Table of Contents
What is Threat Intelligence
Threat IntelligenceThreat intelligence in cybersecurity refers to organized, analyzed, and refined information about potential or current attacks on an organization. It provides insights into the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used..., in the realm of cybersecurityCybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. It encompasses techniques to prevent cyber threats..., refers to organized, analyzed, and refined information about potential or current attacks that threaten an organization. It involves collecting raw data about emerging threats and threat actors, analyzing that data for relevance, and turning it into actionable intelligence that organizations can use to enhance their security posture and respond more effectively to potential threats.
Threat intelligence seeks to answer questions like who is attacking you, what their motivations and capabilities are, and what their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) are. This intelligence assists in making informed decisions about the security of an organization, from the strategic level down to the operational and tactical levels.
Examples of Threat Intelligence Platforms
Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs) facilitate the collection, correlation, and analysis of threat data in a scalable way. They help automate the process of threat intelligence gathering and apply it to the protection of the network in real-time.
Here are a few examples of threat intelligence platforms:
- IBM X-Force Exchange: This platform provides a collaborative approach to threat intelligence, featuring a vast database of threat intelligence that can be shared and supplemented by users.
- Recorded Future: Recorded Future uses machine learning to automatically collect and analyze threat information from a broad range of sources, allowing for rapid identification of threats.
- ThreatConnect: This platform combines intelligence, automation, orchestration, and response to enable organizations to be more proactive with their defense.
- FireEye Threat Intelligence: FireEye is known for its advanced threat detection capabilities. Their intelligence platform offers a comprehensive view of the threat landscape.
- Palo Alto Networks AutoFocus: AutoFocus consolidates threat intelligence into a single, unified platform, allowing for easy correlation of threat data.
Threat Research and TTPs of Modern Cyber Adversaries
Threat researchThreat research in cybersecurity is the systematic study of current and emerging threats in the digital landscape. Researchers analyze malware, exploit tactics, and adversarial behavior to understand their mechanisms and... plays a vital role in threat intelligence. It involves the deep-dive investigation of potential threats, their sources, and their methodologies. Without continual threat research, threat intelligence would lack the most current data, leaving organizations vulnerable to newly-developed TTPs.
Threat research helps uncover the TTPs of modern cyber adversaries. TTPs stand for Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures and are used in the cybersecurity world to describe the behaviors and methods of cyber threat actors.
- Tactics refer to the overall goal or strategy the threat actors are using, such as spear-phishing or ransomware attacks.
- Techniques describe the way the tactic is carried out, such as using a malicious email attachment or exploiting a certain network vulnerabilityIn cybersecurity, a vulnerability refers to a flaw or weakness in a system that can be exploited by malicious actors to breach the system's security and perform unauthorized actions. These....
- Procedures are the detailed steps the threat actorIn cybersecurity, a threat actor refers to an individual or entity that is responsible for an event or incident that impacts, or has the potential to impact, the security of... takes within the technique, such as the type of malwareMalware, short for malicious software, is software specifically designed to harm or exploit digital devices, networks, or services. It encompasses a broad range of harmful software types, including viruses, worms,... used in the email attachment, or the specific code used to exploit a network vulnerability.
By researching and understanding these TTPs, organizations can be better prepared to respond to threats. For instance, if a certain type of malware is commonly being used in a certain industry, companies in that industry can ensure their anti-malware tools are capable of detecting that particular threat.
To put it into perspective, consider a bank. If the bank, through threat research, realizes that its sector is facing increased attacks from a certain type of phishingPhishing is a form of cyber attack where attackers masquerade as trustworthy entities to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers. Typically conducted via email,... scam, it can then take steps to protect itself. It might send information to its customers about how to recognize these scams, or it could update its email filters to better catch these types of messages.
In conclusion, threat intelligence, backed by extensive threat research and the use of sophisticated threat intelligence platforms, is a critical aspect of an effective cybersecurity strategy. It allows organizations to proactively defend against cyber threats and respond effectively when attacks occur, ultimately enhancing their resilience in an increasingly digital world.
