Part 2 : The Importance of an Information Position

The Importance of an Information Position

As we mentioned in our first blog, this second blog is about an important - though not often heard - term in Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI): Information Position (okay, technically two words).

In intelligence, this is basically where it all starts. If you want to deliver intelligence to a stakeholder, you need access to the right data, the right information, and the right capabilities to be able to do analyses. Without that, you’re guessing.

Let’s dive a little deeper.

Why Your Information Position Matters More Than Ever

In the world of intelligence (and honestly, in any field), having the right information at the right time is everything.

Your information position can be your advantage - or your blind spot. It’s about:

• What you know
• How confidently you know it
• How early do you know it compared to others

The stronger your position, the more options you have. The weaker it is, the more reactive you become. And be aware; Information Position is not only about the external environment (area of interest, or the adversaries) but just as good about your internal environment (area of operations, how does your organization look alike).

Think about it:

• Can you see a threat before it hits?
• Are you making decisions based on facts or on assumptions?
• Do you know more - or less - than your adversary?

In today’s fast-moving world, the quality, quantity, and timing of your information often determines whether you’re leading the game or playing catch-up.

The next time you’re faced with a challenge, ask yourself:

The bottom line: Your decisions are only as good as the information they’re based on. And CTI helps you build and maintain a position where those decisions actually give you the edge.

Two Examples to Explain the Value of an Information Position

Example 1: Ransomware Attack

Your organization is hit by ransomware.

• Weak Information Position: You only find out after your systems are locked. You’re already reacting. The damage is done.
• Strong Information Position: CTI gave you a heads-up a week earlier:

1.  A report showed your sector was being targeted by a specific group.

2. You saw IOC-matches in your environment.

3. A known vulnerability in your VPN was being exploited elsewhere.

Now you can patch, block, warn, and act before the incident. This is the power of a strong Information Position - it’s not about seeing everything, it’s about seeing enough, early enough, to do something about it, based on your requirements.

Example 2: Crossing a Busy Street

Your information position is like your ability to see traffic when crossing a busy street.

• Weak Information Position: You stand at the edge, guessing when it’s safe. You might get lucky, but you’re taking a risk. If a car comes around the corner, you’re in trouble.
• Strong Information Position: You have a clear view of the intersection. You know when the lights will change, you can see the cars slowing down, and you’ve spotted the pedestrian signal. You cross safely, with confidence, at the perfect moment.

Bigger Companies vs. Individuals

Does this mean bigger companies always have a better Information Position than a freelancer? Definitely not. Of course, if I had to bet my paycheck within seconds, I might pick the big team - but a skilled, well-connected individual could absolutely build a strong position too.