Threat Hunter vs. Threat Researcher

A Comprehensive Comparison of Threat Hunter and Threat Researcher Roles in Cybersecurity

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The field of cybersecurity has grown rapidly in recent years, and with it, the demand for skilled professionals who can identify and mitigate potential threats. Two roles that have emerged as key players in this space are the Threat Hunter and Threat Researcher. Although they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two roles. In this post, we will explore the definitions, responsibilities, required skills, educational backgrounds, tools and software used, common industries, outlooks, and practical tips for getting started in these careers.

Definitions

Threat Hunter

A Threat Hunter is a cybersecurity professional who proactively searches for threats and Vulnerabilities within an organization's network. They use a variety of techniques to identify and investigate suspicious activity, such as analyzing logs, Monitoring network traffic, and conducting in-depth investigations. The goal of a Threat Hunter is to identify and mitigate potential threats before they can cause harm to the organization.

Threat Researcher

A Threat Researcher is a cybersecurity professional who analyzes and investigates threats to identify their source, scope, and potential impact. They use a variety of tools and techniques to gather information about threats, including Malware analysis, Reverse engineering, and vulnerability research. The goal of a Threat Researcher is to provide actionable intelligence to help organizations defend against current and future threats.

Responsibilities

Threat Hunter

The responsibilities of a Threat Hunter include:

• Proactively searching for threats and Vulnerabilities within an organization's network
• Analyzing logs, Monitoring network traffic, and conducting in-depth investigations to identify suspicious activity
• Developing and implementing threat hunting methodologies and procedures
• Collaborating with other cybersecurity professionals to develop and implement security measures to mitigate threats
• Staying up-to-date with the latest threats and vulnerabilities and adjusting threat hunting strategies accordingly

Threat Researcher

The responsibilities of a Threat Researcher include:

• Analyzing and investigating threats to identify their source, scope, and potential impact
• Conducting Malware analysis, reverse engineering, and vulnerability research to gather information about threats
• Providing actionable intelligence to help organizations defend against current and future threats
• Collaborating with other cybersecurity professionals to develop and implement security measures to mitigate threats
• Staying up-to-date with the latest threats and vulnerabilities and adjusting research strategies accordingly

Required Skills

Threat Hunter

The skills required for a Threat Hunter include:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• In-depth knowledge of network protocols and security technologies
• Knowledge of threat hunting methodologies and techniques
• Experience with security information and event management (SIEM) tools
• Experience with Threat intelligence platforms
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Threat Researcher

The skills required for a Threat Researcher include:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• In-depth knowledge of malware analysis, Reverse engineering, and vulnerability research techniques
• Knowledge of Threat intelligence platforms
• Experience with programming languages such as Python and C++
• Familiarity with operating systems and network protocols
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Educational Backgrounds

Threat Hunter

The educational backgrounds of Threat Hunters vary, but typically include:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, cybersecurity, or a related field
• Relevant certifications, such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or the GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

Threat Researcher

The educational backgrounds of Threat Researchers vary, but typically include:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, cybersecurity, or a related field
• Relevant certifications, such as the Certified Malware Analyst (CMA) or the GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)

Tools and Software Used

Threat Hunter

The tools and software used by Threat Hunters include:

• Security information and event management (SIEM) tools, such as Splunk or LogRhythm
• Threat intelligence platforms, such as ThreatConnect or Anomali
• Network analysis tools, such as Wireshark or NetFlow
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, such as Carbon Black or CrowdStrike

Threat Researcher

The tools and software used by Threat Researchers include:

• Malware analysis tools, such as IDA Pro or OllyDbg
• Reverse engineering tools, such as Ghidra or Radare2
• Vulnerability research tools, such as Metasploit or Nessus
• Threat intelligence platforms, such as VirusTotal or Hybrid Analysis

Common Industries

Threat Hunter

Threat Hunters are in demand across a wide range of industries, including:

• Financial services
• Healthcare
• Government
• Technology
• Retail

Threat Researcher

Threat Researchers are in demand across a wide range of industries, including:

• Cybersecurity vendors
• Government agencies
• Technology companies
• Financial services
• Healthcare

Outlooks

Threat Hunter

The outlook for Threat Hunters is positive, with demand for their skills expected to continue growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts, which includes Threat Hunters, is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Threat Researcher

The outlook for Threat Researchers is also positive, with demand for their skills expected to continue growing. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cybersecurity market is expected to grow from $173 billion in 2020 to $270 billion by 2026, creating a growing need for Threat Researchers and other cybersecurity professionals.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

Threat Hunter

If you are interested in becoming a Threat Hunter, here are some practical tips to get started:

• Gain experience in Network security and Incident response
• Familiarize yourself with threat hunting methodologies and techniques
• Obtain relevant certifications, such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or the GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Build a network of cybersecurity professionals and stay up-to-date with the latest threats and vulnerabilities

Threat Researcher

If you are interested in becoming a Threat Researcher, here are some practical tips to get started:

• Gain experience in malware analysis, reverse engineering, and vulnerability research
• Familiarize yourself with programming languages such as Python and C++
• Obtain relevant certifications, such as the Certified Malware Analyst (CMA) or the GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)
• Build a network of cybersecurity professionals and stay up-to-date with the latest threats and vulnerabilities

Conclusion

The roles of Threat Hunter and Threat Researcher are both critical in the field of cybersecurity. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences in their responsibilities, required skills, educational backgrounds, tools and software used, common industries, and outlooks. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision about which role is best suited for your skills and interests. Regardless of which role you choose, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue growing, making these careers both challenging and rewarding.