Threat hunting is the process of actively searching for unknown threats in a system or network, using proactive techniques and advanced tools to detect and respond to potential security incidents. It focuses on finding traces of malicious activity that may have gone unnoticed by traditional defenses, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Threat hunting not only helps detect existing threats but also enables the identification and correction of vulnerabilities in a system before they are exploited by attackers. It requires an interdisciplinary approach that combines technical skills with knowledge of threat intelligence and risk analysis. It is an essential part of a robust security strategy, as it helps protect an organization’s critical assets and minimize the impact of a potential security breach.

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) are key tools in threat hunting as they provide detailed, real-time visibility into the activities occurring on endpoint devices and across an organization’s networks.

EDR systems are software systems installed on endpoint devices such as computers and servers to collect real-time telemetry information and detect potential threats. These tools include features such as behavioral analysis, intrusion detection, and automated response capabilities.

XDR extends the capabilities of EDR by providing visibility and detection across an organization’s entire infrastructure, including cloud, networks, and endpoint devices. They also provide real-time security analysis and automated response to detected threats.

Together, EDR and XDR provide comprehensive visibility into activities on endpoint devices and networks, enabling security teams to quickly detect and respond to unknown threats, as well as identify and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited. This helps protect an organization’s critical assets and minimize the impact of a potential security breach.

A conventional antivirus is software specifically designed to detect and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software from a device. It operates using a virus definition database to identify and eradicate known threats. The main objective of a conventional antivirus is to prevent the device from becoming infected with malware.

On the other hand, an endpoint detection and response (EDR) system is a software installed on endpoint devices like computers and servers to collect real-time telemetry data and identify potential threats. Unlike a conventional antivirus, EDR takes a proactive approach to threat detection and response, extending beyond the search and elimination of known malware. EDR provides detailed real-time visibility into endpoint activities, encompassing behavioral analysis, intrusion detection, and automated response capabilities.

In summary, while a conventional antivirus primarily focuses on preventing infections from known malware, an EDR system offers comprehensive real-time visibility into endpoint activities, along with proactive detection and response to unknown threats.