Threat Intelligence Tools

What are Threat Intelligence Tools?

Threat intelligence tools are the modeling frameworks, intelligence feeds, databases, utilities, and software platforms used by cybersecurity experts to gather, develop, share, and/or analyze threat intelligence.

Threat intelligence tools like modeling frameworks, niche databases, and some threat intelligence feeds are available for free, while software solutions and access to robust threat data lakes may be offered by enterprise organizations on a subscription basis.

Why are Threat Intelligence Tools Important?

Threat intelligence tools are important for enterprise cybersecurity teams in the same way that construction tools are important for a carpenter: they make it easier to accomplish more work and deliver more value with fewer resources.

Threat modeling frameworks are an analytical tool that can help enterprise SecOps teams identify vulnerabilities in their networks, anticipate where an attack might take place, create detailed description of a past or unfolding attack, and assess risk.

Collaborative sharing tools like threat intelligence feeds and threat databases, allow cybersecurity teams to benefit from the knowledge and experience of experts around the world when it comes to identifying threats and securing enterprise networks to prevent an attack. 

Threat intelligence software platforms increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of threat intelligence activities. Platforms like ZeroFox use automation and AI-driven threat analysis to monitor the public attack surface and detect threats at a scale that would be impossible to replicate with manual processes.

4 Types of Threat Intelligence Tools You Should Know 

Threat intelligence tools provide cybersecurity experts with data and capabilities that help them identify, detect, and disrupt cyber attacks against enterprise networks and systems. 

Below are four types of threat intelligence tools that security experts can use to increase the effectiveness and scope of their threat intelligence initiatives.

Threat Modeling Frameworks

Threat modeling frameworks support SecOps teams in a structured approach to identifying security requirements, pinpointing threats and vulnerabilities, and prioritizing actions to strengthen the security of their applications and networks.

Threat modeling frameworks may be used during the software development process to assess network or application vulnerabilities and predict future attacks, or to describe attacks that have already taken place. 

Commonly used threat modeling frameworks include:

• The Process for Attack Simulation and Threat Analysis (P.A.S.T.A.)
• The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)
• Attack Tree Modeling
• Trike Threat Modeling
• NIST Threat Modeling

Curated Threat Databases

Curated threat databases, such as the MITRE ATT&CK knowledge base, give enterprise SecOps teams a source of information and context that can help them identify, understand, and mitigate cyber attacks. 

Managed by the MITRE Corporation, the MITRE ATT&CK framework is a curated database of tactics, techniques, and procedures used by cyber adversaries to execute attacks against enterprise targets. The framework provides valuable details and insight, answering questions such as:

• Who are the most active cyber adversaries and what kinds of attacks are they likely to attempt against enterprise targets?
• What specific goals are cyber adversaries most likely to pursue as they attempt to penetrate secure networks and systems?
• What techniques will cyber adversaries use to achieve their goals?

Information in the MITRE ATT&CK framework spans the entire lifecycle of a cyber attack, from initial reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering against the target, to penetrating systems and exfiltrating data. Each technique described in the framework is supported by real-world observations.

Threat Intelligence Feeds

Threat intelligence feeds are data streams containing the information, research, and reports on emerging cyber threats. Some feeds deliver raw threat data, while others offer curated finished intelligence and actionable recommendations for securing networks against emerging threats.

Threat intelligence feeds may be open to the public (though they often require registration), or offered by private companies to their enterprise clients on a subscription basis.

Threat Intelligence Platforms

A threat intelligence platform is a software solution that collects, aggregates, and analyzes threat data from a variety of sources to provide enterprise SecOps teams with a personalized stream of relevant, timely, and actionable threat intelligence.

Threat intelligence platforms can also connect users with additional threat intelligence services, including finished intelligence reports, human threat research and analysis, incident response management, and adversary disruption.

The ZeroFox platform combines AI-driven threat protection with expert cyber threat intelligence services and adversary disruption-as-a-service to detect, validate, and disrupt threats from digital adversaries.

Leverage Full Spectrum Intelligence to Safeguard Your Business with ZeroFox

ZeroFox provides enterprises protection, intelligence and disruption to dismantle external threats across the web.

Want to learn more about threat intelligence tools that can help protect your business?
Check out our free webinar ATT&CK or Be Attacked: Using Threat Intelligence to Disrupt Targeted Threats to Your Brand’s Perimeter to discover the top threats against enterprise networks and how SecOps teams are leveraging the newest threat intelligence tools to fight back.