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The process of identifying as well as analysing cyber threats is known as threat intelligence. Threat intelligence can refer to either the data collected on a potential threat or the process of gathering, processing, and analysing that data in order to better understand threats. Sifting through data, contextually examining it to spot problems, and deploying solutions specific to the problem found tells you what is cyber threat intelligence.

Today’s world is more interconnected than ever before thanks to digital technology. However, increased connectivity has increased the risk of cyberattacks such as security breaches, data theft, and malware. Threat intelligence is an important aspect of cybersecurity. Continue reading to learn what is cyber threat intelligence, why it’s important, and how to use it.

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What is Cyber threat intelligence: Definition

Threat intelligence is frequently confused with other cybersecurity terms. People frequently confuse ‘threat data’ with ‘threat intelligence,’ but the two are not synonymous:

A threat data set is a list of potential threats. Threat intelligence considers the big picture, interrogating data and the larger context to create a narrative that can inform decision-making. Threat intelligence, in essence, enables organisations to make more informed and timely security decisions. In the fight against cyber attacks, it encourages proactive rather than reactive behaviour.

Why is it important?

A cyber threat intelligence programme, also known as CTI, can:

• Prevent data loss: A well-structured CTI programme can detect cyber threats and avoid data breaches from releasing sensitive information.
• Provide guidance on safety protocols: CTI identifies and analyses threats, identifying patterns used by hackers and assisting organisations in putting security measures in place to protect against future attacks.
• Alert others: Hackers are becoming more sophisticated by the day. To stay ahead of the game, cybersecurity experts share the tactics they’ve seen with others in their community in order to build a collective knowledge base to combat cybercrime.

Types of Cyber Threat Intelligence

Cybersecurity threat intelligence is frequently classified into three types, these types will tell you in detail what is cyber threat intelligence: strategic, tactical, and operational.

Strategic threat intelligence

This is typically a high-level analysis intended for non-technical audiences, such as the board of directors of a company or organisation. It examines overall trends as well as motivations and covers cybersecurity topics that may have an impact on broader business decisions. Strategic threat intelligence is frequently based on open sources, which can be accessed by anyone, such as media reports, white papers, as well as research.

Tactical threat intelligence

This is more focused on the immediate future and is intended for a more technically savvy audience. It identifies simple indicators of compromise (IOCs), allowing IT teams to search for and remove specific threats from a network. Bad IP addresses, known malicious domain names, unexpected traffic, log-in red flags, or an increase in file/download requests are examples of IOCs. Tactical intelligence is the simplest type of intelligence to generate and is usually automated. It frequently has a short lifespan because many IOCs become obsolete quickly.

Operational threat intelligence

Every cyber attack has a “who,” “why,” and “how.” Operational threat intelligence seeks to answer these questions by analysing previous cyber attacks and drawing conclusions about intent, timing, as well as sophistication. Operational threat intelligence requires more resources and has a longer lifespan than tactical threat intelligence. This is due to the fact that cyber attackers are unable to change their tactics, techniques, as well as procedures (known as TTPs) as easily as they can change their tools, such as a specific type of malware.

Benefits of Cyber Threat Intelligence

Threat intelligence benefits everyone with an interest in security. Benefits, particularly if you own a business, include:

Less Risks 

Hackers are constantly looking for new ways to breach enterprise networks. Businesses can use cyber threat intelligence to identify new vulnerabilities as they emerge, lowering the risk of data loss and disruption to day-to-day operations.

Preventing data breaches

A comprehensive cyber threat intelligence system should assist in the prevention of data breaches. This is accomplished by monitoring suspicious domains or IP addresses that attempt to communicate with an organization’s systems. A good CTI system will block suspicious IP addresses from the network, which could otherwise steal your data. In the absence of a CTI system, hackers could flood the network with bogus traffic and launch a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.

Reduced Costs

Data breaches are costly. The global average cost of a data breach in 2021 was $4.24 million (although this varies by sector – the highest being healthcare). These expenses include legal fees and fines, as well as post-incident reinstatement costs. Cyber threat intelligence reduces the likelihood of data breaches which saves money. Cyber Threat intelligence research essentially assists an organisation in understanding cyber risks and the steps required to mitigate those risks.

What should a Cyber Threat Intelligence programme look for?

Threat management necessitates a 360-degree view of your assets. To protect your organisation, you need a programme that monitors activity, identifies problems, as well as provides the data you need to make informed decisions. Here are some characteristics to look for in a cyber threat intelligence programme:

Customised threat management

You want a company that can access your system, identify flaws, recommend safeguards, and monitor it around the clock. Many cybersecurity systems claim to do this, but look for one that can tailor a solution to your specific requirements. Because cybersecurity isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, don’t settle for a company that sells it.

Genuine solutions

A cyber threat intelligence programme should assist your organisation in identifying attacks and mitigating risks. The programme must be comprehensive; for example, you do not want a programme that identifies potential problems but does not provide solutions.

About DriveIt

DriveIT Technologies is a group of cyber security enablers based in India that offers cyber security services. We transform cyber security issues into innovative solutions that meet the needs of our clients. One of our primary strategies is to work closely with our clients to secure and optimise their critical IT infrastructure. With our assistance, the client’s IT infrastructure will be secure, redundant, stable, and recoverable, providing them with a flexible strategy to operate their core businesses effectively and affordably with the help of our cyber threat intelligence.

Cyber threats can also have serious consequences for your organisation in an ever-expanding threat landscape. However, with strong cyber threat intelligence, you can reduce the risks that can cause reputational and financial harm. To stay ahead of cyber attacks, request a demo of DriveIt’s Threat Intelligence portal and begin investigating the benefits it can offer your organisation.