What is the definition of threat hunting in cybersecurity?

Threat hunting in cybersecurity refers to the proactive process of searching for signs of malicious activity within a network. This approach goes beyond simply responding to alerts from security tools; it involves actively investigating and analyzing system data, logs, and network traffic to uncover hidden threats that may not yet have triggered an alarm. By searching for indicators of compromise or other suspicious behaviors, security professionals aim to detect and mitigate threats before they can cause significant harm.

The proactive nature of threat hunting enables organizations to stay one step ahead of potential attackers. It allows for the identification of vulnerabilities and the understanding of attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures. Engaging in threat hunting can lead to a stronger security posture and a better capability to respond to advanced threats.