What does "threat intelligence" mean?

Threat intelligence refers to information that is specifically designed to help organizations identify potential threats and vulnerabilities in their systems or networks. This intelligence is derived from a variety of sources, including previous incidents, ongoing threat assessments, and data analysis. By understanding the nature of threats—whether they are from cybercriminals, state-sponsored actors, or other sources—organizations can better fortify their defenses, improve their incident response strategies, and make informed decisions regarding their cybersecurity posture.

This distinguishes threat intelligence from random security tips, which may lack depth and relevance. It also emphasizes the importance of quality information over data from irrelevant sources, which could mislead organizations rather than protect them. Finally, while reports generated after incidents can provide valuable insights, they do not encompass the proactive nature of threat intelligence, which aims to prevent incidents from occurring in the first place.