With the evolution of technology comes the growth of cybersecurity threats. With this, consumers and businesses are like are left with no option but to deal with this threat. Antiviruses such as McAfee and Avast are available to help deal with these risks. Other than that, for companies specifically, one thing that can be incorporated into their cybersecurity strategy is threat intelligence.

Threat intelligence as a cybersecurity solution

Threat intelligence involves the consolidation of data that companies may use in order to prevent cyberattacks from taking place. In this specific area, both the threat actors and the methods used have to be paid attention to.

The sources of such data could be either internal or external. On the internal side, companies may examine the cyberattacks that they received and had fallen victim to. They could also check company logs and see if any attacks were attempted in the past.

For externally generated data, sources can be varied. This may include keeping up with the latest news releases regarding cybersecurity as well as being informed about cyberattacks that other companies may be experiencing.

The company would then analyze all these collected data and use such findings to prepare for potential attacks.

Does threat intelligence really matter?

Threat intelligence is one of the many cybersecurity solutions that companies should consider incorporating. When executed properly, this may lead companies to become advantageous in a number of ways.

For one, considering the nature of threat intelligence, companies that employ it will stay up to date with the newest risks and threat actors. This information can also be shared internally so that all involved parties would be aware of these risks on the rise.

Other than that, companies would be able to contextualize attacks and better understand questionable activity in the company’s networks. When this is done, the company can safeguard its system from these identified threats.

Overall, because of all these, even if a cyberattack was to take place, employing threat intelligence would reduce the chances of the attack being successful.

How is threat intelligence conducted?

Though threat intelligence sounds simple, its process is quite complex and lengthy. Typically, it involves six different stages.

Requirements. The aims and reasons for employing threat intelligence are laid down.
Data Collection. Relevant data is then scouted for and collected.
Processing. This involves contextualizing and organizing data into formats that are easily understandable. This may include consolidating data into spreadsheets or making charts.
Analysis. The generated data would be used to address the questions or aims that were laid out during the first stage. Devising solutions could also fall under this phase.
Dissemination. The threat intelligence would need to be spread to those who need to know.
Feedback. This involves allowing those who received the threat intelligence to give feedback and make requests to change things. The process may have to begin all over again with a more comprehensive view of cybersecurity needs.

Regardless of size, businesses should consider incorporating threat intelligence in their combat against threats. This comprehensive solution helps companies come up with a strong and effective defense.