Author(s): Matteo E. BONFANTI
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: December 31, 2017
Pagination:
Issue/ Volume: 17-18/2017
DOI:
Abstract
The pernicious nature of threats stemming from, or perpetrated through,
the cyberspace is prompting the European and national decision-makers to adopt
intelligence-led approaches for countering these threats. It pushes them to
develop and employ targeted solutions to craft “cyber-intelligence” (cyber-INT)
i.e. actionable knowledge of threat actors’ intents and capabilities, as well as the
vulnerabilities-opportunities they want to exploit. Similar to other cyber-related
notions, there is no crystallised definition of “cyber-intelligence” (as a product
and/or process) among both scholars and practitioners. Neither, it seems there
are enough studies focusing on how it is crafted. In light of the above, the present
paper tries to draw a clearer picture of this emerging practice by taking stock of
the recently-promoted initiatives in the field and the existing analytical work on
the topic. The paper starts by presenting the state of the art of cyber-intelligence
programmes in the EU and in its Member States, and describes their recent
developments. Then, it reviews the available scientific literature addressing cyber-
intelligence. It discusses the notion of cyber-INT, examines how this intelligence is
crafted through the lens of the (cyber) intelligence “cycle”, and looks at the
required capabilities (human, organisational and technological) for producing
this kind of actionable knowledge. It concludes by sketching the main practical
implications regarding the adoption of cyber-intelligence-led approaches,
solutions and cooperation mechanisms across Europe.
Keywords: Intelligence, Cyber-Intelligence, Cyber-Intelligence Process,
Cyber-Security, Europe,
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