Enhancing Organizational Security with User Behavior Analytics
While external data breaches are a concern, insider threats pose a more significant danger to organizations. A study by Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute indicates that insider attacks can be costlier and more harmful than those from external sources.
Insider threats often arise from corporate and employee negligence, where unintentional actions expose vulnerabilities, allowing external threats to access sensitive data. This can lead to data theft and financial damage.
The Role of User Behavior Analytics (UBA)
User Behavior Analytics (UBA) is crucial in detecting suspicious activities within an organization. By analyzing user behavior, UBA identifies what is considered ‘normal’ or risky behavior on a network.
According to Verizon’s annual Data Breach Incident Report (DBIR), thousands of incidents are reported yearly, targeting personal information for financial gain or defamation. UBA collects, tracks, and assesses user activity data, utilizing machine learning to detect anomalies and highlight potential fraud or malicious activities.
Understanding UBA and UEBA
UBA evolved to include User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA), which considers malicious behavior by humans and devices. Gartner, which coined UEBA, emphasizes the importance of analyzing behavior over extended periods to detect anomalies.
UEBA builds baselines for entities within a network, assigning threat scores to anomalies. This system enables security officials to focus on significant threats and take preventive measures.
UBA vs. SIEM Systems
While Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems provide real-time security alerts, UBA focuses on user behavior over time. SIEM analyzes perimeter systems, while UBA concentrates on user identities and historical activity data, providing more accurate alerts.
Combating Cybercrime with UBA
The rise in cybercrime highlights the need for robust security measures. UBA systems detect both internal and external threats, minimizing potential damage by identifying the source of breaches.
UBA helps trace privilege abuse and policy violations, offering insights into employee behavior and enabling organizations to take necessary disciplinary actions.
Optimizing Business Operations
Beyond security, UBA data enhances organizational transparency and efficiency. By analyzing user behavior, organizations can optimize workflows, improve employee engagement, and scale business growth.
Tools like Traqq, a productivity tracking app, complement UBA by monitoring employee activities while respecting privacy. Traqq provides insights into time management and potential security risks, all available for free.
Investing in UBA technologies not only tightens security but also improves operational efficiency, ensuring that resources are used wisely and profits are maximized.
