If a recurring pattern of security alerts arises related to suspicious user activity, what should a Tier 3 analyst do?

Initiating a hypothesis-driven investigation into the alerts is the most appropriate response when encountering a recurring pattern of suspicious user activity. This approach enables the analyst to take a proactive stance toward understanding and mitigating potential threats. An investigation can identify underlying issues, such as compromised user credentials or insider threats, leading to improved security measures and responses.

By formulating hypotheses based on the observed patterns, the analyst can design specific tests or further analysis to gather evidence supporting or refuting their assumptions. This analytical method not only aids in a comprehensive understanding of the situation but also helps in formulating actionable insights to enhance the organization's security posture.

Using hypothesis-driven investigations allows for a systematic approach to threat detection and response, thereby aiding in more effective incident management and resolution. This step is crucial in a security operations center (SOC) environment, where identifying the root causes of alerts is essential for preventing future incidents and maintaining overall security integrity.