What is Cyber Threat Hunting? 

Threat hunting is the proactive process of searching through networks, endpoints, and systems to detect hidden threats that may have bypassed traditional security tools. Instead of waiting for alerts, threat hunters actively look for unusual patterns or behaviors that could signal an attack in progress.  

For modern businesses, this approach is invaluable for their security. Threat hunting helps uncover sophisticated threats earlier, minimizes damage, and strengthens overall resilience against a volatile digital landscape. 

In this article, we’ll explore what threat hunting involves, the different methodologies and models, and how to choose the right provider for your unique business needs. 

Why is Threat Hunting Necessary in Cybersecurity? 

Cybercriminals are actively finding ways to breach systems and compromise valuable data, with some attacks being so serious that victims take years to rebuild. For businesses, the consequences of a data breach can be especially harrowing, leaving them with reputation damage, loss of customer trust, long term downtime, or even bankruptcy.  

To prevent this, it’s vital to stay up to date with the evolving digital threat landscape and consistently apply the latest security measures. In many cases, prevention is the strongest, and sometimes the only, defense against the risks of costly data breaches. 

Cybersecurity experts have developed threat hunting as an effective method of combating digital risks before they get the chance to compromise a system. Threat hunting uncovers hidden patterns or malicious activity by combining advanced analytics, behavioral detection, and human expertise. This process helps security teams detect complex digital risks such as zero-day exploits, insider threats, or advanced persistent threats before they cause serious harm. 

In cybersecurity, its importance lies in closing the gaps left by standard defenses. By continuously looking for anomalies and validating potential risks, threat hunting empowers individuals to anticipate, contain, and neutralize attacks. 

Threat Hunting vs Threat Intelligence 

In cybersecurity, the terms threat hunting and threat intelligence are often used together, but they represent two distinct approaches to defending digital environments.  

Threat intelligence provides the data and insights needed to understand cyberthreats, while threat hunting is the hands-on process of actively searching for them inside a network. Together, they form a powerful defense strategy. 

Below, we have a table outlining the core difference between the two: 

	Threat Hunting	Threat Intelligence
What it is	A proactive search within systems, networks, and endpoints to identify hidden or missed threats.	The collection and analysis of data about potential threats, attacker tactics, and vulnerabilities.
How It Works	Security experts analyze logs, behaviors, and anomalies to uncover attacks that automated tools may have missed.	Data is gathered from multiple sources (malware reports, dark web monitoring, and global attack trends) and analyzed for insights.
Benefits	Detects advanced persistent threats, minimizes damage by early detection, and validates the effectiveness of defenses.	Provides context about new threats, helps prioritize risks, and informs security strategies before incidents occur.
Who Needs It Most	Organizations with complex infrastructures, sensitive data, or high exposure to targeted attacks.	Businesses that want to understand the threat landscape, strengthen policies, and keep up with evolving risks.

The Methodology for Cyber Threat Hunting 

For cyber threat hunting to be effective, it must follow a structured methodology that allows security teams to detect, analyze, and eliminate hidden risks. Unlike automated detection, this process relies heavily on human expertise and a clear framework to make sure that no vulnerability is left unpatched.  

The threat hunting methodology usually follows three key steps, namely: 

• Hypothesis Creation – The process begins by forming a hypothesis, which is essentially an educated assumption about where threats might exist within a system. This can be based on threat intelligence reports, known attack patterns, or unusual activity observed within logs and endpoints. By narrowing the focus early, teams can direct their efforts more effectively. 

• Investigation – Once a hypothesis is set, security experts dive into the data. They examine logs, network traffic, and endpoint behaviors to search for signs of compromise. Advanced analytics, combined with human intuition, play a critical role here. The aim is to confirm or dismiss the hypothesis by identifying suspicious activity that automated systems may have overlooked. 

• Resolution – If a threat is confirmed, the final step involves containment, remediation, and documentation. Containment might include isolating infected devices or cutting off malicious traffic. Remediation ensures that vulnerabilities are patched, or misconfigurations corrected. Finally, detailed documentation helps organizations learn from the incident and improve defenses for the future. 

Types of Threat Hunting 

There are different types of threat hunting that can be applied to enhance security, depending on the goal and information available. Below, we will discuss each type in more detail so you can better understand how they work individually and together. 

• Structured Hunting 

Structured hunting follows a clear framework or model, such as the MITRE ATT&CK framework, to guide investigations. Security teams begin with a specific hypothesis, often based on known attack tactics or intelligence reports, and then search the environment for evidence of those techniques. This method provides consistency, making it easier to repeat and improve over time. It’s especially useful for individuals who want systematic coverage of potential threats. 

• Unstructured Hunting 

Unstructured hunting is more exploratory in nature. It starts without a predefined hypothesis and instead relies on a hunter’s intuition, experience, and knowledge of the environment. Analysts look for unusual patterns, anomalies, or behaviors that don’t fit the norm. While this method may seem less formal, it often uncovers new or unexpected attack techniques that structured models might miss. It is valuable in dynamic environments where threats evolve quickly. 

• Situational Hunting 

Situational hunting is triggered by a specific event or context, such as a newly disclosed vulnerability, a recent data breach in the industry, or suspicious activity within the organization. Teams focus their efforts on determining whether the same threat is present in their own environment. This approach is highly targeted and time-sensitive, allowing businesses to respond quickly to emerging risks. 

Together, these methods create a balanced strategy that empowers businesses to detect and neutralize cyber threats. 

Threat Hunting Models 

To make the process more effective, cybersecurity professionals often rely on established threat hunting models that provide structure and direction. Each one brings unique advantages, and together they offer a flexible approach to identifying hidden threats.  

The three most common threat hunting models are: 

• Intel-based hunting 

• Hypothesis-based hunting 

• Custom hunting 

Intel-Based Hunting 

Intel-based hunting uses external threat intelligence as the starting point. Security teams rely on data feeds, reports, or indicators of compromise (IOCs) gathered from global sources. They then search their environment for any evidence of these known threats. This model is highly effective for identifying attacks that are already documented in the wider cybersecurity community. However, it may not always detect new or highly targeted threats. 

Hypothesis-Based Hunting 

Hypothesis-based hunting begins with an assumption, often inspired by frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, about how an attacker might attempt to breach a system. Teams then test this assumption by actively searching for evidence that supports or refutes it. This model is proactive, encouraging organizations to anticipate potential threats before they materialize. It is especially valuable for businesses that want to strengthen defenses against advanced, emerging tactics. 

Custom Hunting 

Custom hunting is tailored to a specific organization. Instead of relying solely on outside intelligence or general hypotheses, it draws on in-depth knowledge of the company’s environment, industry, and potential attack surface. By focusing on unique cyber risks, such as specialized applications or sensitive data, custom hunting delivers highly relevant results. This model is ideal for organizations facing industry-specific threats or regulatory pressures. 

Tools and Techniques Used in Cyber Threat Hunting 

Cyber threat hunting is built on the combination of human expertise and powerful technologies that make it possible to analyze massive amounts of data, spot unusual activity, and respond quickly to potential threats.  

While experienced hunters bring intuition and contextual understanding, tools provide the visibility and speed needed to stay ahead of complex digital attacks. Some of the most widely used strategies include Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and big data analytics.  

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) 

EDR focuses on monitoring endpoints such as laptops, servers, and mobile devices. It collects and analyzes activity in real time to detect suspicious behavior, malware, or unauthorized access attempts.  

With advanced analytics and forensics capabilities, EDR allows security teams to investigate incidents thoroughly and respond by isolating affected endpoints. Its strength lies in offering detailed visibility into endpoint activity, which is often where attackers begin their campaigns. By using EDR, professionals can quickly detect intrusions and limit damage before threats spread further. 

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) 

SIEM platforms gather and correlate data from multiple sources across the organization, including firewalls, servers, applications, and endpoints. By centralizing logs and events, SIEM helps security teams detect patterns that might indicate a coordinated attack. It also provides dashboards and alerts that make complex data easier to interpret.  

SIEM is a valuable tool for threat hunters because it offers a broad view of the environment, helping them connect dots across systems. Even more, SIEM supports compliance reporting, making it essential for businesses in regulated industries. 

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) 

MDR combines advanced detection technology with human expertise, offering a managed service that provides continuous monitoring, threat analysis, and incident response. Unlike standalone tools, MDR brings in experienced professionals who actively hunt for threats and provide actionable insights. This service is particularly beneficial for organizations without large in-house security teams, as it guarantees around-the-clock coverage.  

MDR not only identifies potential attacks but also guides businesses through the steps to contain and remediate them, reducing risk and response time significantly. 

Big Data Analytics 

Modern cyber threats generate enormous amounts of activity that cannot be analyzed manually. Big data analytics allow security teams to process and interpret this information at scale, identifying subtle patterns or anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed.  

By applying machine learning and behavioral analysis, big data analytics helps detect advanced persistent threats and insider risks. It also enables individuals to predict potential attack vectors by learning from historical data. In threat hunting, big data provides the foundation for turning raw information into actionable intelligence. 

Best Practices for Threat Hunting 

To gain real value from threat hunting, businesses must approach it with a structured, consistent strategy. Best practices not only improve the effectiveness of the hunt but also guarantee that teams use their resources wisely and strengthen security over time. 

Below, we have a few best practices for threat hunting: 

• Define Clear Objectives – Any cybersecurity strategy works best when you start with a plan. Your objectives should include detecting advanced persistent threats, validating security controls, or uncovering insider risks. A defined focus helps teams work more efficiently by making better use of resources. 

• Use Threat Intelligence – Global threat intelligence helps you stay informed about the latest tactics and vulnerabilities. By combining external intelligence with internal data, cybersecurity professionals gain stronger context, which then improves accuracy in identifying threats. 

• Collect and Analyze High-Quality Data – Effective threat hunting heavily relies on visibility. Make sure you gather logs, endpoint activity, and network traffic from across the environment. The broader the dataset, the greater the chance of your threat hunting team to uncover hidden anomalies. 

• Involve Cross-Functional Expertise – Threat hunting should not be left to security analysts alone. Gather your IT teams, developers, and business stakeholders, because each individual provides different perspectives, which may help uncover risks tied to both technical and operational processes. 

• Automation is Key – While human expertise is essential in threat hunting, automation reduces repetitive tasks such as log correlation or baseline creation. This saves time and allows professionals to focus on deeper investigation and decision-making. 

• Treat It as Continuous – As with many areas of cybersecurity, threat hunting needs to be carried out on a regular basis. When paired with ongoing improvements to security methods, it helps ensure that your defenses grow and adapt as the threat landscape evolves. 

Why Companies Should Choose Managed Threat Hunting Services 

Threat hunting requires a unique combination of advanced technology, deep expertise, and continuous monitoring. Unfortunately, not every business has these resources readily available, and with cybercriminals acting quicker than ever before, individuals can no longer afford to postpone security. 

For this reason, many organizations choose to partner with a managed threat hunting provider. By doing so, they not only gain access to expert tools and professionals but also benefit from these services quickly. 

Let’s explore some unique benefits that companies gain by partnering with a threat hunting professional:  

• Specialized Expertise – Cybersecurity professionals bring years of experience across industries and attack types, knowing exactly where and what to look for. This expertise helps businesses uncover risks that in-house teams may often overlook. 

• 24/7 Monitoring and Response – Data breaches happen spontaneously, often catching victims off guard. A managed threat hunting service constantly monitors your systems for these attacks, quickly detecting and immediately acting to contain threats, no matter when an incident occurs. 

• Advanced Tools Without Extra Investment – Building an in-house hunting team often requires expensive tools, platforms, and hiring professionals. Cybersecurity providers already have these technologies and people in place, making them available at a fraction of the cost. 

• Faster Detection and Containment – Managed hunters combine automation with human analysis, reducing false positives and accelerating the time it takes to confirm and contain threats. 

• Scalability and Flexibility – Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, managed services can adapt to your environment and grow alongside your needs. With how volatile the digital threat landscape is, it’s important to have a partner that not only understands cyberthreats but can also help you adapt your security strategies accordingly. 

• Compliance and Reporting Support – Cybersecurity professionals often provide regulatory compliance guidance along with security services. They help you adhere to industry standards and regulations, while delivering clear reports that make risks and remediation steps easy to understand. 

Proactive Threat Hunting Services by CyberGlobal 

Cybercriminals are constantly using advanced technology to create complex strategies to breach private systems, and each attack seems more vicious and quicker than the last. It’s no wonder that most individuals find it challenging, and often time exhausting, to keep up with digital threats.  

Fortunately, there are experts who have the tools, knowledge, and people to combat cybercriminals before they get the chance to cause irreparable damage to individuals and companies. CyberGlobal is one of those experts.   

In threat hunting, people are just as important as technology. 

At CyberGlobal, our team is constantly on the lookout for emerging digital threats, developing new security strategies to counterattack malicious individuals. We not only bring technology and advanced cybersecurity services, but we also have the right people. Our team is made up of experts with backgrounds in a wide array of industries and engineers whose skills are proven by certifications such as NIS2 Directive, CREST, NATO Top Secret, and ISO/IEC 27001. 

How Our Threat Hunting Strategy Works 

Our managed threat hunting services are built on the principle that prevention alone is not enough. We work under an assumed breach mentality, meaning we operate as if attackers are already inside your systems. This approach allows us to detect subtle signs of compromise that might have bypassed traditional defenses. 

Our team applies a hypothesis-driven investigation, creating and testing scenarios based on real-world attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures. By combining this method with advanced analytics, we uncover both known and emerging threats. 

Finally, we deliver a deep-dive analysis and report, correlating intelligence from network traffic, endpoint behavior, and logs. Each report includes clear findings and practical remediation steps to strengthen your defenses. 

At CyberGlobal, we treat your business’s security as our own, becoming an extension of your team, and guiding you closely throughout the whole threat hunting process. You will not only gain elite cybersecurity services, but also the confidence of operating in a volatile digital landscape, knowing you never have to face these threats alone.  

CyberGlobal is not just your provider; we are your ally. Reach out to us today, and let’s start building a stronger security strategy for your business to thrive!