What is the purpose of a cyber threat intelligence (CTI) program?

A cyber threat intelligence (CTI) program is designed to gather, analyze, and share information regarding potential cyber threats that could impact an organization. By focusing on the identification of emerging threats, threat actors, and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used in cyber attacks, a CTI program enables organizations to understand the threat landscape more deeply.

This understanding helps organizations proactively defend against attacks by informing their security strategies and improving incident response. For instance, through intelligence derived from various sources, organizations can anticipate specific threats and adjust their security measures accordingly, enhancing their overall cybersecurity posture.

The other options may involve aspects of data handling or security, but they do not align with the primary goal of a CTI program. For example, gathering and analyzing user data for marketing pertains to business intelligence rather than cybersecurity. Monitoring network traffic relates to operational security but is more reactive than proactive in addressing threats. Eliminating software vulnerabilities, while essential, focuses specifically on the vulnerability management process rather than the broader intelligence aspect encompassed by a CTI program.