Network Detection and Response (NDR) is an emerging category of cybersecurity solution that ingests and analyzes network traffic to detect suspicious activity and understand security risks and exposure. NDR combines machine learning-powered detections, behavioral analysis, and signature-based detections for known IOCs. Best-in-class NDR solutions also use decryption and protocol decoding to uncover threats hiding in encrypted traffic. Streamlined workflows enable cybersecurity teams to quickly investigate down to packet-level context and respond with confidence.
Like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), NDR security solutions do not prevent malicious activity. Instead, they identify attack activity in progress and provide the insight needed to stop attacks before they can do significant harm. NDR is distinct from EDR in that it does not use an agent to monitor east-west and north-south network traffic, relying instead on a network or virtual tap for analysis of network telemetry across on-premises and cloud workloads. NDR is also referred to as network analysis and visibility (NAV) by some independent analyst groups.
EDR and SIEM provide essential visibility into endpoints and logs, but both tools leave coverage gaps. EDR requires agents to be deployed on each endpoint, but not every endpoint can support an agent. IoT and personal devices are two examples. Sophisticated attackers can also bypass EDR by taking advantage of unmanaged devices — including the 37% of critical devices that are unmanaged. SIEM tools rely on logs, which are useful sources of data, but they lack the context of network packets and attackers can delete logs, wiping away any trace of their activities. Attackers can also avoid firewalls and legacy standalone intrusion detection systems (IDS), but because certain key activities in a successful attack occur on the network, NDR can detect those threats.
NDR complements EDR, SIEM, and IDS/IPS tools by filling coverage gaps and continuously monitoring and analyzing network traffic to provide actionable insight. NDR solutions don’t require agents to understand the ways endpoints, workloads, and services communicate with each other. NDR solutions also provide packet-level context, enabling security teams to dive deeper into the activities of assets and investigate down to ground truth.
NDR solutions offer a range of capabilities that can provide advantages over traditional signature-based threat detection tools. These capabilities include:
NDR solutions provide real-time monitoring and analysis, enabling quicker identification and response to potential threats. Some NDR tools can also prioritize and raise alerts to security teams or security operations centers (SOCs) based on potential threat severity.
NDR can offer visibility into all network activities on premises and in hybrid cloud environments. This comprehensive visibility can help organizations intercept more security incidents. Because NDR solutions monitor both north-south (exit and entry) and east-west (internal) network traffic, they can detect both intrusions at the network perimeter and lateral movement within the network. The ability to spot anomalies inside the network can help NDR catch advanced threats lying in wait. Some NDR tools can also detect threats hiding in encrypted traffic.
NDR leverages AI and advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze network data, identify patterns and spot potential threats, including previously unknown threats that traditional tools often miss.
Some NDR solutions feature automated response capabilities—such as terminating a suspicious network connection—that can stop an attack as it’s happening. NDR tools can also integrate with other security tools to execute more complex incident response plans. For example, after detecting a threat, an NDR might prompt a security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) platform to run a predefined response playbook.
Many NDR tools can integrate with threat intelligence feeds and databases such as the MITRE ATT&CK framework. These integrations can enhance behavioral models and improve the accuracy of threat detection. As a result, NDR tools can be less prone to false positives.
NDR solutions provide contextual data and functionality that security teams can use for threat hunting activities that proactively search for previously undetected threats.
Selecting the right Network Detection And Response solution could be crucial for your organization’s network security. Having the right platform in place will deliver comprehensive and robust protection. The wrong solution, however, may give you a false sense of security. We recommend looking for the following features when selecting an NDR solution for your organization:
The solution should be able to swiftly identify abnormal network behavior that might indicate a security threat. This includes new behaviors, and those that have been identified in other network systems.
The ability to scale up as your organization’s network infrastructure expands is crucial. This includes handling increased traffic and additional connected devices. You need to ensure that your platform has the capacity to handle your needs, ensuring that no area is overlooked.
The NDR solution should be capable of providing real-time alerts about potential security threats. These alerts should be targeted to relevant individuals, ensuring that they have access to the information that they need.
It’s important that your platform can inspect every detail of incoming and outgoing data to identify threats. If this analysis is not comprehensive, you may inadvertently permit access to dangerous material.
By definition, all NDR solutions should not only detect, but also respond to threats automatically. You need to ensure that this respose capability is effective and robust enough to counter the threats that you are facing. Having a high degree of automation reduces the scope for human error and slow response time.
The tool should easily integrate with your existing IT infrastructure, including other security tools, for seamless threat detection and response. This will assist in both the threat detection and remediation processes.
Investing in an NDR solution can help secure your network, provide real-time threat detection, and ensure timely responses to any potential attacks. It’s important to conduct thorough research when selecting an NDR platform, ensuring that it aligns with your organization’s size, needs, and long-term security strategy.