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[Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown) 2. [Threats](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/threat?ts=markdown) 3. [Threat Detection \& Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba?ts=markdown) 4. [What Is Threat Prevention? \[Definition, Explanation, + How-tos\]](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention?ts=markdown) Table of contents * [What is UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics)?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba?ts=markdown) * [How UEBA works](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#how?ts=markdown) * [Benefits of Implementing UEBA](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#benefits?ts=markdown) * [Examples of UEBA](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#examples?ts=markdown) * [Common Use Cases for UEBA](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#common?ts=markdown) * [Challenges and Considerations in UEBA Deployment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#challenges?ts=markdown) * [Diverse Threats Addressed by UEBA](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#diverse?ts=markdown) * [Integrating UEBA and XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#integrate?ts=markdown) * [UEBA vs NTA](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#nta?ts=markdown) * [UEBA vs SIEM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#siem?ts=markdown) * [UEBA vs IAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#iam?ts=markdown) * [Future Trends and Developments in UEBA](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#future?ts=markdown) * [Choosing the Right UEBA Solution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#choose?ts=markdown) * [UEBA FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba#faqs?ts=markdown) * What Is Threat Prevention? \[Definition, Explanation, + How-tos\] * [Why is threat prevention important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#why-is-threat-prevention-important?ts=markdown) * [How does threat prevention work?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#how-does-threat-prevention-work?ts=markdown) * [What are the differences between threat prevention, detection, and protection?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#what-are-the-differences-between-threat-prevention-detection-and-protection?ts=markdown) * [What are the different types of threat prevention?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#what-are-the-different-types-of-threat-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Top 5 threat prevention tips, tricks, and best practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#top-5-threat-prevention-tips-tricks-and-best-practices?ts=markdown) * [Why threat prevention is harder than it sounds (yet more achievable than it used to be)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#why-threat-prevention-is-harder-that-it-sounds?ts=markdown) * [Threat prevention FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#threat-prevention-faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Penetration Testing?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing?ts=markdown) * [Why Is Security Penetration Testing Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing#why?ts=markdown) * [Pen Testing's Role in Compliance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing#pen?ts=markdown) * [Pen Testing Approaches to Assessments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing#testing?ts=markdown) * [What Is Teaming in Pen Testing?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing#what?ts=markdown) * [Types of Pen Testing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing#types?ts=markdown) * [7 Stages of the Penetration Testing Process](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing#stages?ts=markdown) * [Pen Testing Tools](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing#tools?ts=markdown) * [Penetration Testing FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-penetration-testing#faqs?ts=markdown) * [3 Challenges to Identifying Evasive Threats](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/3-challenges-to-identifying-evasive-threats?ts=markdown) * [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/3-challenges-to-identifying-evasive-threats#threats?ts=markdown) * [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/3-challenges-to-identifying-evasive-threats#traditional?ts=markdown) * [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/3-challenges-to-identifying-evasive-threats#helps?ts=markdown) * [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/3-challenges-to-identifying-evasive-threats#protect?ts=markdown) * [What is a Port Scan?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-port-scan?ts=markdown) * [How a Port Scan Works](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-port-scan#how?ts=markdown) * [Types of Port Scans](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-port-scan#types?ts=markdown) * [Port Scanning Results](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-port-scan#port?ts=markdown) * [How Bad Actors Use Port Scanning as an Attack Method](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-port-scan#method?ts=markdown) * [Port Scan FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-port-scan#faqs?ts=markdown) # What Is Threat Prevention? \[Definition, Explanation, + How-tos\] 7 min. read Table of contents * * [Why is threat prevention important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#why-is-threat-prevention-important?ts=markdown) * [How does threat prevention work?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#how-does-threat-prevention-work?ts=markdown) * [What are the differences between threat prevention, detection, and protection?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#what-are-the-differences-between-threat-prevention-detection-and-protection?ts=markdown) * [What are the different types of threat prevention?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#what-are-the-different-types-of-threat-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Top 5 threat prevention tips, tricks, and best practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#top-5-threat-prevention-tips-tricks-and-best-practices?ts=markdown) * [Why threat prevention is harder than it sounds (yet more achievable than it used to be)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#why-threat-prevention-is-harder-that-it-sounds?ts=markdown) * [Threat prevention FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#threat-prevention-faqs?ts=markdown) 1. Why is threat prevention important? * * [Why is threat prevention important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#why-is-threat-prevention-important?ts=markdown) * [How does threat prevention work?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#how-does-threat-prevention-work?ts=markdown) * [What are the differences between threat prevention, detection, and protection?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#what-are-the-differences-between-threat-prevention-detection-and-protection?ts=markdown) * [What are the different types of threat prevention?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#what-are-the-different-types-of-threat-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Top 5 threat prevention tips, tricks, and best practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#top-5-threat-prevention-tips-tricks-and-best-practices?ts=markdown) * [Why threat prevention is harder than it sounds (yet more achievable than it used to be)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#why-threat-prevention-is-harder-that-it-sounds?ts=markdown) * [Threat prevention FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention#threat-prevention-faqs?ts=markdown) ![A minimalist diagram illustrating a data path and a security boundary. On the left side, a computer monitor shows a web page secured by a large red padlock, representing a protected environment. On the right side of a central dashed vertical line, another computer monitor displays the silhouette of a hacker in a black hoodie, representing a threat. A dotted horizontal line, representing data flow, connects the two sides. The flow is interrupted by a red dot at the security boundary, signifying that the threat is stopped or prevented from reaching the protected computer.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention/what-is-threat-prevention-video-thumbnail.png) close Threat prevention is the practice of proactively stopping cyberattacks before they can cause harm. It involves implementing controls that block unauthorized access, malicious activity, and exploitation attempts across systems, networks, and applications. These controls are designed to reduce risk by limiting attackers' ability to gain entry or execute malicious actions. ## Why is threat prevention important? Threat prevention is important because most successful attacks exploit preventable weaknesses. These include poor [access controls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/access-control), unpatched systems, and misconfigured services. Controls that stop known threats early help prevent downstream consequences like [lateral movement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-lateral-movement), data loss, and system compromise. Preventive measures also reduce the operational load on detection and response. Preventing harm is more efficient and cost-effective than trying to mitigate it after the fact. The longer a threat persists, the more complex and expensive it becomes to contain. Proactive security reduces that exposure. * *In 2024, 86% of incidents that Unit 42 responded to involved business disruption --- spanning operational downtime, reputational damage or both.* * *In 41% of incidents, there was at least one contributing factor related to issues with identity and access management, including overly permissioned accounts and roles.* * *By tackling complexity, gaps in visibility and excessive trust, organizations can materially reduce the risk and impact of [cyberattacks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-cyber-attack).* [- Palo Alto Networks, ​​Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report 2025](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/2025-incident-response-report) Modern threat actors, including those using generative [AI](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/artificial-intelligence-ai), can automate reconnaissance, targeting, and [malware](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-malware) delivery at scale. This makes traditional response-based approaches less reliable on their own. Threat prevention provides a necessary first layer that limits attacker access and reduces the risk of escalation. ## How does threat prevention work? Threat prevention works by enforcing security controls before a threat can run, spread, or cause damage. Instead of waiting to detect and respond after an incident, it proactively blocks malicious activity in real time. ![A horizontal diagram titled 'How threat prevention works' illustrates a process flow from 'Incoming threats' on the left to 'Protected assets' on the right. A red arrow leads from a biohazard icon labeled 'Incoming threats' to four gray icons representing security techniques: 'Policy-based access control' with a document and arrow icon, 'Content inspection' with a magnifying glass and document lines, 'Behavioral analysis' with a person and gear symbol, and 'System hardening' with a hexagonal shield. These are grouped under a black bracket labeled 'Inline security measures.' Above this, a red horizontal bar reads 'Block threats in real time' with a flame icon and is connected to a user profile symbol, representing the core idea: 'Block early and avoid recovery later.' The final step, 'Protected assets,' is represented by a green shield icon on the far right.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention/Threat-prevention-2025_3-How.png "A horizontal diagram titled 'How threat prevention works' illustrates a process flow from 'Incoming threats' on the left to 'Protected assets' on the right. A red arrow leads from a biohazard icon labeled 'Incoming threats' to four gray icons representing security techniques: 'Policy-based access control' with a document and arrow icon, 'Content inspection' with a magnifying glass and document lines, 'Behavioral analysis' with a person and gear symbol, and 'System hardening' with a hexagonal shield. These are grouped under a black bracket labeled 'Inline security measures.' Above this, a red horizontal bar reads 'Block threats in real time' with a flame icon and is connected to a user profile symbol, representing the core idea: 'Block early and avoid recovery later.' The final step, 'Protected assets,' is represented by a green shield icon on the far right.") This happens through a mix of techniques, like policy-based access control, content inspection, behavioral analysis, and system hardening. Many of these measures act inline, meaning they evaluate and stop activity as it occurs. Others reinforce security posture by reducing attack surface or limiting what an attacker can do if they get in. In practice, prevention happens at multiple layers. But the core idea stays the same: Block what you can early, so you don't have to recover from what you could've stopped. ## What are the differences between threat prevention, detection, and protection? These terms are often used interchangeably, but that leads to confusion. Some vendors label detection as protection. Others describe reactive tools as preventive. It's worth clarifying what a solution actually does before assuming where it fits. **Threat prevention is about stopping attacks before they can** do harm. It uses controls like [MFA](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-mfa-implementation), web filtering, and secure configurations to reduce risk up front. The goal is to block known and unknown threats before they reach critical systems or data. **Threat detection comes into play when prevention fails.** It involves identifying malicious activity that has already bypassed defenses. Detection methods include anomaly detection, behavioral analytics, and [endpoint detection and response (EDR)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-edr-management). These tools help surface threats that might otherwise go unnoticed. ![A labeled diagram titled 'Threat detection' presents a four-step process for identifying and responding to threats. The steps appear in separate vertical boxes from left to right. The first box is labeled 'Collect' with a turquoise icon and includes data sources such as network logs, endpoint activity, and application logs. It is associated with SIEM for log correlation and marked 'Reactive.' The second box is labeled 'Analyze' with a dark teal icon and includes detection engines for behavioral analysis, anomaly detection, and threat intelligence. It is linked to EDR/XDR for endpoint monitoring and marked 'Continuous.' The third box is labeled 'Alert' with an orange icon and outlines threat identification activities such as risk scoring, prioritization, and notification. It is associated with UEBA for user behavior analytics and marked 'Intelligence-driven.' The fourth box is labeled 'Respond' with a blue icon and lists actions to investigate, contain, and remediate. It is tied to threat hunting for proactive search. A horizontal line below the boxes maps the progression from reactive to intelligence-driven.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention/Threat-prevention-2025_4-threat.png "A labeled diagram titled 'Threat detection' presents a four-step process for identifying and responding to threats. The steps appear in separate vertical boxes from left to right. The first box is labeled 'Collect' with a turquoise icon and includes data sources such as network logs, endpoint activity, and application logs. It is associated with SIEM for log correlation and marked 'Reactive.' The second box is labeled 'Analyze' with a dark teal icon and includes detection engines for behavioral analysis, anomaly detection, and threat intelligence. It is linked to EDR/XDR for endpoint monitoring and marked 'Continuous.' The third box is labeled 'Alert' with an orange icon and outlines threat identification activities such as risk scoring, prioritization, and notification. It is associated with UEBA for user behavior analytics and marked 'Intelligence-driven.' The fourth box is labeled 'Respond' with a blue icon and lists actions to investigate, contain, and remediate. It is tied to threat hunting for proactive search. A horizontal line below the boxes maps the progression from reactive to intelligence-driven.") **Threat protection is the broader category that includes both prevention and detection.** It refers to the combined effort of reducing exposure and identifying threats in progress. Some use the term to describe any security measure. Others use it to refer to endpoint-specific controls. ![A layered diagram titled 'Threat protection' is divided into two main sections: the threat prevention layer and the threat detection layer. The top row, labeled 'Threat prevention layer,' shows a left-to-right flow starting with a red icon labeled 'Incoming threats,' followed by four gray icons with labels: 'Policy-based access control,' 'Content inspection,' 'Behavioral analysis,' and 'System hardening.' The bottom row, labeled 'Threat detection layer,' includes four vertical boxes. From left to right, they are: 'Collect' with a turquoise icon and bullets for network logs, endpoint activity, and application logs; 'Analyze' with a dark teal icon and bullets for behavioral analysis, anomaly detection, and threat intelligence; 'Alert' with an orange icon and bullets for risk scoring, prioritization, and notification; and 'Respond' with a blue icon and bullets for investigate, contain, and remediate. A green horizontal bar at the bottom represents the end goal labeled 'Protected assets' with a shield icon.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention/Threat-prevention-2025_5-Threat.png "A layered diagram titled 'Threat protection' is divided into two main sections: the threat prevention layer and the threat detection layer. The top row, labeled 'Threat prevention layer,' shows a left-to-right flow starting with a red icon labeled 'Incoming threats,' followed by four gray icons with labels: 'Policy-based access control,' 'Content inspection,' 'Behavioral analysis,' and 'System hardening.' The bottom row, labeled 'Threat detection layer,' includes four vertical boxes. From left to right, they are: 'Collect' with a turquoise icon and bullets for network logs, endpoint activity, and application logs; 'Analyze' with a dark teal icon and bullets for behavioral analysis, anomaly detection, and threat intelligence; 'Alert' with an orange icon and bullets for risk scoring, prioritization, and notification; and 'Respond' with a blue icon and bullets for investigate, contain, and remediate. A green horizontal bar at the bottom represents the end goal labeled 'Protected assets' with a shield icon.") ## What are the different types of threat prevention? ![A circular infographic labeled 'Types of threat prevention' sits at the center with six surrounding icons and labels arranged around it in a radial layout. Each type has an icon and a brief description. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise: 'Application' with a window icon and the description 'Protect exposed services'; 'Network' with a globe and connection lines icon and the description 'Block malicious traffic'; 'Endpoint' with a computer icon and the description 'Stop device compromise'; 'Identity' with a user icon and the description 'Prevent unauthorized access'; 'Email \& SaaS' with an envelope icon and the description 'Defend cloud collaboration'; and 'Data' with a stacked disk icon and the description 'Secure sensitive information'. All icons are connected to the center circle by dotted and solid lines, forming a symmetric and structured layout.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention/Threat-prevention-2025_1-Types.png "A circular infographic labeled 'Types of threat prevention' sits at the center with six surrounding icons and labels arranged around it in a radial layout. Each type has an icon and a brief description. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise: 'Application' with a window icon and the description 'Protect exposed services'; 'Network' with a globe and connection lines icon and the description 'Block malicious traffic'; 'Endpoint' with a computer icon and the description 'Stop device compromise'; 'Identity' with a user icon and the description 'Prevent unauthorized access'; 'Email & SaaS' with an envelope icon and the description 'Defend cloud collaboration'; and 'Data' with a stacked disk icon and the description 'Secure sensitive information'. All icons are connected to the center circle by dotted and solid lines, forming a symmetric and structured layout.") Threat prevention isn't a single control. It's a collection of strategies applied across different parts of your environment. The goal is simple: Stop threats before they can execute or cause harm. But how that happens depends on where the protection is applied. Here's a breakdown of threat prevention by functional domain, with examples that reflect how organizations actually deploy prevention in the real world. ### Network threat prevention Network-based threat prevention inspects, filters, and controls traffic, both at the perimeter and within internal segments. Key technologies include: * [Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-firewall) that enforce policy across zones * [Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-an-intrusion-prevention-system-ips) that block known exploits * DNS security to disrupt domain-based threats and [C2](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/command-and-control-explained) callbacks * [Microsegmentation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-microsegmentation) to limit lateral movement This layer blocks malicious traffic before it hits endpoints or apps. Many systems now use [machine learning](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/machine-learning-ml) to flag anomalies in encrypted or evasive traffic. ***Note:*** *Inline threat prevention isn't just for traffic entering the network. Internal segmentation is just as important. Many attacks escalate only after moving laterally. So blocking east-west traffic helps contain them before they reach high-value targets.* ### Endpoint threat prevention This layer protects devices like laptops, desktops, and servers by blocking malware and exploit techniques directly on the system. Common tools include: * [Next-generation antivirus (NGAV)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-next-generation-anti-virus) with behavior-based detection * Device control policies for USB and peripheral restrictions * Memory protection to stop buffer overflows and code injection Stopping the initial compromise at the endpoint prevents privilege escalation, data theft, and lateral movement. ### Identity threat prevention Identity-focused prevention blocks unauthorized access and limits what valid credentials can do. Controls include: * Multi-factor authentication (MFA) * Posture checks to assess device health * Identity analytics to flag credential abuse and privilege escalation This is essential because attackers often bypass defenses by logging in rather than breaking in. ***Note:*** *Attackers don't need to break in if they can log in. Identity-based attacks now outpace traditional exploits. That's why prevention here isn't just about authentication. It's about understanding context, behavior, and access intent.* ### Application-layer prevention This layer protects web applications and APIs exposed to users, developers, and partners. The focus is on stopping attacks that arrive through legitimate channels. Key technologies include: * [Web application firewalls (WAFs)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-web-application-firewall) * [API gateways](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-gateway) that enforce rate limits and validate inputs * Bot protection to stop automation-based abuse Modern attacks often exploit normal traffic patterns. Application-layer defenses profile behavior to catch misuse without relying solely on signatures. ### Data-layer threat prevention Data-layer controls secure sensitive information, whether stored, in transit, or in use. Key technologies include: * [Data loss prevention (DLP)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp) * [Encryption of data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption) at rest and in transit * Rights management to control access and usage These safeguards act as a final barrier, ensuring attackers can't easily access or [exfiltrate critical data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration). Even if other controls fail. ### Email and SaaS threat prevention This domain targets threats delivered through email or cloud-based platforms. Especially [phishing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-phishing), malware, and session abuse. Controls include: * Email gateways that scan links and attachments * [Sandboxing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sandboxing) to isolate unknown payloads * [SaaS security posture management (SSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-saas-security-posture-management) * OAuth/session protection in collaboration platforms These tools help stop threats at delivery and reduce abuse across widely used services. ***Note:*** *Phishing remains one of the most common entry points. But today's SaaS threats go beyond email. OAuth token abuse, unmanaged apps, and misconfigured integrations all expose cloud environments to compromise.* ## Top 5 threat prevention tips, tricks, and best practices ![An infographic titled 'Top 5 threat prevention tips' presents five numbered tips in a vertical layout, each paired with an icon and brief explanatory text. Tip 1 is 'Focus on identity \& access first' with an icon showing a shield, user figures, and gears. It advises stopping attackers from logging in with stolen credentials by using MFA, limiting permissions, and verifying device posture. Tip 2 is 'Prevent lateral movement by design' with a magnifying glass over a graph icon, suggesting the use of microsegmentation, privilege restrictions, and least-privilege access. Tip 3 is 'Prioritize behavior over signatures' with an icon of interface panels and a checkmark, recommending the use of NGAV, UEBA, and adaptive policies to detect actions beyond static patterns. Tip 4 is 'Don't treat prevention as a checklist' with a clipboard icon, emphasizing the importance of automation, patching, and configuration monitoring. Tip 5 is 'Connect your controls' with a network diagram icon, encouraging integration across identity, endpoint, and network systems to close gaps and reduce blind spots. The Palo Alto Networks logo appears at the bottom.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention/Threat-prevention-2025_2-Top.png) Effective threat prevention isn't just about buying tools. It's about how you deploy them, connect them, and maintain them. These five tips can help strengthen your preventive strategy without adding unnecessary complexity. ### 1. Focus on identity and access first Most attacks still involve credential misuse. That's why identity-based prevention is one of the highest-impact places to start. Implement MFA, restrict overly broad permissions, and verify device posture before granting access. This limits attackers' ability to authenticate, even if they have credentials. ***Tip:*** *Harden defaults before adding tools. Don't rely on new technology to compensate for poor baseline hygiene. Review built-in platform settings, close unused ports, disable legacy protocols, and enforce secure defaults wherever possible. Especially in cloud and SaaS environments.* ### 2. Prevent lateral movement by design Once inside, attackers often pivot. Use microsegmentation to block unnecessary east-west traffic. Restrict admin privileges. And apply [least-privilege access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-least-privilege-access) consistently. The more you isolate systems and enforce boundaries, the harder it becomes for threats to spread. ***Tip:*** *Build a prevention-first incident playbook. Include prevention tuning and policy refinement as part of your incident response process. Not just remediation and recovery.* ### 3. Prioritize behavior over signatures Signatures can't catch everything. Especially AI-assisted malware and polymorphic attacks. Add behavior-based controls that analyze how users, processes, and traffic behave. This includes tools like NGAV, [UEBA](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba), and adaptive policy engines. They give you visibility into subtle risks that static rules often miss. ***Tip:*** *Prevention controls can degrade silently. If MFA isn't enforced, DLP isn't logging, or rules are bypassed by allow lists, you won't know until it's too late. Regularly test and validate whether your controls are actually working as intended.* ### 4. Don't treat prevention as a checklist Prevention is not a one-time deployment. It requires maintenance. Patch management. Configuration drift detection. Policy tuning. These small operational details make or break your defenses. Automate wherever possible, and review your controls regularly. Especially as your environment changes. ### 5. Connect your controls Disconnected tools lead to blind spots. Look for prevention technologies that share context across layers, like between your firewall, endpoint, and identity systems. This improves accuracy, reduces alert fatigue, and lets you enforce smarter, risk-based controls across your stack. ***Tip:*** *Don't just react to prevention alerts. Use them to identify coverage gaps, spot patterns in attempted exploits, and strengthen defenses over time. Good prevention should evolve with the threats it's blocking.* ## Why threat prevention is harder than it sounds (yet more achievable than it used to be) Preventing threats sounds simple. But in practice, it requires the right policies, tuned controls, and continuous maintenance. Most organizations already own prevention tools, but struggle to configure, connect, and manage them effectively. The reasons? Complex environments. Users are everywhere. Data is everywhere. Threats change quickly, especially with AI. Attackers adapt faster than static controls. And many organizations assume prevention is working, even when critical controls are misconfigured or missing. The good news: Prevention has gotten easier to operationalize. Many modern platforms integrate policy, detection, and response. AI-assisted analytics reduce false positives. Unified control planes simplify tuning and enforcement. Threat prevention isn't automatic. But it's more practical than it used to be. ![Test-drive Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention/icon-document.svg) ## Learn how today's attacks unfold and where threat prevention can stop them, featuring the Unit 42 2025 Global Incident Response Report. [Download report](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/unit-42-incident-response-report) ## Threat prevention FAQs #### What does threat prevention mean? Threat prevention is the practice of stopping cyberattacks before they cause harm. It uses security controls to block unauthorized access, malware, and exploitation attempts across systems, networks, and applications. #### What are the 4 types of threats? There's no single standard list, but cyber threats are often grouped into categories like external attacks (e.g., malware, phishing), internal threats (e.g., insider misuse), supply chain risks (e.g., third-party compromise), and human error (e.g., misconfigurations or accidental data exposure). #### What is meant by threat protection? Threat protection refers to the combined use of prevention and detection. It includes both stopping threats before they occur and identifying malicious activity in progress. #### What is the meaning of threat detection and prevention? Threat detection identifies attacks after they bypass defenses. Threat prevention blocks them up front. Together, they reduce risk by preventing known threats and catching others that slip through. #### Do I still need detection and response if I have threat prevention? Yes. Prevention reduces risk, but no control is perfect. Detection and response are still needed to catch, investigate, and contain threats that evade preventive measures. #### What is cyber threat prevention? Cyber threat prevention refers to the proactive steps taken to stop cyberattacks before they occur. It includes technical, identity, and behavioral controls that block malicious activity across systems, networks, and applications. Related Content [Podcast: Mastering the Basics: Cyber Hygiene and Risk Management In this episode of Threat Vector, hear expertise on cyber hygiene and its impact on managing risk and protecting data.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/podcasts/threat-vector-mastering-the-basics-cyber-hygiene-and-risk-management) [White paper: Hackers Are Coming for Your Cloud-Based Applications Explore how to apply threat prevention principles across cloud environments.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/whitepapers/hackers-are-coming-for-your-cloud-based-applications) [Report: SANS Report: Network Security Survey in the Hybrid Cloud Era Learn how organizations are adapting network security strategies and design to fit into cloud infrastructure.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/sans-report-network-security-survey-in-the-hybrid-cloud-era) ![Share page on facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/facebook-circular-icon.svg) ![Share page on linkedin](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/linkedin-circular-icon.svg) [![Share page by an email](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/email-circular-icon.svg)](mailto:?subject=What%20Is%20Threat%20Prevention%3F%20%5BDefinition%2C%20Explanation%2C%20%2B%20How-tos%5D&body=Threat%20prevention%20is%20the%20practice%20of%20proactively%20stopping%20cyberattacks%20before%20they%20can%20cause%20harm.%20at%20https%3A//www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-threat-prevention) Back to Top [Previous](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba?ts=markdown) What is UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics)? 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