As with anyone working in today’s digital world, you’re definitely familiar with the pitfalls of being online; after all, there are various threats and reports that reach the news and media outlets per day. In fact, it wouldn’t even be surprising if you have also experienced such troubles first-hand, as the risks of getting affected are incredibly high!

 

Today, cyber threats cost businesses globally billions of dollars per year in terms of losses—which shows just how widespread of a problem compromised cybersecurity is. From small-time firms to worldwide corporations, no company is ever safe from the threat of experiencing threats to its digital security.

 

Even your establishment is at a great risk of having hackers, bugs, and viruses infiltrate its servers, computers, and files—but what can you do to help ensure that your business doesn’t end up on the receiving end of a full-fledged cyber attack? Well, here’s one tool that you can use to take your firm’s online safety and security up a notch: cyber threat intelligence.

 

What is it?

 

Cyber threat intelligence is just as cutting-edge as it sounds: it’s a type of cybersecurity solution that seeks to provide valuable intel that helps any business stay ahead of threats with ease. Over the years, this particular approach has evolved immensely and now boasts much higher levels of effectiveness, thanks to its use of well-designed strategies and advanced technological innovations.

 

What does it consist of?

 

It can be broken up into six key elements that closely work together to help protect your technological infrastructure and in-house systems. Firms that provide this service—such as us here at FraudWatch International—follow this particular set of internal processes to establish a much greater level of forward-thinking and future-proofed security:

 

Step #1: Direction

 

As the initiating effort of the cyber threat intelligence process, this step entails defining the information needed to make the best decisions in the shortest possible time frame. Generally, the information used for this part is pieced together through various points of data, such as the nature of the attack, the devices involved, and what was compromised.

Step #2: Collection

 

Also known as data collection, this step entails collecting both digital and physical evidence depending on the nature of an incident. Such information includes audit logs, IP addresses, CCTV footage, or physical devices.

 

Step #3: Processing

 

After data is collected in the previous step, service providers must move on to this next step which entails “translating” information into more organised, decipherable forms. During this step, firms focus on decoding information, organising raw data into groups, and tagging information that fits a specific context or source.

 

Step #4: Analysis

 

During this step, a firm must establish a timeline using the data collected from the processing stage. They will analyse any contradictory information to create a clearer understanding of the events as they unfolded.

 

Compared to other parts of the process in question, analysis is often considered as one of the most time-consuming stages of the cycle. It is almost always led by a human analyst and aided by advanced software and tools to complete the process efficiently.

 

Step #5: Dissemination

 

Throughout the dissemination stage, experts deliberate on the gathered intel from the previous steps so that they can determine the limitations, available courses of action, and opportunities for cybersecurity improvement.

 

Step #6: Feedback

 

Once the five previous steps of the cyber intelligence process are completed, firms are ready to take action based on all the previous steps in the cycle. During this step, certain actions can be taken to counteract the presence or effects of any threats—such as retaliation, a new security feature implementation, or adding more data to the cycle for recanalisation.

 

 

As one of the most powerful tools that businesses can use to enhance their cybersecurity efforts, cyber threat intelligence provides a valuable opportunity for your firm to further protect itself from present and future issues. Through the help of a dedicated service provider and a well-rounded process, you’ll be able to arm yourself with all the necessary measures to avoid the implications of hackers, viruses, and bugs!

 

We’re an Australian brand protection company that specialises in helping businesses all over the globe with our anti-phishing, anti-piracy solutions, and cyber-attack prevention services. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help keep your business safe online!