Threat Hunting in the Cloud

As cloud environments grow more complex, safeguarding them requires a proactive stance. Cloud threat hunting actively searches for unauthorized activity to catch threats before they escalate. This approach strengthens your defenses, addressing risks before they can cause damage. This approach involves various types of threat hunting techniques that strengthen defenses, addressing risks before they can cause damage.

With 87% of companies using multi-cloud setups, cloud security is now a must-have. Reflecting this shift, over half of organizations, according to the SANS, have adopted structured threat-hunting methods-a big jump from 35% last year.

This guide covers all you need to know, from essential tools and techniques to overcoming challenges and building a stronger security posture.

What is Cloud Threat Hunting?

Cloud threat hunting is the ongoing process of detecting and remediating malicious activity in your cloud environment. Proactively looking for threats reduces the chances of successful attacks and improves overall security.

Good cloud threat hunting involves analyzing many different types of telemetry data, despite the difficulties of accessing cloud provider logs. Human expertise, advanced tools, and relevant data work together to find and stop threats that automated systems miss. Threat intelligence integration makes cyber threat hunting even better by providing cloud-specific tactics threat actors use.

Cloud Environments and Threat Hunting

Cloud environments are a challenge for threat hunting because of their dynamic and ephemeral nature. Unlike traditional IT setups, cloud infrastructure is constantly changing, resources are spun up and down based on demand. This fluidity makes it hard for security teams to have a clear view of what's happening in their environment at any point in time. And without traditional network boundaries in cloud environments, it makes detection and response to threats even harder.

But this dynamic nature also presents opportunities for better threat hunting. Cloud providers offer a treasure trove of logging and monitoring data that can be used for threat detection. These logs provide detailed information on user activity, network traffic, and system events which is gold dust for identifying anomalies and potential threats. Cloud native security tools and services can automate many parts of threat detection and response so security teams can focus on the more complex threat hunting activities.

Good threat hunting in cloud environments requires a deep understanding of the cloud infrastructure and the ability to analyze large data. Security teams need to be able to identify patterns and anomalies in the data to detect threats. By using the logging capabilities and advanced security tools provided by cloud platforms, security teams can improve their threat detection and response capabilities and have a better security posture.

Threat Hunting in Cloud Environments Evolution

The threat landscape is changing so threat hunting in cloud environments must adapt to new tactics used by the bad guys. The multi-cloud environment has forced security teams to adapt their approach to the different tactics used by the attackers.

Threat actors use advanced techniques to evade traditional security controls so threat hunters must continually refine their detection methods. This evolution ensures cloud threat hunting stays relevant to the changing threats.

What to look for in a Cloud Threat Hunting Solution

A good cloud threat hunting solution must have several key attributes. First and foremost is scalability. The solution must be able to handle large amounts of data and scale with the organization, regardless of the size or complexity of the cloud infrastructure.

Real-time alerting is another must-have. The solution must provide real-time alerts and notifications when threats are detected so security teams can respond quickly and mitigate risks before they get out of hand.

Integration is also a must-have. The solution must integrate with other security tools and services such as SIEM systems and threat intelligence feeds. This integration provides a cohesive security strategy and improves the overall threat detection and response process.

Advanced analytics and machine learning are key to identifying threats and anomalies. These advanced analytics allow the solution to process and analyze large data sets quickly and find patterns that may indicate malicious activity.

Finally, the solution must be cloud-native, designed to use cloud-specific features and services. This means the solution can monitor and protect cloud infrastructure and applications provide visibility and detect and respond to threats in real time.

By having these attributes a cloud threat hunting solution can give security teams the tools and visibility they need to protect their cloud.

Cloud Threat Hunting Components

Several components are required for good cloud threat hunting. Tools that set baselines and investigate anomalies are important. Data (logs, network traffic, endpoint data, and threat intelligence feeds) is key to threat hunting. Active threat hunting in cloud security helps security teams find threats that automated tools miss.

Clear structure, defined roles, and a collaborative culture are required for threat hunting.

Real-Time Monitoring and Detection

Real-time monitoring of multiple telemetry sources including audit logs and user activity is required for cloud threat hunting. Analyzing telemetry in real time allows security teams to see deviations from baselines and recognize unusual patterns that may indicate malicious activity. Real-time monitoring means security teams can respond to security issues and mitigate threats as soon as they are detected.

Real-time monitoring allows security teams to respond to anomalies quickly, and reduce the attack window. Continuous monitoring and analysis of user activity and network traffic gives you visibility and control of the cloud so you can respond to abnormalities.

Advanced Analytics and AI/ML

Handling large amounts of data in cloud environments requires advanced analytics and machine learning (AI/ML) in cloud threat hunting. AI and ML help with threat detection by processing large data sets quickly and finding patterns that may indicate advanced threats.

Cloud-native User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) allows for behavioral analysis of patterns to detect threats.

Threat Intelligence

External threat intelligence feeds into the cloud threat hunting process giving threat hunters visibility into threats. These feeds provide current information on attacker tactics and trends so threat hunters can stay ahead of the threats.

Threat intelligence feeds help with threat detection and being proactive against advanced threats.

Security Teams Role in Cloud Threat Hunting

Security teams are the front-line defenders in cloud threat hunting. They are responsible for identifying threats and anomalies in the cloud and responding quickly to prevent attacks. To be effective they must have deep knowledge of the cloud infrastructure and be able to process large data sets.

Collaboration is key. Security teams must work with other departments such as IT and development to ensure cloud security is part of the overall security strategy. This ensures security is comprehensive and vulnerabilities are addressed quickly.

Cloud threat hunting requires a mix of humans and technology. While cloud-native security tools and services can automate many parts of threat detection and response, human analysts are required to interpret the data and make decisions. Security teams must be able to analyze data, recognize patterns, and understand the context of threats to respond.

Staying current with the latest threats and trends in cloud security is also important. Security teams should be trained and educated, attend industry events and conferences, and stay informed of emerging threats and best practices. This continuous learning ensures security teams can adapt their threat hunting to the changing threats.

In summary, security teams are the foundation of cloud threat hunting. Their skills, experience, and ability to use advanced tools and technologies are required to detect and respond to threats in cloud environments, and to have a strong security posture.

Real-life Cloud Threat Hunting

At Hunt.io, our research team has been hard at work, uncovering real-world tactics that illustrate the unique challenges of threat hunting in the cloud.

In this first example, detailed in our investigation titled "RunningRAT's Next Move: From Remote Access to Crypto Mining for Profit" we found that RunningRAT has shifted its focus from remote access to crypto mining by leveraging cloud-based open directories. By hosting malicious files within these directories, RunningRAT was able to keep command and control traffic low, avoiding detection triggers. This tactic illustrates how attackers can use cloud-hosted assets to remain undetected, extending their persistence within environments.

The second case, covered in "Unmasking Adversary Infrastructure: How Certificates and Redirects Exposed Earth Baxia and PlugX Activity" reveals how Earth Baxia's operators used cloud infrastructure to manage SSL certificates and redirect traffic, masking PlugX malware operations. Through these cloud-based assets, they created a complex network of redirects that obscured their tracks, making it challenging to trace the attacks back to their origin. This case shows how adversaries use the cloud to build resilient, evasive infrastructure.

Our third investigation, "Inside a Cybercriminal's Server: DDoS Tools, Spyware APKs, and Phishing Pages" explored a cybercriminal's server hosted in the cloud. This server contained a range of malicious tools, including DDoS utilities, spyware APKs, and phishing pages. The investigation underscores the diversity of threats that attackers now host within cloud environments, using centralized, cloud-hosted assets for easy access and deployment.

These insights underscore why cloud vigilance is essential. Hunt.io's platform gives security teams the tools they need to identify these threats early, helping them stay ahead of attackers in the cloud.

Cloud Threat Hunting Tools and Technologies

Several tools and threat hunting frameworks are essential for cloud threat hunting. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) tools, Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs), and Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) each support robust cloud security operations.

These threat hunting tools help security teams to consolidate logging, analyze data, respond to threats, and enforce security policies across cloud environments.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM tools consolidate logging and analysis for threat detection so are essential for cloud threat hunting. These tools allow security teams to monitor multiple data sources in real-time to identify and respond to security events. 

SIEM tools analyze network logs and other security data to give you visibility.

Cloud Detection and Response (CDR)

Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) tools help with security by providing real-time responses to detected threats. These tools use advanced analytics to accelerate cross-environment threat detection and response so you can act on anomalies or suspicious activity quickly.

Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs)

Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs) help to secure cloud applications. These platforms give threat hunters context of the security so they can investigate and respond to threats better.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB) sit between cloud service providers and users, enforcing security policies across multiple cloud services. CASB implements access controls, data loss prevention, and encryption to protect sensitive data in the cloud.

Adding CASB to existing cloud environments will improve overall security and manage the risks of multiple cloud services. 

Hunt.io Threat Hunting Platform

Keeping cloud environments secure isn't easy, but with the right tools, it becomes manageable. With Hunt.io, we're here to support your team in identifying threats across complex cloud setups. Our AttackCapture™ feature, C2 Feeds, and Threat Hunting API are built to quickly spot malicious infrastructure-whether it's hidden in open directories or active C2 servers-so you can stay ahead of emerging risks.

Using precise IP scanning and IOC Hunter, we help you cut through the noise, allowing you to focus on real risks without getting sidetracked by false positives. And as new cloud security challenges come up, our platform evolves right along with them, keeping your defenses strong and adaptable. Book a demo today to discover how to protect your company in the cloud.

Cloud Threat Hunting Challenges

Managing security across multiple cloud platforms is a big challenge for organizations. A lack of skilled cloud threat hunters requires continuous training in cloud security and incident response. Multi-cloud environments with virtual machines, containers, and cloud infrastructure create a lack of visibility and control.

Adversaries are using stealthy tactics and compromised identities to evade detection and make threat hunting harder. Shadow IT from unsupervised cloud service usage is a big threat to organization security.

Cloud Threat Hunting Tips

Being proactive with threat hunting helps an organization move from a reactive to a proactive approach to risk reduction. Threat hunting techniques and strategies must evolve with the evolving cyber threats. Security configurations must be updated based on insights from incident response to improve overall security.

Behavioral analysis helps to detect malware and intruders faster and reduces dwell time. Balancing the automation of mundane tasks with complex threats is the key to future advanced threat hunting in the cloud.

Continuous Training and Skill Development

Training keeps security teams up to date with the latest threats, tools, and methodologies for cloud threat hunting. Education helps security teams to detect and respond to threats in a dynamic cloud environment. Courses like SEC541 help to improve detection and response time by teaching cloud-specific logs and building detection systems. Continuous education helps security teams to keep up with evolving attack techniques and security threats.

Collaboration and Clear Ownership

Clear roles and teamwork are key for threat hunting operations. Designated roles and strong teamwork among the security team help to fast incident response in cloud threat hunting.

Clear roles within the security team help to accountability and threat hunting effectiveness.

Regular Review and Improvement

Ongoing review of threat hunting strategy to adapt to evolving threats and overall security. Periodic review and update to threat hunting strategy to adapt to changing threat landscape. Frequent review to identify gaps in the threat hunting process and improve responsiveness.

Incident Response and Remediation in Cloud Threat Hunting

Cloud threat hunting is not just about finding threats but also about doing thorough incident response to limit damage and restore operations. The fast pace of the cloud environment requires incident response to be fast to minimize damage from security incidents.

During a security event, cloud threat hunters must respond fast to isolate affected systems and mitigate the impact. Incident response requires fast action to limit damage and restore normal operations.

Rapid Isolation

Isolating compromised systems fast is key to preventing further damage during a security incident. An effective isolation strategy reduces the impact of security breaches in a cloud environment. Containing the threat fast allows organizations to minimize disruption and focus on remediation.

Root Cause Analysis and Patch Management

Root cause analysis is key to understanding the vulnerabilities and preventing future incidents. This process identifies the weaknesses that need to be patched ASAP to improve security. Fixing the root cause of security events strengthens the defense against similar future threats.

Security Configuration Management

Regular review and update of security configurations help organizations to adapt to emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Root cause analysis after the incident is critical to understand the underlying issue and patch the vulnerability.

Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs) help organizations manage their security posture by continuously discovering vulnerabilities and enforcing compliance in the cloud environment.

Proactive Cloud Threat Hunting Benefits

Proactive threat hunting tools improve security in an organization. This approach finds more threats as many attacks evade traditional security systems. Better visibility and quality of data collection help in threat detection.

Proactive threat hunting helps in fast response and reduces breach impact. This approach also detects threats targeted to the organization to overall cybersecurity resilience.

Human Factor in Cloud Threat Hunting

Humans are key in cloud threat hunting and heavily rely on analysts' understanding of normal and abnormal network behavior. Threat hunters must have technical skills and the ability to think like the attacker to detect subtle signs of threats.

AI and human analysts must work together as AI can process large data but lack the human judgment of the hunters. Continuous learning and adaptation are key for human hunters to stay ahead of evolving threats and attacker tactics.

Future of Cloud Threat Hunting

Weaponized cloud automation has become a major tactic for attackers, making threat hunting awareness essential. This approach is driving more sophisticated and evasive attack techniques that threat hunters need to anticipate. 

To counter these threats, organizations must have a robust defense strategy that emphasizes fast detection, response, and adaptation.

Conclusion

In summary, cloud threat hunting is a holistic approach that combines advanced tools, real-time monitoring, human expertise, and a proactive approach. An organization can improve its cloud security by understanding it, embracing the components, and overcoming the challenges. Following best practices, continuous improvement, and staying informed of future trends will help the organization stay ahead of the threats. 

Secure your cloud environment with proactive, real-time threat detection. 

The Hunt.io Threat Hunting Platform offers the tools and insights you need to stay ahead of attackers. Ready to see it in action? Book a demo today and discover how Hunt.io can safeguard your cloud infrastructure.