8-bit video game blocks with pixel art of the Learn One and Learn Enterprise logos

Level up your training with limited-time offers - Discounts for Individuals and Enterprise
What is a threat hunter?

What is a threat hunter?

A threat hunter is a specialized cybersecurity professional whose primary role is to proactively and methodically search through computer networks, endpoints, and datasets of organizations to detect and isolate advanced threats that conventional security solutions might miss. These professionals go beyond traditional defensive tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, or antivirus software.

Their approach often combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of an organization's unique IT environment, as well as the broader threat landscape. Threat hunters use a mix of manual techniques, advanced analytics, and up-to-date threat intelligence to identify patterns of behavior or anomalies that might indicate a security breach.

Key responsibilities of a threat hunter

  1. Threat hunting process

    A systematic approach to proactively identify and mitigate threats in an organization's network. This process typically encompasses several stages: goal definition, hypothesis formation, data collection, data analysis, investigation, mitigation and response, feedback loop, and continuous Improvement.

  2. Hypothesis-driven threat hunting

    A proactive approach to cybersecurity where threat hunters start their investigation based on a hypothesis about potential malicious activity in their environment, rather than waiting for automated alerts or using only predefined queries.

  3. APTs

    Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) represent a sophisticated and prolonged cyber attack in which an intruder gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. These adversaries are typically motivated by political, economic, or strategic objectives, often backed by nation-states or well-funded organized crime groups.

  4. TTPs

    TTPs, which stands for Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, are a core concept in cybersecurity that describes how adversaries operate during an attack. They provide a structured framework to understand an attacker's behavior and methodology.

  5. Network traffic analysis

    Threat hunters need to possess proficiency in analyzing network traffic, understanding various network protocols, and using tools like Wireshark or tcpdump.

  6. User behavior analysis

    User Behavior Analysis (UBA) involves monitoring, analyzing, and assessing the actions and activities of users and entities within an organization's environment. It leverages advanced analytics and machine learning to detect anomalies in behavior that could indicate potential security threats.

  7. Common attack techniques

    Understanding common attack techniques is fundamental for threat hunters because it equips them with the knowledge to proactively search for, and detect, threats within their environment. Knowing how attackers operate is essential for constructing effective hunting hypotheses and for analyzing data in ways that reveal subtle, hidden threats.

  8. Anomaly detection

    Recognizing patterns and anomalies in large datasets. This may involve using SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools or big data platforms.

  9. Threat intelligence

    Understanding how to use and interpret threat intelligence feeds, integrating them into proactive hunting activities.

  10. Continuous learning

    The threat landscape is constantly evolving. A threat hunter must have the desire and ability to continuously learn about new threats, tools, and techniques.

  11. Communication and critical thinking skills

    Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial. Threat hunters often need to explain their findings to different stakeholders, some of whom might not be technically inclined.

  12. Report writing

    Report writing is a critical skill for threat hunters. While the primary focus of threat hunting may be proactively searching for threats and analyzing data, the findings must be effectively communicated to various organizational stakeholders.

Related job titles

  • Cybersecurity analyst

  • Dark web hunter

  • Cybersecurity Engineer

  • Threat intelligence analyst

  • Cyber threat analyst

  • Vulnerability analyst

How to become a threat hunter?

  • Educational background

    A bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science, cybersecurity, forensics, or a closely related field is often required. A master’s degree in cybersecurity can be advantageous.

  • Experience

    Many threat hunters have previously worked as security analysts or in related cybersecurity roles. Experience in network administration, systems administration, and network traffic analysis can be beneficial.

  • Develop key skills

    Learning coding and scripting in languages like Python, Go, or Perl allows for greater technological autonomy and the ability to script custom solutions for data retrieval. Skills in cloud networking and cloud security, as many organizations are moving to cloud environments, are also beneficial. Developing the ability to recognize patterns, anomalies, and potential threats in vast amounts of data is an important skill for a threat hunter.

    Threat hunters should also cultivate the ability to logically deduce potential threats from available data as well as gain skills in data forensics to analyze and understand potential threats.

  • Cultivate the right mindset

    Have a natural curiosity and willingness to dig deep into data and systems. Be methodical and systematic in analyzing large datasets. Think outside the box, much like cybercriminals, to anticipate and identify potential threats. Trust your instincts and gut feelings when something seems off or unusual.

  • Certifications

    While not always mandatory, certifications can validate your skills in the cybersecurity domain.

  • Continuous learning

    Stay updated with the latest trends, threats, and technologies in the cybersecurity domain. Engage in continuous learning opportunities, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study.

  • Communication skills

    Be able to communicate findings and threats effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Work well with other IT professionals to access data and identify potential threats. Lead teams and initiatives to improve cybersecurity measures within an organization.

  • Start practicing

    Begin by analyzing endpoint, network, or security telemetry data in your current environment. Form hypotheses and test them to identify potential threats. Engage in threat hunting exercises, even if on a small scale, to hone your skills.

Demand for threat hunters

In a recent report by CyberRisk Alliance, it was shown that enterprise-level cybersecurity teams urgently need skilled threat hunters to enhance their capabilities in detecting and responding to cyber threats. A majority (56%) of those surveyed deem threat hunting to be crucial in enhancing their organization's security stance. While nearly a third (32%) currently have a threat hunting program in place, about half (51%) are either planning, assessing its implementation in the upcoming year, or contemplating it for a later time.

Why threat hunters are important

Threat hunters play a vital role in enhancing the cybersecurity posture of organizations. Their significance lies in their proactive defense approach. Unlike traditional security tools that merely react to alerts, threat hunters actively search out anomalies and indications of malicious activities. This proactive search potentially catches threats before they escalate.

Moreover, they help reduce dwell time, which is the duration a threat remains undetected in a network. According to a report by Blumira and IBM, the average breach lifecycle takes 287 days, with organizations taking 212 days to initially detect a breach and 75 days to contain it. By minimizing this time, the potential damage and risks associated with prolonged threats are greatly diminished.

Their expertise and methodologies often fill the gaps that automated tools might miss, ensuring more comprehensive security coverage.

Furthermore, they contribute to the continuous improvement of security measures by providing insights and feedback based on their findings, which can be crucial for updating and refining an organization's security strategy.

Dollar sign

Average compensation for a threat hunter

The average cyber threat hunter salary in the USA is $139,000 per year, according to Talent.com. Entry-level positions start at $118,500 annually while most experienced workers make up to $202,500 annually.

Sample threat hunter job description

  • Key duties

    • Threat-hunting campaigns: Plan and execute campaigns focused on priority threats.
    • Findings assessment: Collect, evaluate, and initiate appropriate mitigation or remediation actions.
    • Process improvements: Recommend enhancements for an efficient threat-hunting function.
    • Technology maintenance: Manage and optimize current technology platforms utilized for threat hunting.
    • Tech & automation: Recognize and propose technological and automation enhancements.
    • Intelligence requirements: Produce detailed requirements for the Threat Intelligence team.
    • Timely intelligence: Ensure the hunt team has timely access to all necessary intelligence.
    • Attack chain analysis: Analyze threat actor attack chains and devise detailed hunting campaigns.
    • Tech solutions & automation: Identify and recommend relevant technology solutions and automation opportunities.
    • Mitigation initiatives: Ensure the initiation of necessary mitigation/remediation actions, collaborating with the SOC team, Incident Response, and other stakeholders.
    • Management reporting: Regularly collect and report management information on threat hunting.
    • Capability building: Assist function leads in enhancing the overall threat-hunting capabilities.
    • Subject matter expertise: Offer threat-hunting expertise to the broader cybersecurity teams.
    • Mentorship: Guide and train junior members of the team.

  • Qualifications

    • Extensive hands-on experience in threat hunting and/or threat intelligence.
    • A minimum of 5 years of experience in cybersecurity operations.
    • Solid grasp of general cybersecurity concepts.
    • Proficient knowledge of cyber-exploitation tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP).
    • Comprehensive understanding of web and networking technologies.
    • Familiarity with building detection rules and queries is a plus.
    • Experience with SIEM, EDR, and SOAR platforms is desirable.

Benefits of becoming a threat hunter

  1. Proactive defense

    Unlike traditional cybersecurity roles that are reactive, threat hunters take a proactive approach. This allows them to identify and mitigate threats before they can cause significant damage, providing a more robust defense against cyberattacks.

  2. Skill development

    Threat hunting requires a diverse set of skills, from deep technical knowledge to analytical thinking. As a threat hunter, you'll continuously develop and refine these skills, making you a more versatile cybersecurity professional.

  3. Job demand and compensation

    With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the demand for specialized roles like threat hunters is on the rise. This often translates to competitive salaries and job security.

  4. Professional recognition

    Being a threat hunter can elevate your professional standing. You'll be recognized as an expert in your field, and your insights and findings can significantly impact an organization's cybersecurity posture.

  5. Continuous learning

    The dynamic nature of cyber threats means that threat hunters are always learning. Whether it's a new attack technique or a novel defense strategy, there's always something new to explore.

  6. Job satisfaction

    There's a certain satisfaction in being the "detective" of the cybersecurity world. Uncovering hidden threats and outsmarting cyber adversaries can be immensely rewarding.

  7. Contribution to the cybersecurity community

    Discoveries made by threat hunters often contribute to the broader cybersecurity community. Sharing indicators of compromise (IoCs), tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) can help others defend against similar threats.

  8. Diverse career opportunities

    The skills acquired as a threat hunter are transferable to various roles in cybersecurity, from incident response to cybersecurity analysis. This provides a broad range of career paths and advancement opportunities.

  9. Collaborative environment

    Threat hunters often work closely with other teams, such as threat intelligence, incident response, and security operations. This collaborative environment fosters knowledge-sharing and teamwork.

  10. Stay ahead of adversaries

    In the ever-evolving hunt between cyber defenders and attackers, threat hunters have the advantage of staying one step ahead, anticipating moves, and countering strategies before they can be fully realized.

Common threat hunter interview questions

  • Technical questions

    1. Can you explain the difference between threat hunting and incident response?
    2. Describe a recent threat or malware that caught your attention. How would you go about hunting for it in an enterprise environment?
    3. What tools and technologies do you commonly use for threat hunting?
    4. How do you differentiate between false positives and genuine threats?
    5. Explain the terms "Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)" and "Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)."
    6. How would you handle encrypted traffic during your threat hunting process?
    7. Describe a time when you identified a previously undetected threat. How did you discover it, and what actions did you take?

  • Ethical and behavioral questions

    1. How do you prioritize your tasks during a high-pressure situation or when faced with multiple threats simultaneously?
    2. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with another team or department to address a security concern.
    3. How do you handle situations where you're unsure about something or need more knowledge on a particular topic?

  • General questions

    1. Why did you choose to specialize in threat hunting?
    2. How do you stay updated with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends?
    3. What do you believe are the most significant challenges in threat hunting today?

  • Scenario-based questions

    1. You've detected an anomaly that suggests an advanced persistent threat (APT) might be active within the network. What steps would you take next?
    2. How would you approach threat hunting in a cloud environment compared to a traditional on-premises setup?
    3. Imagine you've identified suspicious activity on a network but have limited data. How would you proceed?
    4. How would you handle a situation where your findings are questioned by a senior team member or management?
    5. Describe a challenging threat hunting scenario you've encountered and how you addressed it.

  • Soft skills and communication

    1. How do you handle disagreements or differing opinions within your team, especially regarding threat analysis?
    2. Describe a time when you had to explain a complex technical issue to non-technical stakeholders.

Threat hunting FAQs

  • What does a threat hunter do?

    A threat hunter is a specialized individual in cybersecurity who actively and systematically searches through organizational networks, endpoints, and datasets to find and isolate advanced threats that might be overlooked by conventional security solutions. They utilize a combination of manual methods, advanced analytics, and the latest threat intelligence to detect anomalies or behaviors indicating a security breach.

  • What are the typical duties of a threat hunter?

    Threat hunters engage in proactive searching for signs of compromises or anomalies, analyze data to identify patterns or activities deviating from the norm, formulate and test hypotheses about potential threats, stay informed about the latest threat intelligence, respond to incidents, develop new tools and techniques, collaborate with other cybersecurity teams, continuously learn about new threats and defensive techniques, and document and report their findings and methodologies.

  • What skills are essential for a threat hunter?

    Essential skills for threat hunters include a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating threats, proficiency in network traffic analysis, understanding of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and advanced persistent threats (APTs), ability to recognize patterns and anomalies, knowledge of common attack techniques, continuous learning, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and report writing skills.

  • What do you need to be a threat hunter?

    Aspiring threat hunters typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field and experience in cybersecurity roles. They should develop key skills such as coding, scripting, and data analysis, cultivate a proactive and analytical mindset, earn relevant certifications, stay updated with the latest trends and threats in cybersecurity, develop effective communication skills, and practice analyzing data and forming hypotheses in their current environment.

  • How much do threat hunters make?

    In the USA, a threat hunter can expect an average salary of $139,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start at $118,500 annually, while experienced individuals can earn up to $202,500 annually.

  • Are there other roles similar to that of a threat hunter?

    Yes, roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Dark Web Hunter, Cybersecurity Engineer, Threat Intelligence Analyst, Cyber Threat Analyst, and Vulnerability Analyst are considered to be related to the role of a threat hunter.

Not quite ready for role-specific content?

Check out OffSec's Security Essentials course, SEC-100: CyberCore and gain a comprehensive understanding of core security principles, essential tools, and best practices to protect systems and data.

  • SEC-100: CyberCore - Security Essentials

    SEC-100: CyberCore - Security Essentials

    with the OffSec CyberCore Certified (OSCC) certification is a new course that covers offensive techniques, defensive tactics, networking & scripting basics, application & operating system security, and skills needed to start a cybersecurity career. Learners who obtain the cert will demonstrate fundamental knowledge of all areas of cybersecurity.

    • OffSec logo

    Elevate your cybersecurity expertise to new heights. With OffSec's penetration testing training, immerse yourself or your team in hands-on challenges and emerge equipped with the skills to tackle real-world vulnerabilities. Become the penetration tester every organization seeks.

    Enroll an individual Enroll a team

    Additional resources