Cyber Threat Intelligence is a critical component of cybersecurity, equipping practitioners with the knowledge required to understand the threats their networks and systems face. This intelligence encompasses technical information, such as indicators of compromise (IoCs); tactical insights, such as tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers; strategic trends in the threat landscape; and operational data about specific attacks.
CTI uses various sources, from technical data collected from past security incidents, open-source intelligence (OSINT), information shared between industry partners, and dark web monitoring to reports from commercial threat intelligence services. Organisations utilise CTI to anticipate and mitigate cyberattacks, adapt their security posture, train their staff, and align their security strategy with the risk profile and capabilities of potential threat actors.
By integrating Cyber Threat Intelligence into their security operations centre (SOC), incident response, and defence strategy, organisations can prioritise their security efforts, allocate resources more effectively, and improve their resilience against cyberattacks.
What does a cyber threat intelligence analyst do?
Cyber threat intelligence analysts are responsible for gathering and analysing information regarding cyber threats with the aim to enhance cyber security. When gathering information, cyber threat intelligence analysts will search various sources such as government agencies, open-source information, and private sector sources. This is done to gain insight into trends in cyber threats so that organisations can make more informed decisions to increase their security.
Why is threat intelligence important?
To make sure your organisation’s cyber security is strong against attackers, you must invest in cyber threat intelligence. Without intelligence, you will not know what to look out for and as attacks become more refined, your business will be more at risk.
Other than helping to stay ahead of emerging threats, cyber threat intelligence also helps improve security defences, reduce the risk of cyber attacks and respond to incidents in a more effective manner. Not only that but cyber threat intelligence can serve as a cost effective solution to protect against financial and reputational damages after a cyber attack has occurred.
Key Characteristics:
- Provides actionable information on current and emerging threats
- Involves analysis of data on attackers’ methodology and capabilities
- Aids in strategising and operationalising cybersecurity defenses
- Gathers from multiple sources, including open-source, industry-sharing, and proprietary intelligence services
Examples:
- Real-World Example: After a widespread ransomware attack targeting numerous companies, a cybersecurity firm published CTI that included information about the malware used, the infection vectors, and the cybercriminals’ Bitcoin wallet addresses. Organisations used this intelligence to strengthen their defences and monitor for signs of compromise.
- Hypothetical Scenario: An organisation employs CTI to monitor and analyse chatter from hacker forums on the dark web. This intelligence reveals a planned attack on the financial sector, allowing the organisation to pre-emptively strengthen its defences.
Related Terms:
- Indicator of Compromise (IoC): Artifacts observed on a network or in an operating system that, with high confidence, suggest a possible system intrusion.
- Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs): The behavior or modus operandi of cyber threat actors, which CTI aims to understand and counteract.
- Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): Data collected from publicly available sources to be used in an intelligence context, a key component of CTI.
- Dark Web Monitoring: The practice of searching for and analysing threat-related data from the dark web, an activity often included within the broader CTI processes.
Learn better by watching a video? Here is a YouTube video from Blackberry explaining the concept.
