Threat intelligence is evidence-based information about current and emerging cyber threats - including attacker tactics, techniques, procedures, indicators of compromise, and campaign details - that organizations use to inform security decisions, prioritize defenses, and proactively prepare for attacks..
What is Threat Intelligence?
Threat intelligence is evidence-based information about current and emerging cyber threats - including attacker tactics, techniques, procedures, indicators of compromise, and campaign details - that organizations use to inform security decisions, prioritize defenses, and proactively prepare for attacks.
How Threat Intelligence Works
Threat intelligence is collected from multiple sources: security vendor research, government advisories, dark web monitoring, industry sharing groups (ISACs), open-source feeds, and internal telemetry. The raw data is analyzed, contextualized, and delivered as actionable intelligence - specific threats targeting your industry, your technology stack, or your region. Security teams use this intelligence to update defenses, prioritize vulnerabilities, and inform attack simulations.
Why Threat Intelligence Matters
Without threat intelligence, security teams are defending against yesterday's attacks. With it, they can anticipate what's coming. In the context of human risk, threat intelligence determines what social engineering campaigns are currently active - what pretexts are being used, what industries are being targeted, what channels attackers prefer. This intelligence should drive the attack simulations employees face, ensuring they're tested against the threats that actually matter right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sources provide threat intelligence data?
Sources include security vendor research, government advisories, dark web monitoring, industry sharing groups (ISACs), open-source feeds, and internal telemetry.
How should threat intelligence inform attack simulations?
Attack simulations should mirror the specific pretexts, channels, and techniques currently being used by attackers targeting your industry, geography, or technology stack.
Why is threat intelligence critical for human risk management?
Without threat intelligence, organizations test employees against generic attack templates. With it, they test against actual threats in the wild, making training more relevant and effective.
How does threat intelligence differ from OSINT?
OSINT (open-source intelligence) is raw information gathered from public sources. Threat intelligence is analyzed, contextualized data about specific threats targeting your organization.