Cybersecurity professionals often use the terms “threat data feeds” and “threat intelligence” interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. The problem is that the term “threat intelligence” has been diluted by vendors, making it challenging to define the distinction between the two.
To better understand this difference, let’s start with an analogy to weather forecasts. National TV news shows provide a forecast for the entire country, giving viewers a general idea of the weather nationwide. However, local weather reports provide specific information about the expected conditions in your area, such as temperature, wind speed, and weather changes. This localized information enables individuals to plan their activities accordingly.
Similarly, threat data feeds offer a high-level view of the security landscape. For example, they can inform you about a vulnerability in a particular software. While this information is useful, it may not be relevant if your organization does not use that software. Additionally, knowing which threat groups are active is valuable, but understanding if they are targeting your sector or organization requires further insight into their tactics and tools.
Cybersecurity data feeds come from various sources, including honeypots, sensors, and malware analysis platforms. They provide security vendors with raw data such as hashes, IP addresses, and malicious URLs that can be integrated into their security tools. These data feeds are also packaged and sold to enterprises, with the assumption that they will enhance organizations’ security.
However, organizations must process this information, utilizing automation technologies like AI and machine learning, as well as human analysis. Converting raw data into useful information necessitates specialized manpower, as analysts need to extract relevant insights from the feeds. By doing so, security professionals can gain a better understanding of cybercriminals’ tactics, techniques, and procedures, enabling them to develop more effective security strategies.
The challenge lies in the current shortage of cybersecurity professionals, as identified by ISC2, which estimates a worldwide deficit of 3.4 million experts. Only larger enterprises have the resources to hire individuals dedicated to analyzing threat data feeds. Smaller organizations struggle to keep up with the workload using their existing workforce.
This is where threat intelligence becomes valuable. Rather than providing a generic overview, threat intelligence focuses on each enterprise’s specific needs, considering their sector, size, and individual circumstances. It goes beyond the limitations of data feeds, tapping into sources like the Dark Web, social media, and human intelligence.
For instance, threat intelligence can alert organizations to data breaches when their data appears on the Dark Web for sale. It can also discover instances where network access is being sold without the knowledge of the network owners. This “after the fact” information enables organizations to contain damage as swiftly as possible. By incorporating diverse sources, threat intelligence provides a comprehensive understanding of the threats an organization faces.
Armed with this intelligence, security teams can comprehend the tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by attackers targeting their organization or similar entities. This information allows organizations to prioritize and take immediate action to fortify weak points, mitigate future threats, and respond more rapidly to ongoing incidents. For example, if threat intelligence indicates that a specific group of attackers is targeting a particular industry or region, security teams can implement additional security controls or provide targeted employee training.
The distinction between threat intelligence and threat data feeds becomes apparent based on their impact on an organization. If it creates more work without aiding in prioritization or operations, it is likely a data feed. On the other hand, if it assists existing employees in managing threats effectively, it can be considered threat intelligence. Just like national and local weather forecasts, national forecasts might provide some information, but local forecasts offer specific details necessary for accurate planning.
In conclusion, threat data feeds provide a general overview of the security landscape, while threat intelligence focuses on specific insights tailored to an organization. With the growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals, it is essential for organizations to invest in threat intelligence to gain actionable information and enhance their security posture. By leveraging this intelligence, organizations can prioritize their actions, prevent future attacks, and respond effectively to current threats.