What is threat detection and response (TDR)?

The importance of threat detection and response

Threat detection and response allow companies to handle security alerts more accurately and quickly.

In cybersecurity, speed is critical. Advanced persistent threats can become deeply embedded, malware spreads rapidly. Data thieves extract information in a matter of seconds. Fast responses avoid these scenarios—and every second matters.

Efficient threat management is just as critical. Security teams should focus energy on high-risk threats, not investigating false positives or minor alarms. Threat detection and response tools improve the quality of decision-making. Security teams can assign resources to achieve maximum benefits.

TDR also strengthens an organization's security posture against new and unknown threats. Attack techniques change constantly. New delivery mechanisms and malicious software designs appear weekly. Threat detection and response tools stay up-to-date and agile—meeting today's threats and anticipating unknown threats of the future.

How does threat detection and response work?

As the name suggests, TDR has two parts: detection and response. These two components involve different techniques and challenges, but work together to deliver threat protection:

Network detection

Security tools protect the attack surface by tracking user identities, network devices, applications, and cloud assets. Endpoint detection looks for unauthorized devices, while next-generation firewalls monitor traffic passing across the network edge.

Detection techniques to guard the network edge include:

• Signature detection: Identifying the tell-tale signature of common malware agents and malicious activity
• Behavior detection: Looking for deviations from baseline user behavior that may indicate malicious activity
• Anomaly detection: Detecting unusual network events, including strange login times or data requests

Advanced security tools apply proactive threat-hunting techniques. Security teams look for known and high-risk threats, focusing on sophisticated cyber threats that standard network detection tools miss.

Experts use threat modeling to understand how threats relate to network assets. Professionals leverage threat intelligence to anticipate threats and interpret the motivations of threat actors. Contextual information positions security teams to respond quickly and effectively to advanced threats. It also helps deal with previously unknown threats that resemble known malware agents.

TDR counters all high-risk cybersecurity threats. For example, members of the threat detection team look for:

• Evidence of phishing email campaigns
• Identity theft attacks and credential stuffing
• Malware infections (spyware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats)
• Distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on network infrastructure
• Exploit attacks against weakly protected Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices
• Supply chain attacks originating from third parties
• Web-based code attacks
• Deliberate and inadvertent insider threats

The detection part of TDR also includes triage and investigations. Security teams must investigate potential threats and determine whether they require further action. Tools assess the severity and origins of the threat, and the scope of assets affected by the attack.

Incident response

When security professionals identify a critical threat, incident response processes kick in. Incident response generally follows defined procedures, guiding professionals and avoiding mistakes. TDR uses several incident response techniques to mitigate and remove active cyber threats.

Security teams may seek to contain the threat by detaching affected devices or user identities. The next stage is eradicating the threat from network infrastructure. Vulnerability management teams then assess affected assets to prevent follow-up attacks.

After containing the threat, TDR systems restore functionality and network availability. Teams then create a comprehensive incident report, detailing the nature of the threat and mitigation actions.

Security Operations Centers (SOCs)

TDR is a holistic cybersecurity technique, requiring cooperation between stakeholders and security experts. Because of this, companies tend to create security operations centers (SOCs) to coordinate TDR roles and responsibilities.

The SOC operates within the organization's security team. Members manage the cybersecurity posture, proactively meeting emerging threats and mitigating vulnerabilities. The SOC can be sourced internally, although many organizations use external SOC providers to deliver specialist skills and threat intelligence.

What are the main components of threat detection and response?

Threat detection and response is a complex challenge, with several essential components.

The following elements help companies detect threats and respond promptly:

Extended detection and response (XDR)

XDR tools streamline the cybersecurity lifecycle, handling detection, responses, and prevention. XDR tracks applications, email accounts, user identities, and network endpoints to identify potential security incidents. Tools inform security teams about alerts. Automated responses may also apply if determined by security managers.

Endpoint detection and response (EDR)

EDR is a more limited alternative to XDR solutions. EDR protects network endpoints against cyber threats. These threat detection and response tools monitor workstations, laptops, mobile devices, servers—and any other endpoints facing the public internet. As with XDR tools, EDR generates cybersecurity alerts and responds automatically to known threats.

Security information and event management (SIEM)

SIEM tools provide visibility across the threat landscape. Security teams can monitor the entire digital environment, including endpoints, users, apps, and emails. Tracking systems gather data and compare activity patterns with security rules to flag potential attacks.

Sophisticated SIEM solutions utilize AI and machine learning to detect concealed anomalies and departures from normal baselines. They also integrate threat intelligence to scan for emerging threats.

Identity threat detection and response

Identity threats target employees and trusted partners. Criminals may obtain legitimate credentials and assume the identity of employees. Trusted users may also abuse their privileges, accessing and extracting sensitive data.

Threat detection tools verify user identities and respond to malicious activity. Solutions employ user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) to understand normal activity and determine whether identity theft attacks are underway.

Managed detection and response (MDR)

Managed detection and response solutions are externally provided. Companies may not possess in-depth cybersecurity knowledge or lack the resources to implement advanced threat protection tools. MDR partners provide the expertise and tools needed to detect critical threats.

Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)

SOAR solutions integrate external threat intelligence and internal data within a single threat management environment. Security teams obtain full visibility of network assets and leverage global threat data to detect emerging cyber-attack techniques. Automation functions also streamline protection, saving time and reducing human error.

Threat intelligence

Threat intelligence solutions pool cybersecurity data from many sources to hunt threats and diagnose attacks. Intelligence-based detection systems track network endpoints, applications, and cloud deployments. They draw threat intelligence from signature databases and other public information sources. This enables security teams to mount a granular response to specific attack vectors.

Vulnerability management

Exploits and unpatched devices are critical security risks. Vulnerability management tools mitigate these risks by continuously tracking systems, devices, and applications. Security tools leverage vulnerability databases, applying updates as they become available. They also monitor risk scores to understand the severity of network vulnerabilities.

What is advanced threat detection?

Advanced threat detection and response builds on the foundations of conventional TDR. Advanced applications of TDR counter advanced threats that are hard to detect using standard diagnostic and monitoring tools.

For example, advanced TDR helps you analyze exploits in internet-facing applications, counter advanced persistent threats, and combat targeted attacks on network infrastructure.

Sandboxing functions enable security teams to quarantine infected apps or devices in secure network segments. Professionals can execute apps and diagnose problems without compromising network resources.

Deep network traffic analysis detects advanced threats that standard firewalls miss. Behavioral monitoring tools use machine learning to analyze the activity of legitimate users. This cuts the frequency of false alarms and detects subtle identity theft attacks.

Critical threat detection challenges

The threat detection and response components above represent a powerful suite of features. However, implementing TDR challenges organizations. Comprehensive threat detection is a strategic task, requiring long-term planning and investment.

Common threat detection and response challenges include:

• Changing cyber threats. Adversaries never stand still. New threat types and criminal groups emerge all the time. Threat detection must be dynamic and proactive to stay ahead.
• Avoiding false positives. Threat detection must be accurate to prevent false positives. False alarms consume resources and fatigue security teams, who may let their guard down in the future.
• Preventing data overload. Threat detection systems generate vast amounts of data, and threat intelligence feeds add even more information. SOCs must create filters to select relevant data and eliminate noise.
• Insider dangers. Threat hunting for malicious insiders is complex. Insiders often use legitimate credentials and behave normally—until they act. Threat detection must be sharp enough to detect the critical moment without interfering with ordinary workloads.
• Obtaining visibility. To work well, threat detection needs complete visibility of network assets. However, complex infrastructure can leave blind spots, while security teams struggle with legacy systems, diverse locations and shadow IT deployments.
• Achieving interoperability. Security operations must avoid compartmentalization. Security tools must operate together across the whole network environment. Ensuring compatibility between security tools is often extremely challenging.
• Understanding context. Effective threat response relies on knowledge about ongoing attacks. Security teams may lack contextual data to identify threat actors, resulting in delays or security failures.
• Ensuring sufficient resources. Funding and staffing a SOC is demanding. Security teams often need to invest in upskilling and recruitment, as well as technological solutions. Securing necessary resources is hard without executive-level support.
• Dealing with encryption. Data encryption is a security best practice, particularly for confidential data. However, inspecting encrypted traffic can be difficult. Attackers can conceal their activities within encrypted traffic, making it essential to find a balance.
• Scaling with IT changes. Business technology constantly evolves. Threat detection and response must scale and evolve in step, protecting IoT devices, remote workstations, and cloud storage containers.
• Compliance. Regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require companies to protect personal data with robust security measures. Threat detection teams must make sure they meet compliance goals in every relevant jurisdiction.

Threat detection and response best practices

Efficient threat hunting and seamless incident response plans enable organizations to ride out security incidents without harm. However, as we've seen, threat detection and response is far from simple.

The best practices below will make the challenge more manageable:

Create an enterprise-wide security culture

Threat detection and response is not just the responsibility of security professionals. Every employee must know how to identify phishing emails and fake websites, as well as access control and device security best practices.

Companies must prioritize staff training to build a robust security culture. Routinely train staff in phishing basics. Provide a confidential (and encrypted) email inbox to report security incidents, and communicate security policies widely.

Choose your data metrics wisely

Threat response relies on accurate and relevant information about cyber-attacks. Security teams cannot respond effectively if detection systems flood them with false positives or irrelevant data points.

Use threat detection and response technologies to simplify the threat-hunting process. SOAR-based solutions make it easier to assimilate threat data and schedule automated responses. SIEM generates information-rich event logs to contextualize threats.

Make use of cutting-edge threat intelligence

When a cyber-attack occurs, your company is almost certainly not the first victim. Other organizations have detected and responded to the same malware agent or interception attack—generating information that could aid your security center.

Use threat intelligence solutions to learn about threat actors and vulnerabilities. Take a proactive approach and build defenses before attackers act.

Use AI and machine learning to streamline threat detection

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way threat detection and response operates. Cybersecurity AI tools monitor activity across the organization, allowing threat-hunting teams to detect attackers at an early stage. Automated triage assesses alerts and detects false positives, while AI tools can also disrupt ongoing attacks.

Adopt the Mitre ATT&K analysis framework

The Mitre ATT&CK framework has been created by non-profit security experts to ease the handling of advanced persistent threats.

ATT&CK provides free access to a global threat database that describes threat taxonomies and attack methods. Use it to understand the tactics and techniques used by adversaries—the kind of valuable context that suggests mitigation and containment strategies.

Create a comprehensive incident response playbook

Threat detection is useless without effective incident response strategies. The moment of detection is stressful. Security teams need a set of best practices to identify, contain, and eradicate the threat. In other words, you need a consistent incident response plan.

Robust planning ensures you meet every milestone. For example, response plans include regular feedback to executive stakeholders, compliance guidelines, and information about the role of legal and communications teams (if needed).

Aim to minimize grey areas. Your plan should plot a route from detection to threat removal and improvement while keeping all relevant parties informed.

Use extended detection to cover the threat landscape

Extended detection and response solutions monitor endpoints, applications, cloud deployments, and remote workstations. They enable you to manage threat detection centrally, encompassing critical assets within a single dashboard.

Remember: visibility is one of the most common challenges in threat detection. XDR helps you solve this problem while adding automated responses and threat intelligence integrations.

Engage in information sharing and collaboration

Threat detection and response is about more than internal security. It's a global challenge that demands cooperation between organizations. Fortunately, there are many ways to contribute information, join industry bodies, and build a security-conscious business community.

For example, companies should report cybersecurity incidents to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and participate in the Mitre project referenced earlier. Most industries also have an Information and Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) which brings security experts together.

Workshop attacks with red team/blue team exercises

Sometimes, role-playing is the best way to understand processes and identify areas of improvement. Red team/blue team war games work well in the threat detection context.

These exercises pit adversaries against defenders. Adversaries gain insights into how cyber-attackers operate, while defenders test their procedures and techniques. The result is valuable institutional knowledge—particularly if you repeat exercises annually.

Handle security incidents with robust TDR

In the digital economy, nothing is more important than cybersecurity. Companies need robust solutions to detect and mitigate cyber threats, safeguarding their network assets and data from malicious outsiders. Threat detection and response offers an effective solution.

TDR systems identify malware infections, DDoS attacks, APTs, and insider activity. They combine advanced threat detection with incident response systems to contextualize, contain, and eradicate cyber threats. Solutions also create a feedback cycle, suggesting security improvements after every incident.

Threat detection and response can be challenging. Users contend with compatibility issues, data overload, false positives, and insider threats. However, when properly deployed, TDR delivers enhanced cybersecurity outcomes.