Threat intelligence refers to the collection of data, information and analysis obtained about security threats and attack methods on organizational networks. As one of the effective security tools, threat intelligence helps organizations adopt the best security policies against existing and future security threats. In general, threat intelligence involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of information related to security threats. Threats surrounding communication networks and infrastructure. The purpose of this process is to identify and predict security threats and provide solutions to deal with them. For this purpose, information about security threats is collected from various sources such as security sites, security analysts, hacker groups, security products, etc. Then, this information is analyzed and categorized and presented in the form of reports for organizations that intend to protect their security. These reports include solutions to prevent and deal with security threats.

The main types of cyber security threats

Cyber ​​threats can come in many forms, but in general they can be classified into several main categories:

Hackers: This group of people attack organizational networks with the aim of accessing information or systems. Hackers can organize DOS and DDOS attacks, phishing attacks, espionage attacks and malicious attacks around networks.

Malicious programs: This category of threats includes programs that are designed to infiltrate infrastructure and systems and harm them. Viruses, Trojans, worms and malware are some of the famous examples in this field.

Insider Intrusion: In some cases, security threats are internal in origin and mainly from employees who have access to organizational resources beyond their needs. In this case, employees may access sensitive information or make changes to the network configuration using the permissions they have.

Old and vulnerable software: Old and vulnerable software and systems can be the main cause of security attacks. If an organization's software and systems are not up-to-date, hackers are able to identify vulnerabilities and infiltrate organizational networks through them.

Exploitation of human errors: Human errors should be described as one of the main causes of security threats. Some of the gross human errors are weak passwords, carelessness to safeguard sensitive information, sending sensitive information to irresponsible people, etc.

In general, cyber threats may harm organizations in the form of malicious attacks, unauthorized access, sale of sensitive information, etc. To deal with these threats, different methods should be used, such as using security software, training users, limiting user access, updating software and systems, and educating users about cyber security.

How does threat intelligence help organizations?

Threat intelligence helps organizationsfind the best security solutions to deal with security threats. According to threat intelligence reports, organizations can identify their weaknesses against security threats and take necessary measures to eliminate these weaknesses.

In addition, threat intelligence helps organizations identify new and emerging threats. Considering that security threats are constantly changing and evolving, threat intelligence allows organizations to prepare for new and emerging threats with up-to-date and accurate information and take the necessary measures to deal with them. In general, threat intelligence, by providing accurate and up-to-date information and analysis, helps organizations adopt the highest level of security against anticipated and unforeseen security threats, and respond quickly to attacks should they occur. With this description, we must say that threat intelligence helps organizations improve cyber security in many aspects, some of which are as follows:

Identify threats: Threat intelligence identifies security threats using artificial intelligence algorithms and automatic data analysis. By identifying threats, organizations can identify their vulnerabilities and weaknesses and take necessary security measures.

Threat prediction: Threat intelligence is capable of predicting threats using historical data analysis. This capability helps organizations to be prepared against the threats they may face in the future.

Attack response: By identifying and analyzing an attack, threat intelligence can help organizations respond quickly to an attack and reduce the destructive impact of a cyber attack.

Improving security: By identifying system weaknesses and suggesting solutions to fix them, threat intelligence can help organizations improve the security of their systems.

Overall, threat intelligence helps organizations identify, predict, and respond to cyber threats, allowing them to improve the security of their systems.

The point that we should mention in this section is how to implement threat intelligence.

So that it is possible to do it manually or automatically. In automatic mode, threat intelligence uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to automatically gather information about security threats from various sources such as social media, security websites, network traffic, etc., and then analyze and categorize this information. This work is aimed at automating tasks, improving response time to threats and increasing the security of systems.

On the opposite point, there is manual mode, where the process of collecting threat intelligence information is done manually by security experts. In this case, security experts collect information about security threats using various sources such as social media, security websites, network traffic, etc., and then analyze and categorize this information.

How can we implement threat intelligence in the organization?

Implementing threat intelligence in an organization is a complex process that requires attention to detail and cooperation between different departments of the organization. The steps to implement threat intelligence in the organization are as follows:

Determining the organization's perspective: First, it should be determined how the organization views threat intelligence. This view plays an important role in highlighting the number of significant threats, identifying sensitive data that needs protection, assets that should be best protected, and determining the organization's risk level.

Data collection: To implement threat intelligence, data related to security threats must be collected from various sources such as social networks, security sites, security analysts, etc.

Data analysis: After collecting data, it should be analyzed and useful and usable information for the organization should be extracted. Data analysis and artificial intelligence tools can be used for data analysis.

Reporting: reports on security threats and solutions to deal with them should be prepared and presented to the senior managers of the organization.

Implementation of solutions: Based on threat intelligence reports, appropriate solutions should be determined and implemented to protect assets and determine the level of security. This includes updating software, changing security policies, and training organization employees about information security.

By implementing threat intelligence, organizations can find the best security solutions to deal with security threats and maintain the security of organizational infrastructure through continuous updates and proper threat management. However, you should not ignore the fact that the implementation of threat intelligence in the organization is a complex process that requires attention to details and cooperation between different departments of the organization.

What tools in the field of threat intelligence and data analysis are available to security experts?

Fortunately, security experts have access to a variety of data analysis tools, some of which are as follows:

Data analytics platforms: Solutions like Splunk, ELK Stack, IBM QRadar, LogRhythm, etc. allow you to collect, store, analyze and visualize various data.

Network analysis tools: tools like Wireshark, tcpdump and Snort. They allow you to examine network traffic and look for unusual patterns and security threats.

Libraries and frameworks: Libraries and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PieTorch, Cross and similar examples allow you to find unusual patterns and security threats based on data analysis by building models based on deep learning algorithms. More precisely, these development kits allow you to code and create the necessary tools yourself, thus achieving the highest level of solution customization.

Automated threat detection systems: tools such as ThreatConnect, Anomali, and Recorded Future provide you with the ability to identify security threats based on threat intelligence data and deal with them.

Analytics tools for social networks: Considering that social networks are the main sources that security experts refer to in relation to security threats, solutions such as Brandwatch, Meltwater and Mention allow you to find information about security threats on various social networks and websites. Find and find user reviews.

Also, you should note that the right tools for data analysis should be chosen according to the specific needs and conditions of an organization.

How can we train the organization's employees about information security?

The training of the organization's employees regarding information security is very important and is considered as one of the most important ways to prevent cyber threats. More precisely, when it comes to threat intelligence, employee training should not be overlooked. Today, large and leading companies provide security training to their employees based on the following strategies:

Online training: holding online training courses can be one of the best ways to train employees about information security. These courses are offered online using educational videos, online tests and educational materials.

Holding training classes: holding training classes for the employees of the organization can also be one of the effective ways to train about information security. In these classes, employees are taught various topics such as investigating cyber threats, methods of preventing and protecting information, and security behaviors.

Providing educational materials: In organizations, it is possible to periodically and regularly provide educational materials regarding information security to employees. In this material, tips and solutions to protect information and prevent cyber threats should be mentioned.

Conducting educational tests: conducting educational tests can be one of the effective ways to increase the level of knowledge of employees about security issues. In these tests, questions related to information security and cyber threat prevention methods are proposed, and employees can answer these questions to ensure that they have sufficient knowledge about information security.

In general, to train employees about information security, different methods should be used such as online training, holding training classes, providing training materials and conducting training tests. Also, in order to increase the effectiveness of these trainings, the content should be presented to the employees in a simple and understandable way and they should be shown how they can participate in protecting the organization's information. Also, these trainings should be provided periodically and regularly, and employees should be shown that information security is a serious issue that they should pay attention to.

Is threat intelligence automated or does it require human interaction?

In general, threat intelligence refers to a collection of information about security threats surrounding computer systems and networks. This information includes identifying threats, methods of attacks, identifying suspicious traffic flows, identifying dangerous IP addresses, and more. In general, threat intelligence works automatically and identifies and analyzes threats with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. The goal of these automated methods is to improve response time to threats and increase the security of systems.

However, to use threat intelligence in the best possible way, the need for human interaction and more detailed analysis of information is inevitable. For example, for a more accurate threat analysis, the organization's specific concerns must be considered and a more detailed understanding of the types of threats that may exist around systems and networks.

What sources are there for gathering threat intelligence?

Various sources can be used to collect threat intelligence information, some of which are as follows:

Social media: Social media can be an important source of threat intelligence gathering. In these media, keywords related to the organization can be used to identify information and threats related to the organization.

Liaison with Security Teams: Liaison with various security teams can be a useful source of threat intelligence gathering. In this way, it is possible to communicate with different security teams and share information obtained about threats.

Visit security websites and forums: Security websites and forums are one of the most important resources you have for gathering threat intelligence. So that it is possible to benefit from the opinions and experiences of other people and collect information related to security threats.

Viewing network traffic: Viewing network traffic is one of the most useful ways to gather threat intelligence information. By observing network traffic, it is possible to understand suspicious behavior in the network and identify security threats.

Use of threat intelligence services: Threat intelligence services are another important source for collecting threat intelligence information. These services make it possible to identify and manage threats by collecting information from various sources such as social media, security websites and network traffic. In general, different sources can be used to gather threat intelligence information and several sources can be used simultaneously to obtain more detailed information.

Does threat intelligence also help small enterprises and organizations?

The answer is yes. Threat intelligence can also serve organizations and small companies. In fact, small organizations also face security threats and are more likely to be exposed to attacks than large organizations. In this situation, using threat intelligence can help small organizations identify security threats and take action to counter them.

Currently, there are various threat intelligence services available to small organizations. Also, security experts can help small organizations improve their cyber security by providing consulting and training services. All in all, threat intelligence can help small organizations improve their cybersecurity and deal with unseen security threats, new malware, network intrusions, and more. Among the good services that are available to companies and organizations for this purpose, we should mention the following:

Sophos threat intelligence service: This service is designed for small and medium-sized organizations and uses artificial intelligence algorithms to identify and monitor security threats.

McAfee threat intelligence service: This service is provided as a cloud-based service and is suitable for small and medium-sized organizations. This service also detects cyber threats using artificial intelligence and automatic data analysis.

Symantec Threat Intelligence Service: Another cloud-based service designed for small and medium-sized organizations. Based on machine learning algorithms, this service examines and analyzes the behavioral patterns of clients in the network in order to identify cyber threats.

Trend Micro threat intelligence service: Trend Micro has also designed a cloud-based service in this field for small and medium-sized organizations, which is able to identify cyber threats by evaluating and analyzing data and information packages in organizational networks.

In general, threat intelligence services help organizations to identify security threats and take necessary measures to counter them.