Cyber Threat Intelligence

2Threat Environment

Every profession has a variety of commonly used technical terms and concepts. In this respect cyber threat intelligence is no different. Chapter 2 sets out many cyber security terms which are frequently encountered or used with a specific context within the domain of cyber threat intelligence.

2.1 Threat

Cyber threat intelligence is the study of threats. In order to explain and research threats we must be able to describe what is meant by the term.

Common usage covers three senses of the word:

• a suggestion that something unpleasant or violent will happen, especially if a particular action or order is not followed;
• a statement that someone will be hurt or harmed, especially if the person does not do something; and
• the possibility that something unwanted will happen, or a person or thing that is likely to cause something unwanted to happen.

(Cambridge Dictionary 2022)

Within cyber security the term is used specifically in the context of the final definition; a threat is something likely to cause an unwanted outcome in relation to computer systems.

Published definitions of the term within the cyber security industry can range from the very short:

potential violation of computer security

– (ISO 2015)

To the verbose:

Any circumstance or event with the potential to adversely impact organizational operations (including mission, functions, image, or reputation), organizational assets, individuals, other organizations, or the Nation through an information system ...