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Here's a comprehensive guide to Network Detection and Response (NDR) Deployment, outlining each step to ensure a smooth rollout and maximum threat visibility:

To successfully deploy an NDR solutions that provides continuous network visibility, real-time threat detection, and rapid response across all environments (on-prem, cloud, hybrid).

1. Define Deployment Objectives

• What threats are you trying to detect?


• Which network segments need visibility?


• Are you focused on compliance, lateral movement detection, or full-spectrum coverage?

2. Assess Current Environment

• Network topology (LAN, WAN, cloud, DMZ)


• High-risk assets (e.g. databases, critical servers)


• Locations of SPAN/TAP ports or cloud traffic mirroring capabilities

3. Select Your NDR Solution

Choose an NDR platform based on:

• Visibility coverage (cloud, IoT, remote endpoints)


• AI/ML-driven detection capabilities


• Support for full packet capture or metadata-based analysis


• Integration support (SIEM, SOAR, EDR, etc.)


• Vendor examples: NetWitness, Vectra AI, ExtraHop, Corelight, Darktrace, Cisco Secure Analytics

4. Design NDR Architecture

• Determine sensor locations:


• At internet ingress/egress


• Between VLANs/subnets


• In cloud environments (via traffic mirroring)


• Decide between physical, virtual, or cloud-native sensors


• Plan for horizontal scaling (future traffic growth)

5. Identify Traffic Sources

• Use SPAN, TAP, or virtual TAPs to mirror traffic to the NDR sensor


• Confirm all major routes and segments are covered, especially east-west traffic

6. Install and Connect Sensors

• Rack or deploy virtual/cloud sensors as required


• Connect them to mirrored traffic sources


• Ensure sensors have network time sync (e.g., NTP) and sufficient bandwidth

7. Initial Configuration

• Set up users and access roles


• Configure internal asset classification


• Enable threat intelligence feeds


• Integrate with DNS, Active Directory, and DHCP logs (if available)

8. Integrate with Security Ecosystem

Connect Network Detection and Response to:

• SIEM for centralized log aggregation


• SOAR for automated response workflows


• EDR/XDR for cross-domain visibility