Threat intelligence is a critical aspect of modern cybersecurity, providing security system integrators with insights into potential threats and vulnerabilities that can help them protect their products and their customers (an sell it as an add-on service). However, obtaining high-quality threat intel can be challenging, particularly for security system integrators who must navigate numerous sources of information and ensure that they have the most up-to-date and accurate insights. In this article, we will explore some of the key reasons why threat intel is difficult to obtain for security system integrators, as well as some strategies for overcoming these challenges.

One of the primary reasons why obtaining threat intel can be difficult is the sheer number of sources available. From open source discussion groups and social media to government databases and dark web hacker forums, there is a vast amount of information available on potential threats and vulnerabilities. However, this information is not always easy to access, and security system integrators must know exactly where to look to find the information they need.

Even when threat intel is available, it can be challenging to process and make sense of it. Action is often critical, and the real-time nature and quality of threat intel are essential. Security analysts cannot possibly keep up to date with all the threat posts and cover all bases. It takes too long to research, and constant threat monitoring is required to identify new threats and create automated prevention workflows.

To complicate matters further, much of the threat intel available is in the form of unstructured data, making it challenging to extract actionable insights. Threat analytics and correlations are critical tools for processing this data and identifying potential threats, but these tools are only effective if the underlying data is accurate and up-to-date.

Finally, information sharing is critical to effective threat intelligence, but this can also be challenging to achieve. Automated indicator sharing (AIS) and STIX standardized format can help to streamline information sharing and make it easier for security system integrators to access and process threat intel. However, there are still issues with trust and information sharing agreements that need to be resolved.

In conclusion, obtaining high-quality threat intel is critical for security system integrators, but it can be challenging due to the vast number of sources available, the need for real-time and accurate data, and the difficulty in processing and making sense of unstructured data. However, with the right tools and strategies in place, security system integrators can overcome these challenges and gain the insights they need to protect their products and their customers. By collaborating with MSSPs, leveraging automated tools and information sharing protocols, and staying up-to-date with the latest threat intelligence trends and technologies, security system integrators can achieve a competitive advantage in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

One of the solutions is to partner with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and so receive actionable threat intel.

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become increasingly sophisticated, it is critical for security system integrators to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their products from potential vulnerabilities. One effective way to achieve this goal is by collaborating with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to leverage their threat intelligence and expertise.

By receiving threat intelligence from MSSPs, security system integrators can gain valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities and threats to their products. This information can be used to improve product security, respond more quickly to threats, and increase customer trust. Specifically, threat intelligence can help security system integrators identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their products, reduce response times to threats, demonstrate a commitment to product security, and differentiate themselves from competitors.

In addition, threat intelligence from MSSPs can help security system integrators to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. By leveraging the insights provided by MSSPs, security system integrators can improve their products and services, enhance their value proposition, and win new business. This can ultimately lead to increased revenue and profits, as well as improved customer satisfaction and retention.

Overall, security system integrators that collaborate with MSSPs to receive threat intelligence stand to gain numerous benefits in today’s competitive security landscape. By leveraging the expertise of MSSPs, security system integrators can enhance their products, improve response times, increase customer trust, and gain a competitive advantage. As such, it is essential for security system integrators to establish and maintain effective partnerships with MSSPs in order to stay ahead of the curve and succeed in this dynamic and constantly evolving industry.

BSS Unit’s Cyber Intel Matrix team provides an easy-to-implement threat intelligence tool tailored specifically to security system integrators’ service offers.