Detecting Pass The Hash Attacks is a specialized skill designed for cybersecurity professionals focused on threat hunting and incident response. This skill analyzes NTLM authentication patterns to identify potential pass-the-hash attacks, specifically flagging Type 3 logons that utilize NTLM when Kerberos authentication is expected. By correlating these logon attempts with indicators of credential dumping, users can effectively triage alerts from EDR and SIEM systems, enhancing their ability to respond to lateral movement threats in their networks.

The skill is particularly useful when threat intelligence indicates ongoing campaigns that employ pass-the-hash techniques. It guides users through a structured workflow that begins with formulating a hypothesis based on the latest threat data, followed by identifying relevant data sources, executing detection queries, and analyzing the results for anomalies. This systematic approach helps security teams validate their findings and correlate activities with broader attack patterns, ultimately leading to more informed incident response actions.

To leverage this skill effectively, users need a robust security infrastructure, including an EDR platform capable of providing detailed telemetry, a SIEM for log analysis, and Sysmon for comprehensive Windows event monitoring. The skill is designed to integrate seamlessly with tools like CrowdStrike and Splunk, making it a valuable addition to any security team's toolkit. It is particularly relevant during periodic security assessments and purple team exercises, where validating detection coverage is crucial.

In summary, Detecting Pass The Hash Attacks is a practical solution for organizations looking to enhance their threat detection capabilities. By utilizing this skill, security professionals can proactively hunt for indicators of compromise, ensuring their defenses are robust against sophisticated lateral movement tactics.