have multiple security systems in place. Implementing a tool for detection and response will give you an automated network defense force – perfect for keeping malicious actors at bay.

ExtraHop

EXTRAHOP PROVIDES HYBRID SECURITY FOR THE CLOUD-FIRST ENTERPRISE, DELIVERING NETWORK DETECTION AND RESPONSE (NDR) POWERED BY CLOUD-SCALE MACHINE LEARNING.

With complete visibility, real-time threat detections, and guided investigation, ExtraHop enables security teams to rise above the noise of alerts, organizational silos, and runaway technology in order to accelerate investigations, unify policies across hybrid environments, and build their security the way they’re building their business: cloud-first.

Vectra

Vectra AI, Inc. applies artificial intelligence that detects and responds to hidden cyberattackers inside cloud, data center and enterprise networks.

Service Spotlight :: Layer 8 Training

Layer 8 Solutions in partnership with Fastlane Training now offer Gigamon Premium Training to turn your team into Gigamon experts!

Contact Layer 8 Today!