ExtraHop named a Leader in the 2025 Forrester Wave™: Network Analysis And Visibility Solutions

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DETECTION OVERVIEW

BitTorrent Activity

Risk Factors

Uploading malware, disguised as legitimate files, to the BitTorrent network is a common and relatively easy way for attackers to gain access to your network. Additionally, BitTorrent clients might contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited remotely. If a device is suddenly sharing files through the BitTorrent protocol, that device might be exposing your network to new risks. And because many files in the BitTorrent network are illegal and violate copyright law, downloading these files can be a liability.

The system might change the risk score for this detection.

Category

Actions on Objective
Detection diagram
Next in Actions on Objective: Cryptocurrency Mining Pool Connection Attempt

Attack Background

If a user on your network downloads a file that appears to be legitimate, but is hiding malware, your network might be exposed to further exploitation and risk. Malware includes viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware—the file might not be damaging itself but can open the door to future attacks. Malware might be attached to a file or program on the network and remain dormant until that file is opened, launching the attack. If a user then inadvertently uploads the malware to the BitTorrent network, they can further spread malware to other users.

Mitigation Options

Block BitTorrent with a next generation firewall (NGFW)

Block common BitTorrent ports (6881-6889)

Prohibit the download of BitTorrent client applications

Associated content

Announcing The Forrester Wave™: Network Analysis And Visibility Solutions, Q4 2025

Network analysis and visibility solutions remain underrepresented in enterprises. Find out why in this preview of a new Wave report.

Report

ExtraHop® Named a Leader in First-Ever Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Network Detection and Response — ExtraHop

ExtraHop® Named a Leader in First-Ever Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Network Detection and Response

News

Detections

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Docs

The 2025 ExtraHop Global Threat Landscape Report: The Alarming Reality of Threat Actor Dwell Time and Deeper Network Access — ExtraHop

This analysis exposes the critical link between an organization's lack of internal visibility and the escalating cost of compromise, demanding an urgent re-evaluation of how core business assets are protected.

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ExtraHop RevealX MITRE ATT&CK Coverage 2024 — ExtraHop

Learn why you need to be wary of the claims certain network detection and response providers make about their coverage against the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

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MITRE ATT&CK - Network Detection & Response with RevealX — ExtraHop

Learn how NDR from RevealX helps security teams detect and investigate more adversary TTPs in the MITRE ATT&CK framework than rule-based tools.

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