Cybercrime can have a devastating impact on businesses big and small. A single cyber attack costs US businesses an average of $9.48 million in 2023, up from 9.44 million U.S. dollars the previous year.
Breaches have become more common than ever before too. As of July 2024, there have been 5,900,145,035 known records breached so far this year in 9,478 publicly disclosed incidents.
With the threat higher than ever before, organizations need robust and flexible security solutions to keep up with the increasing sophistication of threat actors.
Threat intelligence software has emerged crucial defence against modern cyber threats, allowing businesses to respond in real-time to security incidents and prevent them before they impact their business.
What is Threat Intelligence Software?
Threat intelligence tools are designed to gather, analyse, and disseminate information about current and emerging cyber threats. They play a critical role in enhancing an organisation’s cybersecurity posture by providing actionable insights into cybercriminals' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
Threat intelligence software can identify patterns and trends that may indicate a cyber attack by correlating data from multiple sources. This enables security teams to respond swiftly and effectively, minimising the impact of potential breaches and safeguarding sensitive data.
In addition to real-time threat detection, threat intelligence software offers comprehensive reporting and analysis capabilities. These tools generate detailed reports that provide insights into the nature of threats, the potential impact on the organisation, and recommended mitigation strategies.
This information is crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning in cybersecurity. By integrating threat intelligence software into their security infrastructure, organisations can enhance their ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, ensuring a robust defence.
Features of Threat Intelligence Software
1. Real-time Threat Detection and Monitoring
One of the primary features is real-time threat detection and monitoring. These tools continuously scan various data sources, including the dark web, social media, and threat databases, to identify potential threats as they emerge. This proactive approach allows organisations to stay ahead of cybercriminals by detecting and mitigating risks before they can cause significant harm.
2. Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning
Threat intelligence software leverages sophisticated machine learning algorithms to analyse vast amounts of data, data, identifying patterns and anomalies that may indicate malicious activity. By correlating data from multiple sources, it can provide a comprehensive view of the threat landscape, helping security teams to prioritise threats and allocate resources effectively. This ensures a more efficient and targeted response to potential security incidents.
3. Detailed Reporting and Incident Response Support
These tools generate in-depth reports that outline the nature of identified threats, their potential impact, and recommended mitigation strategies. This information is invaluable for strategic planning and decision-making in cybersecurity.
Furthermore, many threat intelligence solutions integrate seamlessly with existing security infrastructure, providing automated alerts and facilitating a coordinated response to threats. By utilising these features, enterprises can enhance their ability to defend against cyber-attacks and protect their critical assets.
Best Threat Intelligence Software Solutions
There are a variety of threat intelligence tools and software solutions available today designed to help businesses to respond to cyber threats in real time. However, not all of these solutions are made the same.
Here are ten of the best threat intelligence software solutions on the market in 2024 based on their popularity with users and effectiveness at responding to cyber threats.
Brandefense Digital Risk Protection Platform
Brandefense Digital Risk Protection Platform is a cutting-edge cloud-based threat intelligence solution designed to proactively safeguard organizations from digital threats. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), Brandefense continuously monitors the entire online spectrum, from the surface web to the deep and dark web. This comprehensive approach enables early detection of potential threats and vulnerabilities, empowering organisations to mitigate risks before they escalate into security breaches.
Key features of Brandefense include robust Exposure Management, which actively searches for and secures exposed information and assets linked to your enterprise. The platform’s AI-driven Threat Detection capabilities scan the web for brand mentions, security breaches, and emerging threats, providing real-time alerts prioritised by severity. Brandefense also delivers actionable intelligence, offering insights and recommendations to effectively manage and mitigate identified risks across your digital footprint, including websites, social media platforms, and mobile applications. Additionally, the platform extends its protective reach to supply chain security, helping identify and address vulnerabilities within partner networks. Brandefense distinguishes itself as a leader in threat intelligence due to its proactive stance. It leverages AI to uncover hidden threats that traditional methods may overlook.
IntSights External Threat Protection Suite
IntSights External Threat Protection Suite (ETP) stands out as a comprehensive solution designed to shield organisations from cyber attacks originating outside their networks preemptively. Unlike traditional security software that concentrates on internal defences, IntSights ETP specialises in monitoring external threats across the surface web, deep web, and dark web. By gathering and analysing data from these diverse sources, the suite provides actionable threat intelligence tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of each organisation. This approach ensures that security teams receive targeted alerts and insights, enabling swift and effective responses to potential threats.
IntSights ETP also excels in automation and orchestration capabilities, automating threat identification and severity prioritisation and suggesting response actions through predefined playbooks. This automation streamlines security operations, allowing teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine tasks. Moreover, the suite integrates with existing security tools, facilitating cohesive threat management across the entire security infrastructure. What sets IntSights ETP apart is its holistic approach to threat intelligence. It combines threat hunting, intelligence analysis, and automated response into a unified platform, eliminating the need for multiple disjointed tools. By prioritising external threat detection and delivering tailored intelligence, IntSights ETP effectively reduces alert fatigue and enhances the organisation's ability to mitigate cyber risks swiftly and effectively.
FortiGate NGFW
FortiGate Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) from Fortinet surpasses traditional threat intelligence tools by providing extensive network traffic inspection and integrating advanced security functionalities like intrusion prevention, application control, and antivirus capabilities. What sets FortiGate NGFW apart is its robust threat intelligence capabilities powered by FortiGuard Labs. This team of dedicated security researchers continuously analyses global threat data, delivering real-time updates to fortify defences against evolving cyber threats.
Key features include the Fortinet Security Fabric, which facilitates seamless integration with other Fortinet security products, enabling unified threat intelligence sharing for a cohesive defence strategy. FortiGate NGFW also employs AI-driven threat detection to identify and preemptively block suspicious activities within network traffic, enhancing proactive threat management. Its comprehensive security suite encompasses application control, intrusion prevention, and web filtering, providing granular control over network operations. FortiGate NGFW's leadership in the cybersecurity domain is underscored by its integrated approach to threat intelligence, AI-driven detection capabilities, and scalability to meet the needs of businesses across various sizes. While FortiGate NGFW offers comprehensive security features, organisations should evaluate specific requirements and compare functionalities with other solutions to determine the best fit for their cybersecurity strategy.
Mimecast Advanced Email Security
Beyond traditional spam and virus filtering, Mimecast offers robust protection against sophisticated attacks such as phishing, ransomware, and impersonation schemes. Using a multi-layered approach, Mimecast proactively integrates advanced features like Secure Email Gateway to proactively intercept spam and malware. Its Targeted Threat Protection also analyses emails, attachments, and URLs for signs of advanced threats like social engineering and impersonation fraud. Mimecast also includes Data Leak Prevention capabilities to prevent accidental or malicious data breaches by scanning outbound emails for sensitive information. One of Mimecast's strengths is its use of machine learning and sandboxing technologies, which enable it to stay ahead of evolving threats. This advanced threat detection capability allows Mimecast to identify suspicious patterns and behaviours, even in sophisticated email attacks. Operating entirely in the cloud, Mimecast offers scalability and ease of deployment without complex installations. This cloud-based model ensures seamless updates and continuity of service, crucial for enterprises of all sizes.
Mimecast Advanced Email Security not only enhances organisational security but also improves user experience. It provides tools like URL rewriting and secure message viewing, allowing users to interact safely with potentially malicious emails. Furthermore, Mimecast assists organisations in maintaining compliance with data security regulations and ensures email continuity during disruptions, making it a comprehensive solution for modern email security challenges.
WildFire Palo Alto
Leveraging advanced machine learning and crowdsourced intelligence, WildFire by Palo Alto can block up to 95% of unidentified threats at the network edge, including zero-day attacks. Its multi-technique analysis combines dynamic, static, and machine learning to comprehensively assess potential threats, ensuring thorough protection against sophisticated cyber threats.
One of WildFire's standout features is its industry-leading speed in threat detection and prevention. It rapidly analyses suspicious files and delivers automated mitigation measures within minutes, minimising the risk of damage to your systems. Moreover, operating in the cloud ensures minimal impact on network performance, supporting smooth operation while maintaining robust cybersecurity defences. WildFire offers flexible deployment options to meet diverse organisational needs and comply with stringent data privacy regulations. Its focus on protecting against unknown threats, combined with a scalable and efficient architecture, makes WildFire a preferred choice for organisations prioritising comprehensive and proactive cybersecurity measures.
SOCRadar
SOCRadar is a leading Extended Threat Intelligence (XTI) platform designed to address digital risks for businesses comprehensively. By integrating External Attack Surface Management (EASM), Digital Risk Protection Services (DRPS), and Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), the platform offers a comprehensive defence strategy. It automatically maps an organisation's digital footprint, monitors the deep and dark web for brand mentions and phishing attempts, and aggregates threat data for real-time insights into active vulnerabilities and threats.
Key features of SOCRadar include dark web monitoring to identify compromised credentials and stolen data, proactive brand protection against phishing sites, and thorough attack surface management to address vulnerabilities preemptively. Leveraging AI-powered threat analysis, SOCRadar processes vast datasets to deliver actionable intelligence swiftly and effectively. SOCRadar stands out in the threat intelligence landscape due to its unified platform approach, combining EASM, DRPS, and CTI functionalities. This integration simplifies threat management and enhances workflow efficiency for security teams. Moreover, SOCRadar’s emphasis on actionable insights and AI-driven automation enables rapid threat detection and response, empowering enterprises to stay ahead of cyber threats.
Cyberint Argos Threat Intelligence Platform
The Argos Threat Intelligence Platform is a cutting-edge threat intelligence software solution by Cyberint that provides comprehensive digital risk protection. Acting as a central hub for gathering and analysing cyber threats, the platform offers a clear and detailed view of the ever-evolving threat landscape. One of its standout features is its real-time threat intelligence capabilities. The platform monitors an extensive range of data sources, including the open, deep, and dark web, to identify threats specifically targeting your organisation. This continuous monitoring allows for proactive threat detection and mitigation, ensuring that potential risks are addressed before they can cause significant harm.
Another critical feature is Argos attack surface management. The platform continuously scans your external environment to uncover vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your systems. This includes identifying exposed web interfaces, cloud storage vulnerabilities, and open ports. This platform goes beyond identifying known threats, utilising advanced analytics to detect emerging phishing attempts, tracking the use of malicious tools by threat actors, and identifying potential data leakage and ransomware risks. This advanced threat detection capability ensures that your organization is protected against the latest and most sophisticated cyber threats. Argos™ Threat Intelligence Platform stands out as a leader in the market due to its holistic approach and focus on real-time threat detection. By combining attack surface management with advanced threat detection, Argos™ provides a complete picture of your enterprise’s digital risk. Similarly, it offers a proactive defence strategy, helping to prevent threats rather than just reacting to them. By proactively identifying vulnerabilities and emerging threats, organisations can mitigate risks before they can be exploited. This proactive approach, comprehensive features, and actionable insights make Argos™ a strong contender for organisations seeking to bolster their cybersecurity posture.
Recorded Future Intelligence Cloud
Recorded Future Intelligence Cloud stands out as a premier threat intelligence platform, offering organisations the tools to proactively combat a wide range of cyber threats, physical security risks, fraud attempts, and supply chain vulnerabilities. It excels by providing data, real-time analysis, and actionable insights critical for effective cybersecurity management. One of the platform’s key strengths is its comprehensiveness. Recorded Future maintains the world's most extensive threat intelligence repository, aggregating data from the open web, dark web, technical sources, and global customer base through a unique feature called Collective Insights™. This extensive data collection offers a holistic view of the threat landscape, enabling organisations to understand better and respond to potential risks.
Another standout feature of Recorded Future is its use of automation and real-time processing. Leveraging advanced machine learning (ML) and automation, the platform streamlines the processes of threat detection and analysis. This automation allows for faster response times and enables security analysts to focus on more strategic tasks by taking over routine data analysis and dissemination. Recorded Future also excels in providing actionable insights. Rather than merely informing organisations about potential threats, it prioritises vulnerabilities and delivers tailored intelligence, allowing for targeted and efficient mitigation strategies. This focus on actionable intelligence ensures that organisations can implement effective defences quickly. Recorded Future integrates seamlessly with security tools such as SIEM and SOAR, facilitating a cohesive and efficient workflow. Its user-friendly interface, featuring a natural language interface (NLI), democratises threat intelligence, making it accessible to a broader range of security professionals. By combining comprehensive data collection, automation, actionable insights, and seamless integration, Recorded Future Intelligence Cloud empowers organisations to stay ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. This holistic and proactive approach solidifies its position as a leader in threat intelligence solutions.
Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence
Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence (MDTI) is packed with advanced features designed to effectively tackle cyber threats and enhance an organisation’s security posture. The platform provides real-time threat insights, delivering up-to-the-minute intelligence on emerging threats to keep organisations informed and prepared. MDTI excels at unmasking cyber threats, offering detailed insights into cyber actors, their tactics, and the tools they employ. This invaluable information allows security teams to understand and counteract threats more effectively. Additionally, MDTI enhances investigations by enriching security data with comprehensive threat intelligence, providing a clearer picture of potential attacks. Similarly, the platform supports proactive defence by analysing threat patterns and helping develop preventive measures to fortify security. Furthermore, MDTI offers unique data sets that provide unparalleled views into the global threat landscape, enabling organisations to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities specific to their operations.
MDTI stands out as a leader in the threat intelligence sector for several reasons. Its unmatched scope, processing over 78 trillion signals daily, offers deep and comprehensive insights into the dynamic cyber threat landscape. MDTI transforms raw data into actionable intelligence, providing security teams with clear and practical insights to make informed decisions. This actionable intelligence is crucial for effective threat detection and response. Another key factor is MDTI's seamless integration with other Microsoft security solutions, such as Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR, creating a cohesive and holistic security framework. This integration enhances the overall security posture of organisations by enabling a unified and coordinated defence strategy. These strengths make MDTI an indispensable tool for organisations looking to avoid cyber threats and safeguard their critical assets
CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform
CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) is a cutting-edge threat intelligence solution designed to safeguard devices from sophisticated cyberattacks. One of its standout features is its cloud-native architecture, which offers unparalleled scalability, global reach, and faster deployment with minimal on-premise infrastructure.
A key component of Falcon EPP is its single lightweight agent, which simplifies endpoint management by eliminating the need for multiple security tools. This agent continuously monitors activity, blocks threats, and gathers data for in-depth analysis, ensuring comprehensive protection for each device. Additionally, Falcon EPP leverages AI-powered threat detection to proactively identify and stop known and unknown malware, including zero-day attacks. By analysing behaviour rather than relying solely on signatures, Falcon EPP can effectively uncover and mitigate hidden threats. Falcon EPP also offers a unified platform that integrates seamlessly with other CrowdStrike Falcon modules, providing a centralised approach to endpoint protection, detection and response (EDR), and threat intelligence. This integration reduces complexity and enhances security management efficiency. The platform's cloud-native design and lightweight agent also minimise resource consumption on endpoints, improving overall device performance. Falcon EPP’s rapid deployment and scalability make it an ideal solution for growing organisations with evolving security needs, while its integration with CrowdStrike's broader threat intelligence capabilities ensures real-time insights.