In Network Detection and Response (NDR), threats are prioritized using a combination of risk scoring, behavioral analysis, contextual information, and machine learning. This helps security teams focus on the most dangerous or urgent threats first, reducing alert fatigue and improving incident response.

In other words, threat prioritization in Network Detection and Response systems is crucial to help security teams focus on the most critical alerts first, reducing noise and enabling faster incident response. Here's how threats are typically prioritized in NDR:

How Threats Are Prioritized in NDR

1. Risk Scoring

Each detected event is assigned a numerical or categorical score (e.g., Low, Medium, High, Critical) based on:

• Type of threat (malware, C2, lateral movement, etc.)

• Severity of behavior

• Known threat indicators (e.g., malware signatures, IP reputation)

• Confidence level of detection

Example: A high-confidence detection of data exfiltration to a known malicious IP may be marked as “Critical.”

 

2. Behavioral Anomaly Detection

NDR solutions uses machine learning to establish a baseline of normal behavior for users, devices, and systems. Deviations from this baseline are flagged and prioritized based on:

• Degree of deviation

• Frequency or persistence of anomalous behavior

• Correlation with known attack patterns (MITRE ATT&CK framework)

Repeated unusual logins from a server at night might be scored higher than a one-time anomaly.

 

3. Threat Intelligence Correlation

NDR integrates with external and internal threat intelligence feeds to compare:

• Domains and IP addresses

• Hashes of malicious files

• Indicators of compromise (IOCs)

If a threat matches high-fidelity IOCs, it’s escalated in priority.

 

4. Contextual Awareness

Threat prioritization also depends on:

• Asset criticality (Is the affected system a domain controller or a test machine?)

• User role (Is the user an admin or a regular employee?)

• Business impact (Is sensitive data involved?)

A threat on a finance server will be prioritized higher than the same activity on a guest Wi-Fi device.

 

5. Kill Chain or MITRE ATT&CK Mapping

Many NDR platforms system map detections to attack stages, such as:

• Initial access

• Command & control

• Lateral movement

• Data exfiltration

Threats that appear later in the kill chain or involve multiple steps are given higher urgency.

 

6. Historical and Cross-Device Correlation

NDR platforms look at:

• Previous incidents involving the same device/IP/user

• Related activity across multiple assets

If a device shows a pattern of suspicious behavior, its threat score increases over time.

 

Priority Levels Typically Used

Priority	Description	Action Needed
Critical	High-risk behavior, confirmed threat indicators	Immediate investigation and response
High	Strong anomaly, mapped to known attack methods	Rapid triage required
Medium	Unusual behavior, limited context	Monitor and investigate if it persists
Low	Slight deviation, benign or uncertain	Log for future reference

 

Final Outcome: Threat Prioritization Dashboard

NDR solutions present security teams with:

• Ranked list of alerts or incidents

• Color-coded or scored threat levels

• Recommended actions (quarantine device, investigate traffic, escalate, etc.)

 

Threats in NDR are prioritized using a combination of:

• Anomaly severity

• Threat intelligence

• Attack context (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK)

• Asset criticality

• Historical behavior correlation

This prioritization NDR solutions enables smarter, faster, and more focused responses, helping security teams cut through alert fatigue and take action where it matters most.