Threat intelligence is the analysis of data connected to potential or current cyber threats that may pose risks to an organization's assets or infrastructure. It is essential because it enables organizations to understand and anticipate threats, allowing them to strengthen their defense systems, respond to incidents, and develop effective cybersecurity strategies. By leveraging threat intelligence, organizations tend to enhance their security posture and mitigate risks to stay protected against evolving cyber threats.

You can take the EC-Council's Threat Intelligence Essentials course even if you are yet to gain experience in IT or cybersecurity. High school and college students and career switchers can take the course to advance their careers in cybersecurity.

EC-Council's T|IE course is an entry-level certification program focusing on the fundamentals of Threat Intelligence for students with no prior work experience. There are no prerequisites or eligibility requirements to apply for the course.

Yes, upon completion of the Threat Intelligence Essentials (T|IE) course and passing the proctored exam, EC-Council will certify you, validating your knowledge and skills in this field.

Completing the T|IE course empowers candidates with essential fundamental knowledge and skills to get started in the field of cybersecurity. This foundational understanding, combined with ongoing learning and obtaining advanced certifications like the C|TIA, opens doors to various roles such as Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst, IT Risk Analyst, or Cybersecurity Analyst. By continuously upgrading skills and qualifications, individuals can stay competitive and excel in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

Yes, T|IE is a 100% online self-paced program so you can learn anytime, anywhere.

This section introduces you to the program and provides you with foundational information about threat intelligence.

Key topics covered:
• Threat Intelligence and Essential Terminology
• Key Differences Between Intelligence, Information, and Data
• The Importance of Threat Intelligence
• Integrating Threat Intelligence in Cyber Operations
• Threat Intelligence Lifecycles and Maturity Models
• Threat Intelligence Roles, Responsibilities, and Use Cases
• Using Threat Intelligence Standards or Frameworks to Measure Effectiveness
• Establishing SPLUNK Attack Range for Hands-on Experience

Labs:
Install the DetectionLab Security Operations Center (SOC) virtual environment. This Detection Lab environment will assist you in completing hands-on threat intelligence exercises found in Modules 3, 6, and 7.

This section focuses on the key distinctions and use cases for various threat intelligence types. You’ll understand how various sources generate threat intelligence and how it informs downstream cybersecurity processes or compliance functions.

Key topics covered:
• Understanding the Different Types of Threat Intelligence
• Preview Use Cases for Different Types of Threat Intelligence
• Overview of the Threat Intelligence Generation Process
• Learn How Threat Intelligence Informs Regulatory Compliance
• Augmenting Vulnerability Management with Threat Intelligence
• Explore Geopolitical or Industry Related Threat Intelligence
• Integrating Threat Intelligence with Risk Management

This section helps you understand the current state of cybersecurity threats, emerging trends, obstacles, and how current threat actors are impacting society.

Key topics covered:
• Overview of Cyber Threats Including: Trends and Challenges
• Emerging Threats, Threat Actors, and Attack Vectors
• Deep Dive on Advanced Persistent Threats
• The Cyber Kill Chain Methodology
• Vulnerabilities, Threat Actors, and Indicators of Compromise (IoC)
• Geopolitical and Economic Impacts Related to Cyber Threats
• How Emerging Technology is Impacting the Threat Landscape
• MITRE ATT&CK & Splunk Attack Range IOC Labs

Labs:
• Previewing MITRE ATT&CK in DetectionLab
• Indicators of Compromise Overview in DetectionLab

This section teaches you to conduct searches or acquire threat intelligence from reputable sources. You’ll also learn to conduct Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering activities and other threat intelligence collection methods directly.

Key topics covered:
• Making Use of Threat Intelligence Feeds, Sources, and Evaluation Criteria
• Overview of Threat Intelligence Data Collection Methods and Techniques
• Compare and Contrast Popular Data Collection Methods
• Bulk Data Collection Methods and Considerations
• Normalizing, Enriching, and Extracting Useful Intelligence from Threat Data
• Legal and Ethical Considerations for Threat Data Collection Processes
• Threat Data Feed Subscription and OSINT Labs

Labs:
• Registering for MS-ISAC, Center for Internet Security (CIS) and other Threat Intelligence Advisories
• Methodologies & Techniques for Conducting OSINT Investigations with TraceLab

This section discusses how to access and use several leading Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs), such as the AlienVault Open Threat Exchange (OTX) and MISP.

Key topics covered:

• Introduction to Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs), Roles, and Features
• Aggregation, Analysis, and Dissemination TIPs
• Automation and Orchestration of Threat Intelligence within TIPs
• Evaluating and Integrating TIPs into Existing Cybersecurity Infrastructure
• Collaboration, Sharing, and Threat Hunting Features of TIPs
• Customizing TIPs for Organizational Needs
• Using TIPs for Visualization, Reporting, and Decision Making
• AlienVault OTX and MISP TIP Platform Labs
Labs:
• Accessing and Searching for IoC data in AlienVault Open Threat Exchange
• Setting up and Deploying MISP to enrich threat intelligence data

This section equips you to analyze real-world threats. You'll learn to leverage data analysis techniques against threat intelligence like Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) and attacker tactics. Gain skills to prioritize threats, create comprehensive reports, and even visualize your threat intelligence data for threat hunting.

Key topics covered:
• Introduction to Data Analysis and Techniques
• Identifying and Analyzing Threat Actor Artifacts
• Threat Prioritization, Threat Actor Profiling, and Attribution Concepts
• Leveraging Predictive and Proactive Threat Intelligence
• Reporting, Communicating, and Visualizing Intelligence Findings
• Threat Actor Profile Labs and MISP Report Generation Labs

Labs:

• Generating and Reviewing TTP data in DetectionLab
• Building a sample Threat Actor Profile

This section provides an operational overview of Threat Hunting, contemporary threat hunting methodologies, and tools or techniques students can leverage to perform hypothesis-driven threat hunts.

Key topics covered:
• Operational Overview of Threat Hunting and Its Importance
• Dissecting the Threat Hunting Process
• Threat Hunting Methodologies and Frameworks
• Explore Proactive Threat Hunting
• Using Threat Hunting for Detection and Response
• Threat Hunting Tool Selection and Useful Techniques
• Forming Threat Hunting Hypotheses for Conducting Hunts
• Threat Hunting Lab in SPLUNK ATT&CK Range

Labs

• Conducting a guided Threat Hunt in DetectionLab

This section discusses the benefits of threat intelligence information sharing, platforms used to share industry-specific threat intelligence, and the cybersecurity or regulatory concerns that influence information sharing.

Key topics covered:
• Importance of Information Sharing Initiatives in Threat Intelligence
• Overview of Additional Threat Intelligence Sharing Platforms
• Building Trust Within Intelligence Communities
• Sharing Information Across Industries and Sectors
• Building Private and Public Threat Intelligence Sharing Channels
• Challenges and Best Practices for Threat Intelligence Sharing
• Legal and Privacy Implications of Sharing Threat Intelligence
• Sharing Threat Intelligence Using MISP and Installing Anomali STAXX

Labs:
• Sharing Threat Intelligence using the Anomali Platform

This section discusses methods to integrate threat intelligence effectively into cybersecurity Incident Response (IR) plans or processes. You’ll learn how threat intelligence can shorten incident resolution and reduce future cybersecurity attacks against organizations.

Key topics covered:
• Integrating Threat Intelligence into Incident Response Processes
• Role of Threat Intelligence in Incident Prevention Using Workflows and Playbooks
• Using Threat Intelligence for Incident Triage and Forensic Analysis
• Adapting Incident Response Plans Using New Intelligence
• Coordinating Responses with External Partners
• Threat Intelligent Incident Handling and Recovery Approaches
• Post-Incident Analysis and Lessons Learned Considerations
• Measurement and Continuous Improvement for Intelligence-Driven Incident Response

Key topics covered:
• Emerging Threat Intelligence Approaches and Optimizing Their Use
• Convergence of Threat Intelligence and Risk Management
• Continuous Learning Approaches for Threat Intelligence
• Adapting Professional Skillsets for Future in Threat Intelligence
• Anticipating Future Challenges and Opportunities in Threat Intelligence
• Engaging in the Threat Intelligence Community and Keeping a Pulse on the Threat Landscape
• The Role of Threat Intelligence in National Security and Defense
• Potential Influence of Threat Intelligence on Future Cybersecurity Regulations