- Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) is the practice of gathering, analysing, and applying information about current and potential cyber threats to help organisations enhance their cybersecurity defences.
- CTI is used to anticipate, identify, and mitigate cyber threats, enabling organisations to respond more effectively to attacks and protect their assets.
Cyber threat intelligence involves the collection and analysis of data related to cyber threats. This data can include information about threat actors, their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and indicators of compromise (IOCs). CTI helps organisations understand the nature of cyber threats, assess their potential impact, and make informed decisions to protect their networks, systems, and data.
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Uses of cyber threat intelligence
Proactive threat detection: CTI enables organisations to detect potential threats before they cause harm. By analysing patterns and trends in cyber attacks, security teams can identify signs of an impending attack and take preventive measures to block it. This proactive approach helps to minimise the damage from cyber threats.
Enhanced incident response: During a cyber incident, CTI provides valuable context that aids in the identification of the threat, understanding its scope, and determining the appropriate response. It helps security teams quickly identify the nature of the attack, the threat actors involved, and the methods used, allowing for a more targeted and efficient response.
Improved security posture: Organisations can use CTI to improve their overall security posture by identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their defences. By understanding the tactics used by cyber attackers, organisations can strengthen their security controls, implement better monitoring practices, and reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.
Strategic decision-making: CTI provides insights that inform strategic decision-making at the organisational level. Leaders can use CTI to prioritise security investments, develop policies, and allocate resources based on the specific threats facing their industry or region. This helps ensure that cybersecurity efforts are aligned with the most relevant and pressing risks.
Threat actor profiling: By analysing CTI, organisations can build profiles of threat actors, including their motives, capabilities, and typical targets. This information helps in anticipating future attacks and tailoring defences to counter specific threat groups. Understanding the threat landscape at this level allows for more focused and effective security strategies.
Cyber threat intelligence is a vital tool for modern cybersecurity, offering organisations the insights needed to stay ahead of evolving threats. By leveraging CTI, organisations can detect threats early, respond more effectively to incidents, and make informed decisions to protect their digital assets. In an increasingly complex cyber environment, CTI is essential for maintaining robust security and resilience.
