GigaOm Radar for User and Entity Behavior Analysis (UEBA)v3.0

1. Executive Summary

User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) is a cybersecurity process that uses statistical analysis and machine learning (ML) to recognize the patterns of activity that surround users, machines, and network entities. Initially emerging as a standalone solution, UEBA is now progressively transforming into an integral overlay that merges various telemetry sources together, thereby offering a comprehensive and unified understanding of behavioral risk. In some instances, UEBA is also seen as a feature of a broader technology, as is the case with next gen firewalls (NGF) or even some data loss prevention (DLP) solutions.

This evolution reflects a maturity in the marketplace; UEBA solutions have inhabited the cybersecurity landscape for over a decade at this point. These systems are designed to detect anomalies that signify potential threats such as insider risks, compromised system accounts, and even financial fraud. By analyzing behavior patterns and comparing them against a continuously learned “normal” state, UEBA can identify activities that deviate from the norm, which might signal a security incident.

From an executive standpoint, the importance of UEBA systems cannot be overstated. They serve as a critical component in the modern security infrastructure by providing an in-depth analysis of behavior that traditional security measures may overlook. This is crucial information in an era when threats are increasingly sophisticated and can bypass perimeter defenses. For a CxO, investing in UEBA means protecting valuable assets as well as ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining a robust security posture that can adapt to the evolving digital threat landscape.

The relevance of UEBA to an organization lies in its ability to consolidate disparate data points into actionable intelligence. As businesses continue to expand their digital footprint, the complexity and volume of security data also increases. UEBA’s capability to synthesize and make sense of this data becomes a business imperative. It’s about more than detecting threats; it’s about proactively managing risk, reducing incident response times, and streamlining security operations for better efficiency and protection.

As UEBA technology continues to mature, it reflects the industry’s recognition of the nuanced nature of cybersecurity threats. Organizations that seek to maintain an edge in security will find UEBA an indispensable tool because it evolves with the threat landscape and elevates the organization’s understanding of behavioral risk, thus fortifying its defensive mechanisms. Accordingly, UEBA should be considered a critical element in the strategic planning of any organization’s security protocol.

This is our third year evaluating the UEBA space in the context of our Key Criteria and Radar reports. This report builds on our previous analysis and considers how the market has evolved over the last year.

This GigaOm Radar report examines 14 of the top UEBA solutions in the market and compares offerings against the capabilities (table stakes, key features, and emerging features) and non-functional requirements (business criteria) outlined in the companion Key Criteria report. Together, these reports provide an overview of the category and its underlying technology, identify leading UEBA offerings, and help decision-makers evaluate these solutions so they can make a more informed investment decision.