That Brazil is a huge breeding ground for cybercrime, and more and more companies are suffering from ransomware – we already know. But what can organizations do to face such a complex scenario? The overall context is alarming, and requires organizations to invest in adopting a proactive stance when it comes to cybersecurity. And it is in this sense that threat intelligence, Threat Intelligence can be used for the prevention of possible attacks
The growing threat of ransomware attacks cannot be underestimated. Recent statistics show an exponential increase in the number of attacks, with cybercriminals employing increasingly sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities. These attacks involve the encryption of the company's critical data, followed by a demand for redemption to restore access. However, the simple recovery of data is not the only problem; the interruption of operations, the loss of customer trust and potential legal repercussions are equally devastating
And there is another problem: the events themselves, although they cause a shock to the victim – they are always the same. If you are a security manager, I am sure you know two or three cases of ransomware with subsequent data kidnapping in which the criminals had amethod of operationquite similar. The problem is that most criminals operate under the idea that IT managers still believe this won't happen to them
Threat intelligence enables security teams to collect, monitor and process information related to possible active threats to the organization's security. The collected information includes details about cyber attack plans, methods, malicious groups that pose a threat, possible weak points in the organization's current security infrastructure, among others. When collecting information and conducting data analysis, threat intelligence tools can help companies identify, understand and proactively defend against counterattacks
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in war
Threat Intel platforms can also use Artificial Intelligence and machine learning – with automated correlation processing to identify specific occurrences of cyber violation and map behavior patterns across all instances. Behavioral analysis techniques, inclusive, are often used to understand the tactics, attackers' techniques and procedures. For example, when analyzing communication patterns of botnets or specific methods of data exfiltration, analysts can predict future attacks and develop effective countermeasures
The sharing of information about threats between different organizations and government entities significantly expands the reach of Threat Intel platforms. This means that companies in similar sectors can share information about specific incidents, as well as mitigation strategies
Threat Intelligence systems also help security analysts prioritize the application of patches and updates to mitigate vulnerabilities exploited by ransomware attackers, and also in the configuration of more efficient intrusion detection and response systems, that can identify and neutralize attacks in the early stage
Strategic for the C-Level
For senior management, threat intelligence provides a strategic insight that goes beyond simple data protection. These systems allow for more efficient allocation of security resources, ensuring that investments are directed to the areas of highest risk. Furthermore, the integration of Threat Intelligence with the business continuity and disaster recovery plan ensures a coordinated and effective response to incidents, minimizing downtime and financial impacts
The implementation of a Threat Intelligence solution, however, is not free from challenges. The accuracy of the collected data is very important, because incorrect information can lead to false alarms or a false sense of security. The adaptation of organizations to constant changes in the threat landscape also requires a robust cybersecurity culture and ongoing training for the team. Furthermore, the management of large volumes of data and the integration of different sources can be complex and require advanced technological infrastructure
Notwithstanding, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. The ability to predict and neutralize ransomware attacks before they occur ensures a significant competitive advantage. Companies that adopt a proactive approach, based on Threat Intelligence, not only protect your digital assets, but also ensure the ongoing trust of clients and stakeholders. By integrating threat intelligence into the core of the security strategy, companies can not only respond more quickly, as well as anticipate and neutralize future attacks, ensuring continuity and long-term success
