A Systematic Review of Cyber Threat Intelligence: The Effectiveness of Technologies, Strategies, and Collaborations in Combating Modern Threats

Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) has become critical in enhancing cybersecurity measures across various sectors. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current literature on the effectiveness of CTI strategies in mitigating cyber attacks, identify the most effective tools and methodologies for...

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Main Authors: Pedro Santos, Rafael Abreu, Manuel J. C. S. Reis, Carlos Serôdio, Frederico Branco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4272
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author Pedro Santos
Rafael Abreu
Manuel J. C. S. Reis
Carlos Serôdio
Frederico Branco
author_facet Pedro Santos
Rafael Abreu
Manuel J. C. S. Reis
Carlos Serôdio
Frederico Branco
author_sort Pedro Santos
collection DOAJ
description Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) has become critical in enhancing cybersecurity measures across various sectors. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current literature on the effectiveness of CTI strategies in mitigating cyber attacks, identify the most effective tools and methodologies for threat detection and prevention, and highlight the limitations of current approaches. An extensive search of academic databases was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, including 43 relevant studies. This number reflects a rigorous selection process based on defined inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria and is consistent with the scope of similar systematic reviews in the field of cyber threat intelligence. This review concludes that while CTI significantly improves the ability to predict and prevent cyber threats, challenges such as data standardization, privacy concerns, and trust between organizations persist. It also underscores the necessity of continuously improving CTI practices by leveraging the integration of advanced technologies and creating enhanced collaboration frameworks. These advancements are essential for developing a robust and adaptive cybersecurity posture capable of responding to an evolving threat landscape, ultimately contributing to a more secure digital environment for all sectors. Overall, the review provides practical reflections on the current state of CTI and suggests future research directions to strengthen and improve CTI’s effectiveness.
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spelling doaj-art-cf4d9c84958549e696ca7261a8d39da82025-08-20T03:32:27ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-07-012514427210.3390/s25144272A Systematic Review of Cyber Threat Intelligence: The Effectiveness of Technologies, Strategies, and Collaborations in Combating Modern ThreatsPedro Santos0Rafael Abreu1Manuel J. C. S. Reis2Carlos Serôdio3Frederico Branco4Department of Engineering, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalDepartment of Engineering, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalEngineering Department, Institute of Electronics and Informatics Engineering of Aveiro (IEETA), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalDepartment of Engineering, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalDepartment of Engineering, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalCyber threat intelligence (CTI) has become critical in enhancing cybersecurity measures across various sectors. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current literature on the effectiveness of CTI strategies in mitigating cyber attacks, identify the most effective tools and methodologies for threat detection and prevention, and highlight the limitations of current approaches. An extensive search of academic databases was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, including 43 relevant studies. This number reflects a rigorous selection process based on defined inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria and is consistent with the scope of similar systematic reviews in the field of cyber threat intelligence. This review concludes that while CTI significantly improves the ability to predict and prevent cyber threats, challenges such as data standardization, privacy concerns, and trust between organizations persist. It also underscores the necessity of continuously improving CTI practices by leveraging the integration of advanced technologies and creating enhanced collaboration frameworks. These advancements are essential for developing a robust and adaptive cybersecurity posture capable of responding to an evolving threat landscape, ultimately contributing to a more secure digital environment for all sectors. Overall, the review provides practical reflections on the current state of CTI and suggests future research directions to strengthen and improve CTI’s effectiveness.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4272cybersecuritycyber threat intelligenceframeworksAImachine learningplatforms
spellingShingle Pedro Santos
Rafael Abreu
Manuel J. C. S. Reis
Carlos Serôdio
Frederico Branco
A Systematic Review of Cyber Threat Intelligence: The Effectiveness of Technologies, Strategies, and Collaborations in Combating Modern Threats
Sensors
cybersecurity
cyber threat intelligence
frameworks
AI
machine learning
platforms
title A Systematic Review of Cyber Threat Intelligence: The Effectiveness of Technologies, Strategies, and Collaborations in Combating Modern Threats
title_full A Systematic Review of Cyber Threat Intelligence: The Effectiveness of Technologies, Strategies, and Collaborations in Combating Modern Threats
title_fullStr A Systematic Review of Cyber Threat Intelligence: The Effectiveness of Technologies, Strategies, and Collaborations in Combating Modern Threats
title_full_unstemmed A Systematic Review of Cyber Threat Intelligence: The Effectiveness of Technologies, Strategies, and Collaborations in Combating Modern Threats
title_short A Systematic Review of Cyber Threat Intelligence: The Effectiveness of Technologies, Strategies, and Collaborations in Combating Modern Threats
title_sort systematic review of cyber threat intelligence the effectiveness of technologies strategies and collaborations in combating modern threats
topic cybersecurity
cyber threat intelligence
frameworks
AI
machine learning
platforms
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4272
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