As usual, first, let’s try to have a look at what is threat intelligence. And how it is connected to us on a day-to-day basis. It is a critical component of our everyday cyber lives, helping individuals. And organizations to stay informed and protected against the constantly evolving threat landscape.
It also plays a crucial role in promoting a more secure and resilient digital and online world. From a more practical point of view, threat intelligence is the process of collecting, analyzing, and sharing information about potential or actual cyber threats, which helps individuals, organizations, and security professionals to understand the latest cyber threats.
Different types of threat intelligence and how they are connected
While it might seem that there are so many types of attacks, threats, and risks that it is almost impossible to be fully prepared, especially all the time, since such attacks might happen anytime, for a longer period of time (such as the case with Advanced Persistent Threats, that pretty much resemble of a burglar trying all the doors and windows on a house in order to gain access). On an individual level, it helps to stay informed about the latest cyber threats and how to protect against them.
This includes being aware of common attack methods such as phishing and malware and knowing how to identify and report suspicious activity. On a more professional, enterprise level, threat intelligence helps organizations and security professionals to implement effective cybersecurity measures. By understanding the latest threats and vulnerabilities, they can develop and implement effective security strategies and measures to protect against them.
By having up-to-date information about the latest threats. These companies can quickly identify and contain incidents, minimizing the damage caused. Therefore preventing the loss of data, trust, or severe financial consequences. Since we were talking about threat intelligence in a broader view. Let’s understand how it is a global effort, with security professionals and organizations sharing information and collaborating to combat cyber threats. This global effort helps to make the internet a safer place for everyone. By identifying and neutralizing cyber threats before they can cause damage.
Post-apocalyptic landscape – A world without cyber security
Let’s have a look into a different reality, in which there is no protection, nor there is a collaborative effort in cyberspace in order to be protected. If the world did not have threat intelligence in cybersecurity, the consequences could be severe and dire. Organizations would have a limited understanding of the latest cyber threats, making them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cybercriminals and hackers would be able to exploit vulnerabilities and weaknesses without detection, leading to an increase in successful attacks.
These types of attacks can cause significant financial losses, including theft of funds and loss of business due to downtime. Without threat intelligence, organizations would be more vulnerable to these financial losses. Leading to a negative impact on the economy (pretty much jeopardizing certain countries. Since their GDPs are heavily based on top-notch tech and cyber innovations). So, in summary, the world without threat intelligence in cybersecurity would be more vulnerable. Less aware, and less collaborative place, with increased financial losses and more successful cyber attacks.
