IBM QRadar User Behavior Analytics (UBA)

Overview:

• UBA vs. UEBA: UBA stands for User Behavior Analytics, while UEBA includes "Entity," referring to non-user entities like machines or accounts. Both terms refer to monitoring and analyzing behavior for security purposes.

• SIEM Integration: UBA is integrated with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, particularly IBM QRadar. It evaluates risks by analyzing user behavior across various data sources.

Data Sources:

• Threat Intelligence: Utilizes sources like IBM's X-Force for threat intelligence.

• Network Infrastructure: Monitors firewalls, switches, routers, etc.

• Cloud Systems: Analyzes systems and applications in the cloud.

• Identity & Access Management: Tracks privileged account access and login activities.

• Data: Focuses on protecting sensitive data, including customer information.

• Applications & Mobile Devices: Monitors both enterprise and homegrown applications, especially in remote work scenarios.

• Endpoints: The actual devices used to access corporate resources.

Advantages of Integrated UBA:

• Visibility: Provides comprehensive visibility across endpoints, networks, and cloud infrastructure.

• Network Data Reliability: Network data is crucial as it remains unaffected by actions like disabling logging.

• Faster Insights: UBA offers faster detection and response, freeing up resources for other tasks.

• AI Integration: Leverages AI through QRadar Advisor for enhanced analysis.

• Compatibility: Integrates with third-party analytics models and existing insider threat use cases.

Use Cases:

• Compromised Credentials: Detects stolen or compromised credentials using behavioral analysis.

• Insider Threats: Monitors activities like abnormal login times, file access, and potential escalation of privileges.

• Malware Takeover: Detects malware activities and accounts compromised by malware.

Example Rules:

• QRadar UBA includes over 160 rules and machine learning models, mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK framework. It covers vectors like phishing, data exfiltration, and command and control communications.

Implementation and Maturity:

• SIEM Configuration: Successful UBA deployment requires a well-configured SIEM, with properly parsed log sources, LDAP setup, and user ID coalescing.

• Tuning: Continuous tuning is necessary to avoid false positives and align with business needs.

• Maturity Curve: Organizations need a mature security setup to fully leverage UBA.

Outcomes and Benefits:

• Account Anomalies & Access Deviations: Detects deviations in user behavior, such as unexpected data downloads or abnormal access times.

• Behavior Comparison: Compares individual behavior to peer groups to identify anomalies.

• Positive ROI: UBA enhances SOC efficiency, reduces detection time, and provides a good return on investment.

• Quick Deployment: QRadar UBA is easy to deploy and configure, with a short time to value.

Deployment:

• Easy Integration: Available as a free add-on for QRadar users, UBA can be downloaded from the IBM App Exchange, installed, and quickly configured for use.