We're Drowning in Threat Data Yet We Want More, More, More

Our quest for heightened threat visibility often involves navigating through a minefield of noisy security alerts. According to some reports, security analysts receive hundreds to thousands of alerts daily. Industry research indicates that a significant percentage of these are false positives, leading to the alarming reality that many analysts and managers ignore a substantial portion of them. But we think we need more data to provide improved insights into our environment. The conundrum is that we often do need more data, but we also need better methods to investigate it. This double-edged sword can increase noise and alert fatigue. Beyond an overwhelming volume of alerts, fragmented security functions contribute to a reactive overload for our operations teams which is compounded by the persistent talent gap and a lack of automation and orchestration. To tackle this predicament, we need to take a thoughtful and integrated approach not just across telemetry ingestion but across people, processes, and technology. We need to advocate for advanced threat detection and response solutions, particularly those leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence. These technologies can cut through the noise, providing crucial context, reducing redundant analyst efforts, and enhancing the efficacy of incident response.

Despite the promises of modern security tools and the treasure trove of logs they provide, the deficiency of diverse sources exacerbates alert cacophony, because while we have a vast amount of threat data, we don’t have exactly what we need. Abundant, deduplicated, and well-contextualized data can significantly improve our ability to identify and respond to security threats effectively. Therefore, we need to strive to access partnerships that offer comprehensive yet curated data and those that can help to automate the ingestion and enrichment processes. 

Inconsistent data management practices further contribute to the above cyber headaches. Standardizing formats and protocols, coupled with the automation of ingestion and enrichment processes, ensures consistency across the organization. Integrated security platforms add an extra layer of governance, enhancing security posture and contributing to a more focused cybersecurity strategy. This is where the adoption of a Security Orchestration Automation and Response (SOAR) platform, which provides a unified approach to integration and automation, can tackle many process aspects of data ingestion while also help overcome the hurdles in incident response.

Security teams drowning in reactive tasks can also be limited by isolated security functions within organizations which can hinder broader visibility. Systematizing our teams’ communication between security functions is essential for seamless and effective threat investigation and response. Organized and streamlined functions can help to reduce alerts and rationalize processes. Meanwhile, the universal cybersecurity talent gap remains a significant hurdle, further prompting us to explore automation and training initiatives. Managed security services or outsourcing may offer a collective lifeline to address this ongoing challenge.

An often overlooked but crucial thread is the significance of threat intelligence sharing among organizations. While we have discussed the challenges of alert fatigue, data noise, and the need for automation, it's imperative to delve deeper into the communal aspect of defending against cyber threats. Imagine a scenario where organizations, irrespective of their industry or size, actively share real-time threat intelligence. This collaborative approach forms a formidable line of defense against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. When one entity detects a new threat or identifies a novel attack vector, sharing this intelligence promptly with others becomes an opportunity to serve the broader industry.

Cyber adversaries operate with remarkable speed and agility. In this context, real-time threat intelligence sharing becomes a proactive measure, allowing organizations to stay one step ahead. The ability to quickly disseminate information about emerging threats empowers the collective defense mechanism, enabling others to fortify their defenses before the adversary strikes again.

Threat intelligence sharing also plays a crucial role in breaking down silos that can exist between internal and external organizations. Externally, the cybersecurity landscape is a shared space, and the threats faced by one can have repercussions for many. By fostering a culture of mutually beneficial engagement, organizations contribute not only to their own security but to the security of the entire digital ecosystem. As we navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity, let’s not underestimate the power of collaboration. Advocating for and actively participating in threat intelligence sharing initiatives can transform the cybersecurity landscape from a battlefield of isolated defenses to a unified front against cyber threats.

The collective challenges of cybersecurity demand a united and strategic approach. By embracing shared threat intelligence, promoting integration and automation, fostering collaboration, addressing talent gaps, and prioritizing proactive measures, organizations can navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape more effectively. It is a shared responsibility to cut through the noise, streamline operations, and fortify our defenses against evolving threats. By sharing insights, tactics, and threat indicators, organizations contribute to a shared defense that is more resilient, agile, and prepared to face the dynamic challenges of the digital age. 

Heightened threat visibility without increasing alert fatigue can be achieved with additional security data that is curated from our own tools and through a broader ecosystem of partners. If ingested and normalized using automation, orchestration, and machine learning capabilities we can streamline not only the amount of data we consume but reduce distraction across people and processes. These advanced threat detection and response solutions can cut alert noise, provide relevant context, and reduce both unnecessary analyst efforts while improving our incident response efforts.

by Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst, Richmond Advisory Group