What is Cyber Intelligence?

Ismail Tasdelen
DataBulls
Published in
4 min readJan 26, 2023

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

In this article, I will be talking about cyber intelligence. Cyber intelligence refers to the collection and analysis of information from various sources to protect against cyber threats and support decision making in the realm of cybersecurity. This can include identifying and assessing the capabilities, intentions, and activities of cyber adversaries, as well as understanding the vulnerabilities of one’s own systems and networks. Cyber intelligence can also include the tracking of developments in technology and the broader cyber landscape that may have implications for security.

What is a Cyber Threat?

A cyber threat is a potential danger or adverse event that can exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or devices. These threats can take many forms, such as malware, ransomware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks, and can have a range of negative consequences, including data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and disruption of operations. Cyber threats can originate from a variety of sources, including state-sponsored actors, organized criminal groups, and individual hackers.

What is Cyber Threat Intelligence?

Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) refers to the process of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information about current and emerging cyber threats in order to support decision-making and incident response. CTI can include identifying the capabilities, intentions, and activities of cyber adversaries, as well as understanding the vulnerabilities of one’s own systems and networks. It also includes tracking developments in technology and the broader cyber landscape that may have implications for security. The goal of CTI is to provide actionable intelligence that can be used to understand the threat landscape, prioritize risk, and inform the development of effective security strategies.

What is the purpose of Cyber Threat Intelligence?

The purpose of cyber threat intelligence (CTI) is to provide organizations with actionable information about current and emerging cyber threats in order to support decision-making and incident response. CTI can help organizations understand the threat landscape, prioritize risk, and develop effective security strategies. The main goal is to protect an organization’s information assets and systems from cyber attacks, espionage, or sabotage. CTI can also help organizations to comply with legal and regulatory requirements and to manage the reputational risks associated with cyber incidents. Additionally, CTI enables organizations to prepare for potential incidents, respond quickly and effectively to security breaches, and recover from them more efficiently.

What Steps Does Cyber Intelligence Involve?

Cyber intelligence typically involves several steps, including:

  1. Collection: Gather information from a variety of sources, such as open-source materials, network logs, and threat intelligence feeds.
  2. Processing: Analyze and filter the collected information to identify relevant and credible data.
  3. Analysis: Use analytical techniques such as link analysis, data mining, and pattern recognition to identify patterns and trends in the data.
  4. Production: Create intelligence products, such as reports and briefings, that summarize the findings and provide actionable recommendations.
  5. Dissemination: Share the intelligence products with relevant stakeholders, including senior management, incident response teams, and other security personnel.
  6. Feedback: Collect feedback from stakeholders and use it to improve the intelligence process and make it more effective.
  7. Monitoring & Updating: Continuously monitor for new information and update the intelligence products accordingly.

It’s worth noting that the cyber intelligence process is not a one-time effort, but a continuous cycle. It’s important to regularly update and re-evaluate the cyber threat landscape to ensure that the organization is protected from current and emerging threats.

James Bond - 007 - Daniel Craig

In this article, I have been talking about cyber intelligence, see you in my next article, take care of yourself.

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Ismail Tasdelen
DataBulls

I'm Ismail Tasdelen. I have been working in the cyber security industry for +7 years. Don't forget to follow and applaud to support my content.