Cyber Threat Intelligence. Be ready for any fight.

Setting up the defenses to protect your company. Learn about Cyber Threat Intelligence and how it can save your information.

Intelligence is one of the most remarkable evolutionary achievements that life has allowed to occur. The capacity to adapt, plan, and respond to the environment for survival, are our defining features; therefore, there is no need to limit ourselves only to that one. Nature is intelligent, and because we are beings of intelligence, thanks to our capacity for innovation; we have been able to break down the barriers of our limitations, and from here, another type of intelligence emerges, one located in the virtual world. Learn about Cyber Threat Intelligence

A great part of our development is linked to science and the technologies, we have been able to develop over time. Virtual environments are a standard in all areas of our lives; from social and work to our entertainment. Likewise, as the years go by, they become more and more complex; but the same way we consider these environments a part of us, so does the necessity to keep them protected.

The management and protection of these environments created by us, have led to the generation of diverse forms of prevention, and combat against external threats. As part of the solution, the creation of intelligent agents that protect our information arises. Therefore, such agents are a way of keeping these cyberspaces safe. In this post; we will explore the characteristics of intelligence in the context of cyber threats, and how its correct use makes us stay safe, in the virtual world.

What is Cyber Threat Intelligence? How does it work?

Before we define the main term of the article; we must clarify that intelligence, especially in the human context, is much more than just information. Cyber threat intelligence is normally defined, as information that allows you to understand and comprehend the dangers and threats; that can harm or affect a company in a cyber context.

Although we define it as information, the detection of these threats against virtual defense; allows us to plan and formulate strategies to act, with appropriate responses to them. This intelligence is not limited to pointing out risk indicators or possible dangers, but also allows the information analyzed to be processed, gathered, produced, planned and disseminated. These information processes for its correct use, with the organization are intelligence indicators.

On the other hand, threat intelligence is not an exact science; it has a margin of error based on assumptions. A good or bad intelligence represents the difference in the success of your protection; moreover, it can send your company in the wrong direction. Intelligence requires solid information, experience, and intellect to make sound judgments, and is often analyzed against an incomplete or imperfect, data set to determine whether it can be trusted or not.

Sources of cyber threat intelligence include social network, human, open-source, and technical intelligence. Also, “Deep web” and “Dark web“ intelligence.

The importance and benefits of Cyber Threat Intelligence.

Threat intelligence, is about gathering data on emerging or existing threatening agents on the network, and detecting their source. The analysis of this data, allows intelligence and management reports to be produced. Automated control mechanisms use this information, to defend against malicious software. The design of these processes, keeps your company informed about the possible risks of advanced persistent threats, and how to protect it against them.
When these processes are properly implemented, the following security guidelines can be met:

Ensure that you are up to date with the various malware programs on the market, that could pose a threat to your company. This will include their methods, objectives and vulnerabilities.
It allows you to be more proactive, and aware of possible threats to the cyber security network.
It keeps workers, including business leaders and users, informed about the impact that threats could have on the company.
In this way, when a proactive stance towards cybersecurity is developed, companies benefit from better threat management, reduced risk of intrusion and damage caused by external agents, and improved decision making in the event of malware invasion, or deployment.

Who should be interested in cybersecurity against threats?

The use of intelligence is not only reserved for security defenders. There are different types of intelligence, and each one has different values and applications according to the environment, allowing you to help your companies and businesses, from a larger perspective, all in favor of risk organization and system defense. Next, we will show some practical applications of cyber security against threats:

Tactical intelligence: Managed by your cyber security technical staff. It is used to verify the events, that occur in the Security Operations Center. Those responsible for cybersecurity use the resources for the detection and management of threats, to prevent dangerous activities from reaching your company’s main network.
Operational intelligence: Focuses more on the threats and enemies of the system. Analysts gather, analyze and review information found on previous threats and their techniques, tactics and procedures to link the capabilities, campaigns and intentions of malware with the organization’s operating environment.
Strategic Intelligence: Of vital importance to business executives, as this is where business and cyber risks arise, risk analysis is performed to help board members have a clear understanding of the financial impact, that can result from cyber threats, as well as on their operations and reputation as a company. This level of intelligence can be used to drive security investments, ensuring their success as well as making the right decisions regarding potential risks.

Intelligence for cyber threats, more than just a protection tool, is a capacity that promotes correct decision making, and maintains security in your business or company’s investments, being the difference between a successful future or a fall towards failure.