Threat intelligence is a key part of modern cybersecurity. How organizations go about gathering intelligence matters. Enter the threat intelligence platform. It is a software platform incorporating a number of advanced tools and strategies for monitoring the darknet and turning data into action.
DarkOwl is a darknet intelligence specialist that offers organizations and cybersecurity experts a strong list of tools and products for doing what they do. Their threat intelligence platform is well known in the cybersecurity industry. What makes for a good threat intelligence platform? The tools it offers. And according to DarkOwl, every threat intelligence platform should offer:
1. Strong Search Capabilities
The foundation of every threat intelligence action is search. Intelligence experts need to be able to access the Dark Web where they can search for information safely and securely. Therefore, their success is commensurate with the search capabilities of their platforms. Intelligence experts should be able to run:
- Free text queries
- Boolean searches
- Searches in multiple languages
The strength of a platform’s search capabilities directly impacts how successful security experts are in finding the information they are looking for. Strong search capabilities equal good results.
2. Strong Filtering Capabilities
The darknet is a vast ocean of information that can be overwhelming at times. More importantly, chasing down irrelevant or low-value information wastes time and effort. One way to ensure little to no waste is to employ a threat intelligence platform with strong filtering capabilities.
Filtering should allow the use of specific variables like IP addresses, email information, and even cryptocurrencies. Intelligence experts should be able to choose from specific networks, messaging platforms, and paste sites. Being able to filter both sources and return results equals the ability to target information more effectively.
A modern threat intelligence platform must offer seamless integration and automation to maximize efficiency. Integration allows organizations to connect the platform with existing security tools, such as SIEMs (Security Information and Event Management) or SOARs (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response), creating a unified ecosystem. Automation, on the other hand, reduces manual workload and speeds up threat detection and response.
For example, automated threat detection capabilities can flag suspicious activities in real time, ensuring that security teams can act before threats escalate. Additionally, integrations with third-party APIs and existing IT infrastructure allow platforms to ingest and process threat data more effectively. These capabilities are critical in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, where every second counts.
Security teams benefit greatly from features like:
- Automated correlation of data across multiple sources.
- Real-time notifications of emerging threats.
- Integration with ticketing systems for streamlined incident response.
By combining integration and automation, a threat intelligence platform becomes more than just a standalone tool—it becomes a central hub for a proactive security posture.
3. Risk Measurement Capabilities
A threat intelligence platform is only as good as its ability to define and measure risk. Without such capabilities, it’s too easy to get bogged down by low-risk threats when more serious problems are looming. Therefore, a platform should offer the ability to:
- Score a variety of risk factors.
- Quantify domain dark web exposure.
- Customize monitors and alerts.
Along with the ability to score, quantify, and alert, risk measurement capabilities should be able to account for the different types of threats organizations face. Some threats involve compromised credentials. Others relate to sensitive company information. Still other threats are associated with disinformation campaigns conducted by rogue states.
User-Friendly Interface and Reporting
One often overlooked but vital feature of a good threat intelligence platform is its user interface. Security experts deal with large volumes of data daily. A well-designed, user-friendly interface helps them navigate complex information with ease, ultimately improving efficiency and decision-making.
A good platform should also offer customizable reporting capabilities. Security teams must be able to create detailed reports that translate raw data into actionable insights. For example, the ability to generate visual charts or prioritize data within reports ensures that executives and non-technical stakeholders can understand the risks and respond accordingly.
Key elements of a user-friendly interface and reporting features include:
- Dashboards that summarize real-time activity.
- Customizable templates for sharing insights.
- Search history logs to track investigative progress.
4. Built-In Learning Potential
Finally, a threat intelligence platform should be more than just a tool for gathering data. It should also serve as an educational resource that allows security experts to stay ahead of evolving threats. The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, with new vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and malicious actors emerging constantly. To counteract these threats, professionals need to continually learn and adapt their strategies.
A robust platform doesn’t just present raw data; it organizes and contextualizes the information in a way that encourages deeper understanding. For example, interactive dashboards, comprehensive analytics, and historical trend data can provide insights into how certain threats have evolved over time. This kind of structured information equips experts to anticipate potential risks rather than just react to ongoing incidents.
Moreover, the best platforms foster hands-on learning by helping cybersecurity professionals explore the darknet safely and securely. They allow users to navigate darknet marketplaces, forums, and communication channels, giving them an inside look at how threat actors operate. By understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by malicious actors, experts can identify emerging patterns and predict future threats.
In addition to these features, platforms that offer customizable alerts and tailored reporting enhance the learning experience by highlighting data most relevant to the organization’s specific context. Over time, this leads to a deeper institutional knowledge base and more effective security measures.
Continuous learning is not just a bonus; it’s a necessity. The most effective threat intelligence platforms provide resources like:
- Real-time updates on new vulnerabilities, attack campaigns, and malware trends.
- Training modules or guides for navigating the darknet and analyzing threat data.
- Collaborative features, such as forums or communities within the platform, where experts can share insights and strategies.
Choosing a Threat Intelligence Platform
Organizations have options when choosing a threat intelligence platform. Not all platforms are equal. The best way to go about it is to look at the major players by researching them thoroughly. Read the fine print; ask questions; hunt down and read reviews.
A threat intelligence platform is only as effective as its capabilities. So organizations should make sure that whatever platform they choose leaves nothing to chance. Threat intelligence experts rely on their platforms to equip them with the tools they need to succeed.
