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Analyse comportementale
published on 05/01/2026

Behavioural analysis for cyber security

What is behavioural analysis in cyber security?

Definition of behavioural analysis (in IT) :

Behavioural analysis in cybersecurity involves observing and analysing the actions and behaviours of users, systems and networks to detect suspicious or malicious activity.

In contrast to traditional methods based on signatures of known threats, behavioural analysis identifies anomalies in real time, offering protection against unknown threats.

A concrete example

Imagine an employee who usually logs in at 9.00am from Paris and accesses certain files. Suddenly, a connection is detected at 3am from Asia and accesses sensitive files that are not usual, this could indicate a compromise. Behavioural analysis would detect this anomalous activity and trigger an alert for further investigation.

Statistics show that 60% of small businesses close within six months of a cyber attack. This highlights the crucial importance of early detection and rapid response offered by behavioural analysis. This proactive approach can neutralise threats before they cause significant damage, protecting sensitive data and a company's reputation.

In addition, according to a Ponemon Institute study, the average cost of a data breach for an SME is $3.86 million. Investing in a behavioural analytics solution can not only prevent these exorbitant costs, but also ensure business continuity by detecting and mitigating threats effectively and efficiently.

Behavioural analysis: the different detection methods

The importance of keeping systems and applications up to date cannot be underestimated when it comes to cybersecurity for SMEs. Cybercriminals often exploit security flaws in softwareBehavioural analysis relies on several detection methods to identify and neutralise cyberthreats.

Common approaches include signature-based detection, anomaly-based detection, and behaviour-based detection.

1. Signature-based detection

Signature-based detection focuses on identifying known threats from a database of malware signatures. This method is limited to threats that have already been catalogued.

2. Anomaly detection

Anomaly detection monitors deviations from previously established "normal" behaviour. It is particularly effective for identifying new or sophisticated threats.

3. Behaviour-based detection

Behaviour-based detection distinguishes itself by analysing patterns of activity on the network to identify malicious actions.

This approach is not limited to known malware, but rather seeks to spot anomalous behaviour that may signal a threat in the making.

How does behavioural analysis identify and prevent threats in real time?

Behavioural analytics identify and prevent threats in real time through continuous monitoring and analysis of network activity and user behaviour. Behavioural analysis technologies use artificial intelligence (IA) and machine learning to establish patterns of normal behaviour. When an anomaly is detected, an alert is generated for immediate investigation.

For example, a company might find that its employees typically access financial files only during office hours. If massive download activity of these files is detected outside these hours, behavioural analysis could flag this activity as suspicious. The security team could then quickly intervene to verify whether it was legitimate activity or an attempt to steal data.

According to a study by Verizon, 94% of malware is delivered via email, and behavioural analysis can detect phishing attempts by spotting unusual behaviour in email exchanges. In 2019, the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index revealed that AI and behavioural analysis reduced threat detection time by 27%, illustrating the effectiveness of this technology for proactive security.

This ability to detect threats in real time is crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)which often don't have the resources to maintain a dedicated cybersecurity team.

By identifying threats before they cause damage, behavioural analytics protects sensitive data and maintains business continuity.

How can you integrate behavioural analysis into your company's cyber security strategy?

To integrate behavioural analytics into your company's cybersecurity strategy, it's essential to follow a structured approach:

  1. Start by assessing your specific security needs and available resources. Identify the critical assets of your business, such as sensitive data and mission-critical systems, that require enhanced protection.
  2. Choose a behavioural analytics solution tailored to the size and requirements of your business. Technologies such as SentinelOne, which combine AI and machine learning, are particularly effective for SMEs. These solutions are able to monitor network activity, user connections and data access in real time, immediately detecting any anomalies.
  3. Integrate the chosen solution with your existing systems. Make sure the software is configured to monitor all possible entry points, including endpoints, servers and networks. Also educate your employees about good cybersecurity practices, as vigilant behaviour on their part complements automated monitoring.
  4. Keep your solution up to date and continually adjust your behavioural models to reflect changes in work habits and new threats.

Statistics show that 70% of data breaches are discovered by third parties, often long after the damage has been done. By using behavioural analysis, your business can detect threats autonomously and proactively. A survey by SANS Institute indicates that organisations using behavioural analytics reduce the time it takes to detect and contain incidents by 50%.

SentinelOne: Pioneer in behavioural analysis

A pioneer in behavioural analytics since its launch in 2013, SentinelOne is a leading Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution, ideal for VSEs and SMBs due to its ability to deliver robust and accessible protection. One of SentinelOne's key strengths is its advanced use of artificial intelligence and behavioural analysis to identify and neutralise threats in real time. SentinelOne uses a heuristic model implemented in its patented behavioural AI.

SentinelOne and behavioural detection

SentinelOne stands out in the field of behavioural analysis through its use of a unified platform, Singularity™ XDR, which combines threat detection with rapid response capabilities. Thanks to its static and behavioural artificial intelligence, SentinelOne monitors endpoint activity in real time to detect any anomalies immediately. The patented "Storylines" technology enables attack scenarios to be created and analysed based on observed patterns of behaviour. As a result, not only does SentinelOne identify threats in real time, it also neutralises attacks before they can cause significant damage.

The platform incorporates advanced automated remediation and roll-back capabilities to restore affected systems, ensuring continuous and comprehensive protection against all kinds of threats, even in offline mode. SentinelOne thus offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, ideal for SMEs looking to bolster their defences with a turnkey, easy-to-deploy solution.

In contrast to traditional signature-based solutions, SentinelOne continuously monitors endpoint activity, detecting suspicious behaviour and anomalies. If malware attempts to encrypt files on an endpoint, SentinelOne will detect it immediately and take action to block it before it causes any damage.

According to a Gartner study, companies using EDR solutions like SentinelOne have reduced incident response time by 80%. This efficiency is crucial for small businesses that often don't have the resources to manage prolonged security incidents. SentinelOne offers automated protection, which means that even businesses without a dedicated IT team can benefit from high-level security.

Cost is also an important factor for SMEs. SentinelOne offers affordable solutions, with competitive pricing to suit tight budgets. By investing in SentinelOne, SMBs benefit from proactive protection against cyber threats, minimising the risks of financial loss and operational disruption.

SentinelOne is therefore:

  • 3 detection methods: signatures, anomalies, behaviour;
  • A behavioural approach via analysis of activity patterns to identify malicious actions;
  • Real-time protection, automated remediation, and roll-back.

Behavioural analysis in your company at the click of a button?

SentinelOne stands out for its innovative technology and AI-driven approach, offering VSEs and SMEs a turnkey solution to strengthen their cybersecurity.

For businesses looking for 24/7 protection, the managed solution Cyber By Scutum is an attractive option.

From €69.90/month, this package includes a cost-effective, turnkey managed EDR that uses SentinelOne's technology to block even the most complex attacks in real time, ensuring optimum security and peace of mind for small and medium-sized businesses.