How does threat hunting primarily differ from traditional security monitoring?

Threat hunting primarily differs from traditional security monitoring in that it is a proactive approach, actively searching for potential threats within a network or system. Unlike traditional security monitoring, which typically relies on automated alerts and predefined rules to identify incidents already occurring, threat hunting involves security analysts taking the initiative to look for signs of compromise or suspicious behavior that may not trigger alerts.

This proactive stance allows analysts to uncover threats that may be lurking below the surface, including advanced threats that evade detection by standard monitoring tools. By actively engaging with the environment, threat hunters can better understand the attack landscape, identify weaknesses, and respond to threats before they escalate into more severe incidents. This approach enhances an organization's overall security posture by enabling early detection and remediation of potential security incidents.