The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the massive increase in using cloud computing services. As the world progresses through its online evolution, cloud computing services have become more of a necessity. However, along with businesses, cybercriminals have also seen this virtualization as a means of snagging more prey.

The rapid increase in cloud computing services has made organizations face novel security challenges. One survey revealed that within the last 18 months alone, 79% of organizations experienced at least one cloud data breach. The most alarming fact is that 43% of organizations have reported cases of 10 or more breaches within that time frame.

These data breaches can be catastrophic for some organizations. One possible solution to this growing problem could lie in the implementation of cyber threat intelligence as an early warning system.

What Is Cyber Threat Intelligence and How Is It Important?

Cyber threat intelligence can be described as evidence-based knowledge about possible cyber threats and vulnerabilities within a system or a network. It is an informed decision based on evidence and data collected through multiple events, series of events, or trends. Stated another way, cyber threat intelligence is knowledge about cyber threats that allows an organization to mitigate or prevent those attacks.

There are three main types of threat intelligence:

  • Strategic Threat Intelligence – This is a non-technical approach to threat intelligence. It produces a broad overview of the cyber threat landscape so that executives and other decision-makers can make informed decisions.
  • Tactical Threat Intelligence – This outlines the possible tactics, techniques, and procedures of cyber threat actors. It helps security personnel understand and mitigate threats. 
  • Operational Threat Intelligence – This gives information and analysis on cyberattacks or previous cyber events, helping incident response teams to understand a particular attack’s nature, intent, and possible timing.

At its essence, (Read more...)