What is Behavior Monitoring in Cybersecurity?


What is Behavior Monitoring?

Behavior Monitoring is the process of collecting and analyzing the network information to detect malicious activities. It is also referred to as network behavior analysis (NBA) or network behavior anomaly detection. Behavioral monitoring software analyses data from various sources and employs machine learning to spot trends that could indicate an attack is underway.

In IT, behavioral monitoring checks and controls end-user, device, and network behavior patterns. The baseline is a model behavioral profile that the monitoring solution creates for individuals and devices. For each person, device, or app, a baseline would be set. This becomes easier to spot inconsistencies or anomalies once this baseline has been established.

When done over a significant period, behavior monitoring allows companies to benchmark usual network behavior, which aids in the detection of anomalies. Any anomalies found can be submitted for further investigation. This method of information security is likely to play an increasingly crucial role in safeguarding computers at the network's edge as machine learning improves.

Traditional security software compares transmitted data to signatures in an anti-virus dealer's library of known threats. Differentially, behavior-based security solutions monitor data streams and then evaluate data stream behavior to a baseline of usual behavior and check for anomalies. Computational mathematics and machine learning are used in behavior-based security systems to identify statistically significant occurrences.

Users moving smoothly between Proxy servers, assets, cloud services, and digital phones collect enormous data on today's networks. Because UBA (User Behavior Analytics) focuses on user activity rather than static threat indicators. It can detect attacks that haven't been linked to threat information and warn about malicious behavior sooner in an attack.

As networks have grown more complicated, it has become faster than ever to effectively breach a business network and impersonate an internal employee, bypassing exterior protections. An intruder who can gain access to a network while remaining undetected can regularly obtain necessary information and cause financial harm. User Behavior Analytics uncovers patterns in user behavior to determine what is "normal" conduct and what could be evidence of invader compromise, security breaches, or unsafe network behavior.

While there may be times when an organization must choose between signature-based and anomaly-based encryption software, a wide selection of intrusion detection and prevention systems is available that mix the two approaches.

What are the Benefits of Behavior Monitoring?

While some cyber security services are reactive, behavior monitoring is by definition active. Instead of responding to a threat or reducing its impact, you aim to eliminate it. This is why behavior-based security solutions are so effective against so-called zero-day exploits. It will indicate any action that mimics prior cyberattacks as a possible threat.

However, relying on previous attacks could expose your firm to new types of cybercrime that aren't detected by your software. Fraudsters find new ways to hurt your organization every day, from crypto-jacking to IoT hacks. Any unusual action outside of typical parameters will be recognized and dealt with if an active solution such as behavior monitoring is implemented.

Any organization must implement UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics) to protect itself from internal harm. With the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and more technologies that could exploit network vulnerabilities, UEBA has developed tremendously in recent years. UEBA provides more comprehensive protection for IT infrastructures against intrusive attacks, whether you're looking for suspected insider threats or monitoring privileged accounts.

Updated on: 16-Aug-2022

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