Network Monitoring
and Intrusion Detection

What is cyber threat intelligence?

Imagine cyber threat intelligence as a process that turns collected cyber threat information into valuable insights for those who need it. This intelligence is created by skilled professionals who carefully analyse the information to identify potential risks and opportunities. Let's break it down into simpler terms:

Cyber threat intelligence is like turning pieces of scattered information into a clear and helpful picture of potential cyber threats. It helps people understand what threats might be out there and how to deal with them effectively.

The intelligence cycle: how it works

Think of it as a circular process. First, we identify what information we need. Then, we plan how to collect that information and gather it. Next, we carefully analyze the data to create valuable intelligence. This intelligence is then shared with others. The process keeps repeating as we learn more and get new information. Take a look at the short introductory video below delivered by Stewart Bertram and taken from our Cyber Threat Intelligence 101 course.

The analysis part: what makes intelligence different

Intelligence analysis is not just about gathering and sharing information; it's about thinking deeply and carefully. Analysts use special techniques to identify and manage biases and uncertainties. This helps make sure that the conclusions they reach are accurate and reliable.

Different levels of cyber threat intelligence

There are three main levels of cyber threat intelligence:

• Strategic intelligence: This helps decision-makers and policymakers by giving them a big picture view of potential cyber threats. It identifies trends, patterns, and emerging risks.
• Operational intelligence: This focuses on specific incidents and helps guide responses to those incidents. It is more technical in nature and often deals with things like malware and campaigns.
• Tactical intelligence: This provides real-time support for day-to-day operations. It helps with tasks like developing security measures and identifying threats as they happen.

Who benefits from cyber threat intelligence?

Cyber threat intelligence is useful for various people and roles, from top executives and policymakers to IT specialists and law enforcement officers. It helps everyone respond faster and more effectively to cyber threats, making better decisions about risks and resources.

What cyber threat intelligence courses should I do?

Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) is still an emerging discipline in many ways and consequently the path to becoming a CTI analyst is never a straight line. The thing to remember when choosing a course, is that the role of a CTI analyst is a mixture of art, craft and science. So, don't let 'foie gras'd with capital' companies try and convince you that a practical lab looking at log files is prime CTI... it isn't! You will need to invest time and effort in reading threat intelligence reports and keeping up to date on the latest tactics, techniques and procedures being used by nefarious groups.

If you are interested in cyber threat intelligence and would like to learn more, take a look at our available cyber threat intelligence courses below.