Effective threat hunting in an information systems environment is now a decisive factor in enhancing robust cyber defense. This quality of cyber defense aggressiveness is particularly pertinent in Microsoft Security systems. SC-200 Microsoft Security Operations Analyst exam trains candidates to become experts in proactively hunting for potential threats, responding to security incidents, and improving organizational security by implementing Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure Defender, and Azure Sentinel.
Understanding Threat Hunting
Threat hunting can be viewed as an above-and-beyond security measure. It involves proactive processes for identifying threats and abnormal activity that slip past automated security measures. Security threat hunting requires an unmatched level of detail-orientedness, systems understanding, and investigative skill. Microsoft threat hunting tools and strategies offer an edge for staying ahead of potential attacks and vulnerabilities.
An Example with Azure Sentinel
For example, consider an environment with Azure Sentinel as its security cornerstone. An analyst suspects some questionable activities could be masquerading as standard SQL server communication. They opt to receive logs from the relevant server to Azure Sentinel and create a suitable query to flag abnormal behaviors that deviate from pre-set patterns.
The query could look something like this:
AzureDiagnostics
| where Category == “SQLSecurityAuditEvents”
| where OperationName == “AuditEvent”
| extend IpAddress = tostring(parse_json(AuditEvent_s).ip_address)
| summarize count() by IpAddress, bin(TimeGenerated, 1h)
| render timechart
This example involves leveraging Microsoft Security’s flexibility, forethought, and customization options. The results would point to abnormal SQL server communication patterns that could be a potential unstopped risk.
The Strategy and Tools for Threat Hunting
Threat hunting often centers around identifying abnormal patterns to distinguish a regular network event from suspicious activity. An operational measure in Microsoft’s threat hunting strategy is User and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA). With Microsoft’s UEBA, an analyst can examine activities on a user-level basis.
UEBA is applicable both in Microsoft 365 Defender and Azure Defender. A simple comparison is shown in the table below:
| Microsoft 365 Defender: | Offers native integration with Microsoft 365 services, includes email protection | Provides a unified view of threats across your Microsoft 365 environment |
|---|---|---|
| Azure Defender: | Protects against threats in hybrid environments, non-Microsoft clouds, and on-premises | Protects SQL servers, ensures the security of your containers |
In both platforms, the UEBA identifies patterns such as login failure streaks, abnormal geographical login locations, questionable file access patterns, all of which may flag a potential threat. Security analysts conduct in-depth reviews of these threat indicators and leverage AI-backed tools to manage potential risks.
Role of SC-200 Certification
The SC-200 certification equips analysts with a deep understanding and practical knowledge of these tools and strategies. They are trained to utilize unified experiences in Microsoft’s XDR (extended detection and response) technologies and Microsoft Sentinel, to counter cyber threats with precision and speed.
Seamlessness with Azure Sentinel
Threat hunting, while it may seem daunting, can be made seamless using tools like Azure Sentinel, which allows Security analysts to construct custom queries, import data, visualize & analyze threats in creative ways, and use built-in machine learning models to detect unusual behaviors in the network.
Becoming Proficient in Threat Hunting
Understanding these concepts and becoming proficient in threat hunting is a key part of preparing for the SC-200 Microsoft Security Operations Analyst exam. Everyone involved in enhancing an organization’s security posture and responding swiftly to security incidents must appreciate the need for active threat hunting and work towards honing this critical skill.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft’s Security Operations Analyst exam, SC-200, provides the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively perform threat hunting, among other vital security functions. By leveraging tools and strategies such as Azure Sentinel, UEBA, and pattern recognition, security professionals are better equipped to proactively identify, investigate, and neutralize cyber threats.
Practice Test
True or False: Threat hunting is essential for proactive cyber defense.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Threat hunting involves proactively searching through networks and datasets to detect threats that might have been missed by automated security solutions.
What is the first step in the threat hunting process?
- A. Analysis of threats
- B. Identification of threats
- C. Creation of a hypothesis
- D. Threat neutralisation
Answer: C. Creation of a hypothesis
Explanation: The threat hunting process starts with the creation of a hypothesis about what threats might exist, which is then tested through investigation.
Which of the following is not a part of the threat hunting cycle?
- A. Hypothesis
- B. Investigation
- C. Eradication
- D. Procrastination
Answer: D. Procrastination
Explanation: Procrastination is not part of the threat hunting cycle. The cycle includes creating a hypothesis, investigating, finding, and remediating threats.
True or False: Threat hunting is a reactive approach to cyber threats.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Threat hunting is not a reactive, but a proactive approach. It aims to identify threats before they can cause damage.
In threat hunting, which technology helps to aggregate data from different sources for easy analysis?
- A. SIEM
- B. Firewalls
- C. IDS
- D. VPN
Answer: A. SIEM
Explanation: SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) technology helps to aggregate data from different sources, making it easier to discover and analyze potential threats.
Which one of the following is a common threat hunting tool?
- A. Wireshark
- B. Word
- C. Excel
- D. PowerPoint
Answer: A. Wireshark
Explanation: Wireshark is a popular network protocol analyzer tool often used in threat hunting for analyzing network traffic.
True or False: Training machine learning algorithms to flag anomalies can be a helpful part of threat hunting.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Machine learning algorithms can be trained to find anomalies in large datasets, which can significantly improve efficiency in threat hunting.
During threat hunting, if you find an unknown file on the system, you should:
- A. Delete it immediately
- B. Quarantine it
- C. Ignore it
- D. Analyze it
Answer: D. Analyze it
Explanation: In threat hunting, an unknown file should not be immediately removed. It should be analyzed first to understand its nature and purpose.
An alert is generated from a SIEM system. What is the next step?
- A. Ignore the alert
- B. Analyze the alert
- C. Delete the alert
- D. Archive the alert
Answer: B. Analyze the alert
Explanation: A SIEM generates alerts based on identified threats or anomalies. The next step is to analyze the alert for verification and investigation.
True or False: Threat hunting can be automated completely with no need for human intervention.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While many elements of threat hunting can be automated, it still requires human judgment for aspects such as hypothesis creation and final decision-making.
Which of the following would not typically be used as an input to an effective threat hunting operation?
- A. Network logs
- B. Threat intelligence feeds
- C. Company financial performance reports
- D. Anti-virus reports
Answer: C. Company financial performance reports
Explanation: Company financial performance reports are not correlated with cyber security and, thus, are not relevant to threat hunting operations.
Interview Questions
What is threat hunting in cybersecurity?
Threat hunting involves the proactive search for malware or attackers lurking in your network who have bypassed existing security systems. It involves actively looking for threats that automated systems may have missed and removing them.
What are some primary goals of threat hunting in an organization?
Some primary goals of threat hunting include detecting advanced persistent threats that evade existing systems, enhancing current security systems, and strengthening the general defense posture of the organization against future threats.
What skills are required for an effective threat hunter?
The individual should be skilled in detailed data analysis, be proficient with intrusion detection systems, have a deep understanding of network protocols, and be able to think like an attacker.
How does threat hunting contribute to improving security at an organization?
Threat hunting can identify and isolate advanced attacks, detect weaknesses in current security systems, and help to create stronger, proactive defenses instead of merely reactive ones.
What is the significance of hypothesis-driven approach in threat hunting?
A hypothesis-driven approach in threat hunting starts with an educated assumption or theory about potential threats based on intelligence or existing data. This approach provides a focus and direction, increasing efficiency of the threat hunting process.
How does threat hunting integrate with the MITRE ATT&CK Framework?
Threat hunting uses the MITRE ATT&CK Framework to understand attacker’s tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs). This Framework guides threat hunters on what to look for, helping them spot unusual activities that might indicate a successful breach.
What is the relationship between threat intelligence and threat hunting?
Threat intelligence feed threat hunting by providing the necessary data and information on known threats, tactics and behaviours of potential attackers. This leads to effective formulation of hypotheses during threat hunting.
What is the difference between threat hunting and incident response?
While both are important in cybersecurity, they are different. Threat hunting is a proactive process where potential threats are identified and remediated before they can cause harm. Incident response, on the other hand, is a reactive process that occurs after an attack has taken place.
How does a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform assist in threat hunting?
SIEM platforms collect and analyze log data from various sources within an IT infrastructure. It is useful for threat hunting as it provides a centralized view of an organization’s security landscape, making it easier to identify suspicious behavior or threats.
What types of data sources can be utilized in threat hunting?
Threat hunting can utilize data sources like network traffic logs, firewall logs, DNS logs, web server logs and intrusion detection/prevention system (IDS/IPS) logs.
What types of threats can be identified and mitigated through threat hunting?
Threat hunting can identify and mitigate various types of threats, including advanced persistent threats (APTs), insider threats, zero-day vulnerabilities, and sophisticated malware.
Why is continuous improvement important in threat hunting?
In threat hunting, continuous improvement is key as it helps organizations to adapt to the continually evolving threat landscape. It involves refining threat hunting strategies, incorporating learning from past hunts, and updating systems and processes.
What are some commonly used threat hunting tools or platforms?
Some commonly used threat hunting tools and platforms include SIEM software, intrusion detection systems (IDS), user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA), and threat intelligence platforms.
extutorials.com