What is threat management? 

Threat management is a process used by cybersecurity professionals to prevent cyberattacks, detect cyber threats, and respond to security incidents.

Organizations can effectively mitigate insider threats by adopting a unified approach to security data and leveraging advanced technologies, such as cyber threat management systems, to counter advanced threats.

Understanding the fragmented security landscape

One of the issues security teams face is information fragmentation, which leads to blind spots in security operations. These blind spots hinder the team's ability to identify and address security threats effectively. Traditional antivirus software is no longer sufficient to combat the dangers organizations face, such as mutating software, advanced persistent threats (APT), insider threats, and vulnerabilities. 

The disappearance of a clearly defined perimeter in IT infrastructure and the rise of remote workforces have further complicated the security landscape. Enterprises now face complex risks and security threats that they have never experienced before. Security professionals need enhanced visibility and a unified approach to security data to overcome these challenges.

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The role of cyber threat management 

Security teams have turned to cyber threat management systems to address the evolving threat landscape. These systems, powered by automation and informed by AI, provide the necessary tools and insights to counter advanced attacks by cybercriminals. 

These systems unify security data and enable security teams to confidently navigate and identify data at risk and vulnerabilities across networks, endpoints, and clouds.

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How threat management works

Many modern threat management systems use the cybersecurity framework established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Five primary functions make up its core structure. They are to identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.

Identify

Cybersecurity teams need a thorough understanding of the organization's most important assets and resources. The identify function includes categories, such as asset management, business environment, governance, risk assessment, risk management strategy, and supply chain risk management.

Protect

The protect function covers many technical and physical security controls for developing and implementing appropriate safeguards and protecting critical infrastructure. These categories are identity management and access control, awareness and training, data security, information protection processes and procedures, maintenance, and protective technology.

Detect

The detect function implements measures that alert an organization to cyberattacks. Detect categories include anomalies and events, continuous security monitoring, and early detection processes.

Respond

The respond function ensures an appropriate response to cyberattacks and other cybersecurity events. Categories include response planning, communications, analysis, mitigation, and improvements.

Recover

Recovery activities implement plans for cyber resilience and ensure business continuity in the event of a cyberattack, security breach, or another cybersecurity event. The recovery functions are recovery planning improvements and communications.

The future of threat management

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the field of threat management will also undergo significant advancements. Emerging technologies such as machine learning, behavioral analytics, and threat intelligence sharing will significantly strengthen security measures.

Machine learning and behavioral analytics

Machine learning helps organizations detect potential threats by analyzing data for anomalies and patterns, allowing proactive response before harm occurs.

Threat intelligence sharing

Sharing threat intelligence among organizations enhances threat management efforts by identifying emerging threats and common attack patterns, and implementing proactive security measures.

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