Essential Sources for Vulnerability and Threat Intelligence

Whatever framework your organization uses for risk analysis—we recommend something similar to this—understanding vulnerabilities and threats is essential to protecting your assets.

With the sheer breadth of known vulnerabilities and (potential) threats, it’s important to narrow down information into a usable amount that can be used for risk analysis efforts.

Below, you’ll find key resources to streamline your vulnerability and threat intelligence process.

Start with Vulnerability Scanning 

Before you can start researching how to fix vulnerabilities in your system, you must identify which ones affect you. Ongoing vulnerability scanning provides a regular, automated review of your system that produces a report of known vulnerabilities you need to address ASAP. 

HBS recommends that you perform monthly vulnerability scanning. If selecting and managing a scanning tool sounds like more than your staff can handle, you can build vulnerability scans into an information security contract with a provider like HBS and let dedicated security analysts tailor your scans and review the results. 

Once you have a list of identified vulnerabilities, use the resources below to look up each by name for actionable remediation steps. HBS references the CVE ID for each vulnerability in our scan reports, making it easy to find further details (see the next section for a CVE link). For additional protection, consider Managed Extended Detection and Response (XDR), which leverages AI and machine learning to identify and neutralize anomalous behavior, extending your defense against zero-day threats.

We also recommend considering a Managed XDR solution, which brings next-gen threat detection and response to your environment. Managed XDR not only looks for known vulnerabilities, but uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and shut down anomalous activity, providing additional protection against zero-day threats.

Key Resources for Vulnerability and Threat Intelligence 

Vulnerability Databases

• National Vulnerability Database (NVD): This U.S. government repository catalogs vulnerabilities, offering standards-based data to help you prioritize threats effectively.
• Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE): Managed by MITRE, the CVE database provides unique IDs for known vulnerabilities, making it easy to cross-reference issues within the security community.
• VulnDB: VulnDB provides constant updates on new vulnerabilities and includes both public and private threats, offering insights for a more proactive approach to security.

Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs)

ISACs deliver sector-specific threat and mitigation information, fostering collaboration within industries like healthcare, finance, education, and emergency services. Originally established to strengthen critical infrastructure protection, ISACs now serve 27 sectors, each providing unique insights relevant to its industry.

Threat Intelligence Aggregators and Platforms

Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs): TIPs compile and analyze data from multiple sources, providing a centralized dashboard for monitoring potential threats in real-time.

Security Advisories

• US-CERT (United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team): Managed by CISA, US-CERT issues alerts, product updates, and tips, covering a range of vendors such as Apple, Adobe, Cisco, and VMware.
• Palo Alto Network Security Advisories: Palo Alto provides detailed search options to help pinpoint vulnerabilities based on name, severity, or impacted products, making it a go-to for organizations using their products.
• Cisco Security Advisories: Stay informed on vulnerabilities impacting Cisco’s networking solutions, with guidance for securing your networking infrastructure.
• Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC): Microsoft investigates all reports of security vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft products and services.

Industry Associations and Community Contributions

• InfraGard: A collaborative effort between the FBI and the private sector, InfraGard focuses on critical infrastructure protection. With chapters nationwide, members gain access to security insights and network with others dedicated to mitigating risk.
• SANS NewsBites: This semiweekly newsletter summarizes the latest cybersecurity news and insights from the SANS community, keeping your team informed with minimal time investment.
• Information Security Professional Associations: Organizations like ISACA, ISSA, and ISC² offer access to chapter meetings and resources that keep professionals connected with the latest in security trends, threat intelligence, and risk management.

Staying Proactive and Alert 

No matter which sources you use, your risk analysis efforts can benefit by having multiple choices for vulnerability and threat information.

Within our daily schedules, we may not always find time to stay abreast of the latest information, so it’s good to build in various vulnerability and threat assessment activities into your routine. To adequately determine risks, an organization must understand its vulnerabilities and potential threats.  

If you need help creating a plan for monitoring and remediating the risks in your environment, contact HBS to find out how we can support your team.