From Proactive to Double Proactive: Embedding Threat Intelligence and Risk Management into Information Security Strategy

What is Threat Intelligence and Why It Matters

Threat intelligence refers to the collection, analysis, and use of information about potential and active threats targeting an organization. Unlike basic monitoring, threat intelligence involves understanding attackers’ motivations, tactics, and capabilities. Febryan explained that this insight is critical for building risk-aware strategies that not only defend against attacks but also anticipate them.

In practice, this means aligning threat intelligence analysis with broader risk management processes. By doing so, organizations can prioritize risks, allocate resources effectively, and prevent small vulnerabilities from turning into costly breaches.

For those exploring threat intelligence jobs, the field is growing rapidly. Analysts are now expected to be part investigators, part strategists capable of decoding complex threat data and translating it into actionable steps for business leaders.

Threat Intelligence and Risk Management Go Hand-in-Hand

Febryan emphasized that threat intelligence and risk management are two sides of the same coin. Threat intelligence identifies what is out there; risk management determines what to do about it. Organizations that treat them separately risk creating silos, whereas integration ensures that intelligence directly shapes policies and decisions.

He noted that effective risk management frameworks, whether based on ISO standards or custom models, rely on accurate intelligence. This synergy allows leaders to move from “firefighting mode” into proactive planning.

Proactive vs. Reactive: The Double Proactive Mindset

One of the most striking takeaways was Febryan’s discussion of the difference between proactive and reactive approaches. Reactive security waits until something goes wrong before taking action. Proactive security anticipates risks and acts early. But Febryan pushed this further by advocating what he called a “double proactive” mindset, not only preparing in advance but constantly reassessing and improving strategies as threats evolve.

This approach recognizes that attackers are not static. Their tools and motivations grow daily. As Febryan pointed out, “an attack can be executed from any part of the world,” which makes global intelligence-sharing and continuous updates essential.

Information Security as a Strategic Imperative

Another important insight was that information security strategy should no longer be seen as an IT function alone. It must be treated as a core business strategy. A well-designed information security strategy framework provides clarity on roles, responsibilities, and priorities.

Equally vital is the information security policy that governs how people, processes, and technology align to protect assets. Febryan highlighted the importance of information security policy as a living document, not just a compliance checkbox, but a guide that evolves with business needs and threat landscapes.

Finally, he made a crucial point: Why is information security a management problem? Because leaders, not just technicians, are responsible for organizational resilience. Without executive buy-in, policies remain underfunded, strategies under-resourced, and risks ignored until it is too late.

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Case Study 1: Finance Industry and Proactive Intelligence

A leading global bank faced repeated phishing and ransomware attempts. Initially, its approach was reactive, responding to incidents as they occurred. After adopting a threat intelligence and risk management program, the bank began identifying phishing campaigns targeting similar institutions worldwide. By acting on this intelligence, they updated their information security management protocols, trained staff, and cut phishing success rates by over 70%. This demonstrates how threat intelligence shifts outcomes from damage control to prevention.

Case Study 2: Healthcare Sector and the Importance of Policy

In healthcare, patient data is extremely sensitive. A hospital group once suffered a breach because of outdated access controls. Post-incident, they implemented a stronger information security policy and integrated it with a broader information security strategy framework. By regularly updating their rules and conducting audits, they not only reduced risks but also built patient trust, a reminder of the importance of information security policy in sectors where data equals lives.

Case Study 3: Manufacturing and the Double Proactive Approach

A multinational manufacturer was targeted by supply-chain cyberattacks. Instead of reacting to each attack, they adopted Febryan’s double proactive approach. They mapped out potential vulnerabilities across suppliers, shared intelligence with partners, and preemptively upgraded security controls. When a wave of ransomware hit competitors, they were prepared not just once, but with processes in place to adapt to future waves.

This case underlines that the difference between proactive and reactive is survival. A proactive stance prevents loss; a double proactive stance ensures resilience.

Case Study 4: Career Growth in Threat Intelligence

The demand for threat intelligence jobs has risen sharply. For instance, a technology consulting firm built a team dedicated to threat intelligence analysis. These professionals not only investigated indicators of compromise but also briefed executives on risks that could affect acquisitions and partnerships. By embedding intelligence into strategic decisions, the firm protected both operations and future investments while offering exciting career opportunities for those entering the field.

Febryan A. A.’s session was more than a technical briefing; it was a call to rethink how organizations approach cybersecurity. His key message was clear: security is not just about defense, but about empowerment. By integrating threat intelligence and risk management, building adaptive information security strategies, and adopting a double proactive mindset, businesses can grow confidently in the digital era.

The lesson is simple: don’t wait for a breach to act. Build frameworks, update policies, and ensure that leadership views security as a management responsibility. In doing so, organizations not only protect themselves but also unlock opportunities for innovation and trust.

In an age where attacks can come from anywhere, proactive security is the only path forward.

1. What is threat intelligence?

Threat intelligence is the process of collecting, analyzing, and applying information about potential or active cyber threats to strengthen an organization’s defenses.

2. Why is threat intelligence important for organizations?

It helps organizations anticipate attacks, understand attacker behavior, and prioritize risks, reducing the chances of costly breaches.

3. What are threat intelligence jobs?

These roles focus on monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on cyber threats. Professionals in these jobs help transform raw data into actionable insights for security teams and executives.

4. What does a threat intelligence analyst do?

A threat intelligence analyst investigates cyber threats, identifies attacker tactics, and provides reports that guide security policies and business decisions.

5. How does threat intelligence support risk management?

Threat intelligence provides the data needed to assess risks, while risk management ensures appropriate controls and strategies are implemented to mitigate those risks.

6. What is the difference between proactive and reactive security?

Reactive security responds after an incident occurs. Proactive security anticipates risks and prevents them.

7. What does “double proactive” mean?

“Double proactive” is Febryan’s approach to security not only preventing threats in advance but also continuously updating and improving strategies as new risks emerge.

8. Why is information security considered a management problem?

Because leadership, not just IT teams, decides budgets, priorities, and policies. Without executive support, security strategies remain weak or underfunded.

9. What is an information security strategy?

It is a long-term plan that defines how an organization protects its data, systems, and assets while aligning security with business goals.

10. What is an information security strategy framework?

A framework provides structured guidance, roles, and processes to implement and measure the effectiveness of an organization’s security strategy.

11. What is an information security policy?

It’s a formal set of rules and guidelines that dictate how an organization manages, protects, and uses its information assets.

12. Why is an information security policy important?

It ensures consistency, accountability, and compliance across the organization, helping to prevent both accidental and malicious security breaches.

13. What is information security management?

Information security management refers to the policies, processes, and technologies used to protect data and systems while ensuring business continuity.

14. How do global threats affect organizations?

Since cyberattacks can originate from anywhere in the world, organizations need constant updates and intelligence from multiple regions to remain secure.

15. What role does threat intelligence play in real-time security?

It enables real-time monitoring of emerging threats, allowing organizations to take preventive action before attacks escalate.

16. How can companies shift from reactive to proactive security?

By integrating threat intelligence into risk management, updating policies regularly, and adopting continuous monitoring and improvement practices.

17. What industries benefit the most from proactive security?

Industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing benefit greatly, as they deal with sensitive data and are prime targets for cyberattacks.

18. What career paths are available in threat intelligence?

Careers range from threat intelligence analyst to senior roles in cyber risk management, consulting, and information security leadership.

19. How does threat intelligence improve business confidence?

It reduces uncertainty by helping organizations predict risks, protect assets, and grow securely in a digital-first environment.

20. What was the key takeaway from Febryan A. A.’s webinar?

Cybersecurity is not just about defense. By combining threat intelligence and risk management with a double proactive mindset, organizations can secure themselves while enabling growth.