Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) in the realm of cybersecurity is characterised by the systematic acquisition of information, followed by analysis and processing. This information is then utilised by security teams and decision-makers to enhance strategic efforts in fortifying the organisation’s defence against potential cyberattacks. The acquired knowledge encompasses the identification of current and potential threats, the involvement of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups, their objectives, targets, and patterns of attack behaviour directed at the organisation.
Threat intelligence offers numerous advantages to an organisation. It leverages sophisticated tools that enhance the organisation's ability to detect and monitor threats effectively. These tools provide a deep understanding of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors, along with indicators of compromise (IoCs) associated with cyberattacks. This comprehensive insight equips security teams with the information necessary to address existing vulnerabilities and proactively respond to threats. Fundamentally, threat intelligence empowers organisations to stay ahead of potential security risks, bolster their overall cybersecurity posture, and ensure a more resilient defence against evolving threats.
Threat Intelligence Lifecycle
When CTI teams are tasked with investigating threats related to a specific organisation, they utilise the Threat Intelligence Lifecycle, a structured framework, to systematically collect, analyse, and report on the organisation's cybersecurity posture. This framework comprises the following 6 phases:
Requirements
In the initial stage, the CTI team defines the operation's scope, goals, and objectives. This phase involves identifying the required intelligence, which includes understanding the attack surface, the motivations of potential attackers, and the defensive measures needed to align with business and risk management.
Collection
The Collection phase begins with the CTI team gathering raw data from various sources, including log files, incident response records, the dark web, forums, specific TOR sites, and other relevant channels. Furthermore, the team may utilise CTI platforms to access their extensive resources for intelligence data.
Processing
The processing phase begins once the necessary data has been collected. The subsequent steps involve careful processing to ensure data readiness for analysis. These activities include organising the data into structured formats to facilitate thorough analysis, decrypting any encrypted files for a comprehensive understanding of the intelligence, meticulously evaluating the relevance and reliability of data to filter out non-essential or incidental information, and strategically categorising and grouping similar data. These efforts not only streamline the analysis process but also enhance the overall effectiveness of the collected intelligence in responding to cybersecurity threats within the organisation.
Analysis
In the analysis phase, the CTI Team customises actionable intelligence and risk assessments for their respective target audiences using the processed and structured data. Analysis directed at the vulnerability management team is characterised by the technical depth, highlighting the nuances of commonly exploited vulnerabilities. On the other hand, reports designed for the board and executives pivot towards presenting actionable recommendations and evaluating risk in a manner that aligns with their strategic decision-making imperatives.
Dissemination
The CTI team then takes the complex, analysed data, and translates it into a streamlined and easily understandable format, ensuring that it is effectively communicated to the stakeholders. This simplification process involves condensing intricate technical details into concise, comprehensible insights, making it accessible to individuals who may not have a deep technical background. By presenting the information in a user-friendly manner, the team ensures that stakeholders can make well-informed decisions based on the threat intelligence provided.
Feedback
In the final stage, known as the feedback phase, the primary goal is to assess the relevance, timeliness, and actionable nature of the intelligence analysis done by the CTI team within the context of the organisation's needs. This phase assumes a pivotal role in not only gauging the effectiveness of the current intelligence cycle but also in shaping the objectives and procedures for subsequent threat intelligence lifecycles. By scrutinising the impact and utility of the intelligence findings, organisations can continually refine their processes, ensuring that future threat intelligence efforts remain dynamic and responsive to emerging cybersecurity challenges.
4 Types of Cyber Threat Intelligence
By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the four distinct categories of threat intelligence, their variations, and their practical applications, you can significantly enhance your capacity to safeguard your organisation's assets.Real-Life Use Cases
Use case 1: A company has experienced a malware breach, and the security team is tasked with gaining a deeper insight into how the attackers successfully infiltrated their systems. They aim to determine what information has already been exposed on the dark web and whether any data has been illicitly traded.
Solution: Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) can play a significant role in addressing this scenario by conducting a thorough investigation into the malware used, identifying the threat actors linked to the malware, analysing their behavioral patterns, and pinpointing any Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups involved. Additionally, the search includes the identification of critical data, including compromised credentials, credit card information and confidential files pertaining to the organisation, which may have been traded or remains available for sale on the dark web. The intelligence gathered through these efforts is then processed and shared with technically proficient professionals in the security division, providing them with actionable insights to respond effectively to the situation.
Solution: Addressing this challenge involves harnessing the power of Strategic Threat Intelligence. Cyber Threat Intelligence empowers organisations with a wealth of contextual information pertaining to ongoing and emerging threats within each region, a historical perspective on past and recent incidents that have impacted those specific geographic areas, comprehensive profiles of threat actors known for targeting these regions, and an assessment of potential cyber risks. This intelligence is designed to be non-technical, catering to the senior decision-makers within the organisation.
Conclusion
In summary, Cyber Threat Intelligence plays a central role in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. It addresses the ongoing emergence of new threats, the imperative for rapid and efficient responses, and the continuous innovation of cybercriminals who seek to exploit vulnerabilities. Its proactive approach empowers organisations to identify and anticipate threats, enhancing their awareness of cybercriminal tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for the development of efficient security plans through the collection and analysis of threat intelligence.
Moreover, Cyber Threat Intelligence assists enterprises in strategic allocation of their resources, enabling them to focus on the most significant threats, particularly when resources are limited. By evaluating threat intelligence, organisations can pinpoint high-risk areas, allocate resources judiciously, and make informed decisions regarding their cybersecurity investments.The key objectives of Cyber Threat Intelligence encompass risk reduction, financial loss prevention, staffing efficiency optimisation, prudent infrastructure investments, and overall expenses minimisation, ultimately fortifying your organisation's cybersecurity posture.
References:
https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/introduction-cyber-threat-intelligence-key-concepts-and-principles
https://paper.bobylive.com/Security/threat-intelligence-handbook-second-edition.pdf
https://www.anomali.com/blog/5-reasons-why-threat-intelligence-matters-to-your-company