Threat intelligence, which is the technique of gathering, processing, and analyzing data to understand a threat actor’s motivations, objectives, and attack habits, enables companies to defend themselves against impending cyber threats. It is simple to explain the value of threat intelligence and how it helps an organization, but it is considerably more challenging to translate raw data into intelligence. For instance, using tools and automation to collect primary data doesn’t necessarily translate that data into intelligence; it can be used as actionable intelligence after the data has been gathered, processed, and analyzed. Previous steps of the process are under review as new questions and knowledge gaps become visible in this cyclic process The best threat intelligence techniques are cyclical, enhanced, and refined over time.
The life cycle of threat intelligence:
Planning
During this phase, the goals, objectives, and methods for gathering threat intelligence are planned based on the needs of the main stakeholders. Security teams may begin investigating the attackers’ identity, intentions, and potential attack surface at this level.
Collection
The team can gather the information needed to meet the goals outlined in the first stage once the needs of the threat intelligence exercise are identified in the planning stage. Teams should gather information from various sources, both internal and external.
Processing
After stage two is over, and raw data is gathered, it is processed. This entails classifying and structuring the data, including eliminating any false positives or duplication, essentially determining the accuracy and value of the data before analysis.
Analysis
The team at this stage of the life cycle analyzes the data thoroughly after it is processed to find answers to the questions posed during the planning stage. This phase’s primary goal is to transform processed data into the context necessary for the target audience, i.e., valuable recommendations and takeaways.
Dissemination
During the fifth step, the threat intelligence team provides their findings in a report format appropriate for the intended audience as defined in the planning stage. For example, suppose the audience is executive management. In that case, the threat intelligence must be a brief, to-the-point presentation with no legal terms.
Feedback
Receiving comments on the delivered report is the last step in the threat intelligence lifecycle, and it helps evaluate whether future threat intelligence efforts can be improved. Stakeholders may modify their priorities or suggest alterations to the way data should be presented or distributed. You need regular feedback to ensure that you understand the needs of each group and that you can make adjustments when their needs and priorities change.
Use the feedback to determine how you can improve the accuracy, relevance, efficiency, and timeliness of your CTI for future operations. Based on the feedback, decide whether or not you should design future CTI activities around the initial intelligence requirements.
