Top 9 Use Cases for NDR
To learn more about what NDR is, see our introduction to NDR. This article will cover key NDR use cases across malware and ransomware identification, illicit command and control prevention, data exfiltration, and its security tech stack consolidation.
Gartner Market Guide for Network Detection and Response (NDR)
In recent Gartner® reports on Network Detection and Response (NDR), Gartner notes that OT and IT environments...
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Why Organizations Need Network Detection and Response
At its core, NDR leverages advanced analytics, machine learning, and threat intelligence to monitor network traffic. This enables it to identify suspicious activities that could indicate a breach or an ongoing attack. Unlike conventional security tools that rely on known threat signatures, NDR solutions are adept at uncovering novel or evolving threats. This is crucial in a landscape where attackers constantly modify their tactics to evade detection.
The strength of an NDR solution lies in its ability to provide real-time visibility into network activities. It continuously analyzes network traffic, detecting anomalies that could signify a compromise, such as unusual data flows or communication with known malicious IPs. When a threat is identified, the NDR system can automatically initiate a response, such as isolating affected systems, to prevent the spread of the attack.
For those interested in exploring how an NDR solution can be deployed effectively in an enterprise setting, particularly in conjunction with other security tools like SIEM, this resource provides valuable insights into the benefits and practical applications of NDR in a modern cybersecurity framework.
9 NDR Use Cases
#1. Lateral Movement Detection
Recognizing your attack surface is a critical initial step in detecting lateral movement. NDR solutions continuously monitor and analyze network traffic, allowing you to establish a baseline of normal traffic patterns. Thanks to this baseline, they can detect network anomalies such as unusual data flows or access requests to sensitive areas of the network. These can be indicators of lateral movement that appear long before application logs indicate suspicious access. This immediate insight is crucial for limiting the spread of an attack within the network. Upon detecting suspicious activities, NDR systems can automatically initiate responses. This could range from alerting security personnel to automatically isolating affected network segments, helping to contain the breach.
In the event of a breach, NDR tools offer a wealth of forensic capabilities to investigate the incident. This includes tracking the attacker’s movements and methods, which is vital for improving security measures and preventing future breaches.
#2. Compromised Credentials
When high-risk credential usage is identified, NDR’s integration with IAM systems can prevent an attack from winding up, and keep your end-users ahead of an attack by switching out credentials.
#3. Ransomware Attack Mitigation
#4. Insider Threat Identification
Furthermore, NDR goes beyond simple rule-based detection: machine learning allows for the continuous analysis and modeling of entity behaviors within the network. This approach allows NDR to contextually spot anything that resembles established attack methods. As a result, even processes that appear legitimate could be subject to scrutiny and flagged if they exhibit unusual characteristics.
However, it’s important to note that not all machine learning systems are equally effective. Systems that utilize the cloud for its speed and scalability in executing machine learning models generally have a significant edge over systems reliant on more constrained local computing resources. This difference can be critical in the efficiency and effectiveness of detecting sophisticated cyber threats.
#5. Malware Detection
#6. Phishing Attack Detection
#7. Command and Control (C2) Communications Detection
Not only does this analysis also take into account the known characteristics of C2 communications (such as specific data packet sizes, timing intervals, or protocol anomalies), but some NDR solutions can even decrypt and inspect encrypted traffic for signs of C2 communications. This allows for the identification of even advanced attackers that use encryption to conceal their activities.
#8. Data Exfiltration Prevention
Upon detecting potential data exfiltration, NDR systems can automatically initiate responses to mitigate the threat. This might include blocking the transfer, isolating affected network segments, or alerting security personnel.
#9. Security Stack Consolidation
Alongside simpler security management, NDR’s advanced analytics can assume roles that would otherwise require separate tools. They provide sophisticated analysis of network traffic and behaviors, reducing reliance on multiple, less advanced systems. While reducing the number of on-the-ground tools necessary, NDR solutions are scalable and adaptable, meaning they can grow with the organization and adjust to changing security needs. This scalability reduces the need for constantly adding new security tools to the stack as the enterprise expands.
By integrating with and enhancing other security tools, providing centralized control, and automating various security functions, NDR effectively consolidates enterprise security stacks, leading to more streamlined and effective cybersecurity operations.
Automation-Driven Network Detection & Response
Stellar’s solution stands out in the cybersecurity landscape, offering a robust set of NDR capabilities designed to address critical threats at high speed. Our platform excels in real-time detection and response, harnessing the power of advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning to monitor network traffic and identify suspicious activities. Its physical and virtual sensors offer not only deep packet inspection and AI-driven intrusion detection but also provide a sandbox for zero-day attack analysis. These sensors slot in smoothly around the solutions already in your tech stack, while fortifying any previous weak spots.
Discover how our platform can fortify your network defenses, streamline your security operations, and provide the peace of mind that comes with top-tier cybersecurity. To join us in redefining network security, and take a proactive step towards a more secure future, discover more about our NDR platform capabilities.