Are you in digital danger? This is how you find out

Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) is knowledge about online danger. Which new harmful software are criminals using? Which smart devices are vulnerable? Which systems have been hacked recently? There is a lot of information available worldwide. Because independent cybersecurity experts and national security organisations are monitoring the internet 24 hours per day.   

Not aware of danger 

You can use cyber threat intelligence to actively protect your company against cybercrime. Are you unaware of online danger? Then it is more likely that cybercriminals can successfully attack your company. For example, they change a bit of code in your online shop without you noticing. This is how they steal your customers' payment details. 

Organisations that alert you 

These organisations provide free, up-to-date threat information. They automatically alert you when there is a specific digital threat to your business. 

Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure

The Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD) has already warned more than a million vulnerable IP addresses about major threats. 

Digital Trust Center

In 2024, the Digital Trust Center (DTC) warned 200,000 entrepreneurs against digital leaks and vulnerabilities.

Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland 

The Foundation for Internet Domain Registration in the Netherlands (SIDN) alerted some 4,000 website owners that they were the victims of cybercrime in 2024. You will then receive a notification yourself if something is wrong with your site. And not, for example, your website builder.

What action should you take?  

What should you do if you receive a notification that your business is at risk online? You will be informed immediately by the cybersecurity organisation that issued the notification. They cannot resolve the situation for you, but they can provide practical advice on how to limit the damage. This could include installing software updates, changing passwords, or seeking assistance from an IT specialist.

Types of threat information 

There are different types of threat information. 

Vulnerable system 

Suppose a cybersecurity organisation has information about a vulnerability in one of your systems. They will warn you that you may be targeted by hackers. And also tell you how to protect yourself against the threat before anything goes wrong. 

Ransom demand in your junk mail 

Threat information can also be about actions that criminals have already taken. Then it is called victim information. For example, a cybersecurity organisation knows that your company has been hacked because cybercriminals report it on the dark web. They say there that your company has only a few days to pay a ransom. Otherwise, they will leak all your company data. The cybersecurity organisation will inform you about this extortion attempt. Sometimes you may not know about it yourself. Because, for example, the criminals' ransom demand ended up in your junk mail. 

Dangerous yourself without knowing it? 

A cybersecurity organisation can also alert you if your site has been hacked and you yourself are therefore a threat to other Internet users. Perhaps your website has been infected with malicious software, or malware, via an outdated plug-in. Or criminals have built a phishing page on your site without you realising. 

If you do not do anything about it yourself, an organisation like SIDN may take your website offline. This way they prevent even more visitors to your infected website from contracting malware. SIDN will take your website offline if you do not do something about the threat yourself within 66 hours of their warning. They often call you before then to ask if you are already working on a solution to the cyber threat. 

Make your business cyber-secure  

Ideally, of course, you want to prevent cybercriminals from penetrating your business or website. If you have the basics of your cybersecurity in order, you are already well on your way. You can keep your website and systems secure with regular updates, by making a good backup, and using strong passwords.