To use threat intelligence and data more productively, many organizations are investing in a threat intelligence platform (TIP). Selecting a TIP is important as it will serve as the foundation for your entire security operations program, allowing you to understand and act upon the highest priority threats you face, while enabling you to get more from your existing resources — technology and people. However, amidst a plethora of options, selecting the right TIP can be daunting. Here’s how you can navigate the maze and find the perfect TIP for your cybersecurity needs and examples of questions to ask vendors:

1. Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into the sea of TIP options, it’s crucial to understand your organization’s specific cybersecurity requirements. Assess your current infrastructure, threat detection capabilities, and incident response procedures. Identify areas for improvement and prioritize features that align with your security objectives.

Question to Ask: Is it possible for customers to adapt the data model to specific use cases or risks associated with their unique environment?

2. Essential Features

When evaluating TIPs, focus on essential features that enhance your cybersecurity posture. Look for platforms that offer comprehensive threat intelligence capabilities, including real-time monitoring, threat detection, and analysis. Ensure seamless integration with your existing security tools and infrastructure to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Question to Ask: Can customers customize scoring based on their own organization, team, resources and capability without those customizations being broadcasted to your other customers?

3. Scalability and Flexibility

As your organization grows, so will your cybersecurity needs. Choose a TIP that is scalable and flexible enough to adapt to evolving threats and organizational changes. Consider factors such as data volume, user scalability, and compatibility with future technologies to future-proof your investment.

Question to Ask: Can we adjust the number of user licenses without penalty?

4. Integration and Compatibility

Effective threat intelligence relies on the seamless integration of disparate security tools and data sources. Prioritize TIPs that offer robust integration capabilities, allowing you to consolidate and correlate threat data from across your organization’s ecosystem. Ensure compatibility with your existing security stack to minimize implementation complexities and maximize interoperability.

Question to Ask: How many “out-of-the-box” commercial feeds and/or open-source feeds do you have?

5. Vendor Reputation and Support

Selecting a reputable TIP vendor is paramount to your cybersecurity strategy’s success. Research vendor track records, customer reviews, and industry certifications to gauge reliability and credibility. Additionally, prioritize vendors that offer comprehensive support services, including training, documentation, and responsive customer support, to ensure a smooth implementation and ongoing maintenance.

Question to Ask: What SLAs are offered in regard to Support tickets?

Choosing the right Threat Intelligence Platform is critical. By understanding your specific needs, prioritizing essential features, and evaluating scalability, integration, and vendor support, you can make an informed decision that strengthens your cybersecurity defenses and mitigates risks effectively.

Learn the evaluation criteria and questions to ask vendors when selecting the right threat intelligence platform for your organization by downloading the complete 2024 Buyer’s Guide to Threat Intelligence Platforms here.