Threat intelligence, also called cyber threat intelligence (CTI), is detailed information that helps organizations prevent and combat cybersecurity threats. It enables security teams to be proactive by identifying potential risks and taking data-driven actions to prevent attacks before they occur. Have a look at this download threat intelligence feed with an API
The Threat Intelligence Lifecycle
The process of producing threat intelligence follows a continuous cycle that typically includes six steps:
Planning:
Security teams first work with stakeholders, such as executives and department heads, to identify key questions they need to answer. These questions help guide the threat intelligence process. For example, they may ask whether a new type of ransomware could affect the organization.
Threat Data Collection:
Next, the security team collects raw data from various sources. This data might include information on known threat actors, vulnerabilities, and recent attacks. Data sources may include:
Threat intelligence feeds: Real-time streams of data about potential threats.
Information-sharing communities: Groups where security professionals share insights about emerging threats.
Internal security logs: Records of past cyberattacks or security incidents within the organization.
Processing:
After collecting the raw data, the team organizes and standardizes it for analysis. This step often involves filtering out irrelevant information or false positives. Automated tools like AI can assist by identifying trends in the data more quickly.
Analysis:
This is the stage where raw data becomes true threat intelligence. Analysts look for patterns and trends that can help answer the initial security questions.
Dissemination:
Once the analysis is complete, the security team shares its findings with the appropriate stakeholders. These insights are used to take action, such as updating security protocols or blocking suspicious traffic.
Feedback:
Finally, the team reviews the threat intelligence process to ensure the right questions are answered and to identify any gaps. Feedback from stakeholders helps guide future intelligence efforts.
Types of Threat Intelligence
The three primary categories of threat intelligence are:
Tactical Threat Intelligence:
This type focuses on detecting and responding to current attacks. It provides specific information, such as IP addresses associated with malicious activity, to help security teams identify active threats. Tactical intelligence is useful for incident response teams and can help filter out false alarms.
Operational Threat Intelligence:
Operational intelligence is used to anticipate and prevent future attacks. It provides details about the tactics and techniques used by attackers, such as the methods they use to exploit vulnerabilities. This type of intelligence helps organizations strengthen their defences against specific threats.
Strategic Threat Intelligence:
Strategic intelligence provides high-level insights into global cybersecurity trends and the overall threat landscape. It helps decision-makers, such as executives, understand the risks their organization faces. This type of intelligence focuses on broader issues, such as geopolitical threats or industry-specific risks.
Conclusion
Threat intelligence is essential for helping organizations anticipate, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. By following the threat intelligence lifecycle, security teams can gather, analyse, and act on valuable data, protecting the organization from both immediate and future attacks. Different types of intelligence serve different purposes, from responding to active threats to shaping long-term security strategies.
