Business Leaders Warned About Cyber Threat Intelligence Gap
A recent research paper has raised concerns about the disconnect between threat intelligence teams and business leaders regarding cyber threats, putting organizations at increased risk. The paper, titled Bridging the Gap Between Threat Intelligence and Business Risk, was launched at Infosecurity Europe 2026 and co-authored by Silobreaker and the SANS Institute. The findings illustrate a troubling "intelligence-stakeholder gap" within many organizations, which could lead to vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity posture.
Despite the presence of specialized threat intelligence teams capable of generating crucial insights, these contributions often go unnoticed or are misinterpreted by business executives. This disconnect not only undermines the significance of intelligence efforts but makes it increasingly difficult for these teams to secure additional resources or approvals for expanded initiatives. Consequently, organizations remain exposed to a myriad of cyber threats.
To bridge this gap, the paper emphasizes the necessity for threat intelligence teams to develop a nuanced understanding of their stakeholders—specifically what information is most valuable to them. It stresses the importance of effectively communicating relevant findings to instigate meaningful action from leadership. Geoff Brown, CEO of Silobreaker, highlighted, “Threat intelligence only delivers value when it changes decisions. Too often, there’s a disconnect between what analysts uncover and what senior leaders need to prioritize risk and act with confidence.”
Adapting Threat Intelligence for Business Needs
To better serve senior leadership and mitigate risks, the report underscores the significance of tailoring threat intelligence briefings to address the immediate concerns of business leaders and risk management personnel. Key elements that should be included in these communications involve a clear assessment of the enterprise’s exposure to cyber threats, elucidating the primary risks that could impact the organization’s core mission.
Moreover, adopting a forward-looking risk posture in verbal and written briefs enables leaders to leverage insights for effective reporting and decision-making. This proactive approach serves as a vital early warning system, facilitating timely responses to potential vulnerabilities and threats before they escalate into more significant issues.
The paper also emphasizes the need for speed in how threat intelligence teams convey information to leadership. Business leaders typically have limited time to digest information, so delivering insights efficiently is crucial for ensuring that critical data is acted upon swiftly.
To foster a better understanding of threat intelligence among senior executives, the paper advises teams to engage in regular feedback sessions with stakeholders. This continuous dialogue allows for ongoing refinement of intelligence programs, enhancing their relevance and effectiveness. “Continuous feedback allows for constant refinement of your threat intelligence program. The more you listen to your stakeholders, the stronger every aspect of your program will be,” the report states. Such interactions reassure leadership that their investments in threat intelligence are grounded in well-established and effective frameworks.
Addressing the Intelligence-Stakeholder Gap at Infosecurity Europe
Silobreaker plans to elaborate on actionable strategies for closing the intelligence-stakeholder gap during the conference at Infosecurity Europe, which takes place from June 2 to June 4. The aim is to provide practical advice on how organizations can align their intelligence efforts with business risks, ensuring that valuable insights reach the correct stakeholders in an easily digestible format.
Brown reiterated the importance of this initiative, stating, “At Infosecurity Europe, we’ll be sharing practical ways to align intelligence with business risk, so insights reach the right stakeholders in a form they can use and drive clearer priorities and more effective responses.”
In addition to Silobreaker’s presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts from the SANS Institute, who will conduct on-site workshops aimed at empowering cybersecurity leaders. Silobreaker will be located at booth #F49, while the SANS Institute will be at booth #F130. Cybersecurity professionals interested in enhancing their understanding of threat intelligence are encouraged to register for the event, where insights and best practices will be shared extensively.
This convergence of threat intelligence and business strategy underscores a pivotal moment for organizations navigating the complexities of modern cybersecurity threats, emphasizing that the time for integration and proactive measures is now.