Networks are growing in both size and complexity with an unprecedented volume of data. This increased complexity creates a greater number and variety of connections susceptible to cyberattacks. Threat actors actively seek out security vulnerabilities in networks, devices, data, users, and applications.
Common network security threats include malicious software (malware), phishing schemes, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), and encryption of data that leads to ransomware extortion. These security threats come with enormous financial consequences and can have long-term effects on the trust between an organization and its customers.
Understanding the role of Network Detection and Response (NDR) technology in proactively detecting signs of a cyberattack, and then preventing them from happening, is a crucial element of a company’s security strategy.
Understanding the Basics of NDR
NDR is a dynamic and advanced cybersecurity approach designed to address the limitations of traditional security measures. It offers a proactive and real-time approach to threat detection and response. Some NDR solutions, like Hughes NDR, utilize advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to recognize hidden patterns in the network and take action before threats have a chance to take root.
Definition of Network Detection and Response
At its core, NDR is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that focuses on monitoring, analyzing, and responding to network-based threats. Unlike traditional security measures that primarily rely on perimeter defenses, such as firewalls and antivirus software, NDR operates with a more holistic approach. It provides organizations with the ability to detect and respond to threats within the network, irrespective of their point of entry. NDR solutions require taking small samples from your network traffic to analyze the health of your network—think of it like taking a blood test to gauge aspects of your health. Hughes NDR draws less than 1% of your network traffic as a sample, much lower than the industry average, minimizing the resource drain on your network going toward security.
Key Components and Functionalities of NDR
Packet Capture and Analysis
NDR involves the continuous monitoring of network traffic through the collection and analysis of packet-level data. Some NDR solutions require looking inside those packets to see what is going on, which can cause privacy concerns. Hughes NDR does not need to look in those packets, ensuring all customer data remains private and protected.
Behavioral Analytics
NDR employs sophisticated behavioral analysis techniques to establish a baseline of normal network behavior. Any deviations from this baseline, such as unusual user activities or suspicious data transfers, trigger alerts for further investigation.
ML and AI Integration
Leveraging ML algorithms and AI, NDR systems can learn and adapt to emerging threats. This enables more accurate and proactive identification of potential security incidents based on historical data and patterns. It also allows for unique scenarios where NDR can predict a threat before it occurs. When devices access suspicious files or make unusual requests, NDR can predict what that device is trying to do and proactively take action before the attack takes place.
How NDR Differs from Traditional Network Security Approaches
Traditional network security approaches often focus on fortifying the network perimeter and rely heavily on signature-based detection methods. While these measures are crucial, they may fall short in detecting advanced and evolving threats that operate within the network. NDR complements these traditional measures by providing continuous monitoring and in-depth analysis of internal network activities, ensuring a more comprehensive defense strategy.
Make the Shift from Reactive to Proactive Cybersecurity
The real value of NDR is that it shifts the paradigm from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity stance, allowing organizations to identify and neutralize potential threats before they escalate. This shift is essential in the face of today's persistent and adaptive cyber threats that can easily circumvent traditional security measures.
CISOs, CIOs and other technology leaders should prioritize Network Detection and Response as a complementary capability to other detection tools, focusing on low false positive rates and detection of anomalies that other tools don’t cover.
For more information on Hughes Network Detection and Response solutions visit www.hughes.com/NDR