The Role of Intelligence Analysis in Modern Security

Today, the threat landscape is changing. In an evolving world, understanding how criminals operate in increasingly complex ways is key to making informed decisions about security.

Gathering, querying and analysing data is a specialist skill within any industry, and that’s why intelligence analysis is now more important than ever before.

Intelligence has a crucial role to play in modern security as it enables analysts to identify threats through the use of numerous data sources and techniques.

The Police, various agencies and organisations employ experienced analysts who execute their tasks by collecting and analysing data; using it to make decisions that will assist in mitigating crime or security incidents from occurring.

Intelligence analysts often interpret large amounts of data from multiple sources, including human collection (HUMINT), open source (OSINT), imagery (IMINT) and other technical means. Using specialist software and critical thinking skills, this data can then be presented in such a way that others can understand.

Simply put, an intelligence analyst takes complex pieces of information, and frames them in a context which is easy to understand for decision makers.

WHY IS INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS IMPORTANT?

Knowledge is power. Without effective data analysis, decisions are based on hearsay, semi-educated guesses or personal/cognitive bias.

Yet, the act of simply collecting information is not enough. Information must be analysed and critically interpreted in order to be useful. You can’t just gather information from a variety of sources and hope to produce useful intelligence.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS ENABLES YOU TO MAKE DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS

Intelligence is an important tool used to protect individuals and organisations. Protective intelligence provides actionable intelligence from a strategic, operational and tactical perspective. This then enables you to make better data-driven decisions within your business.

Data-driven decision-making can also be applied to all areas of your business.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Intelligence analysis, in itself, is not a magic bullet that underlies everything. However, in addition to drawing conclusions from the data, we must understand how it’s interpreted and used in the real world.

Data analysis provides decision makers with the knowledge required to manage risks more effectively.

REDUCE INSTANCES OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Information from intelligence can be used to identify instances of criminal activity, carry out risk assessments that show likelihood of harm or damage, and develop strategies for mitigating those risks.

CTR Secure Services can deliver up to date intelligence to clients across various industries.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

Knowing the use of different tools and methods to conduct analyses will be at the forefront of an Analyst’s skillset. They will be their toolkit, so to speak, as they’ll be using their analytical skills the most to make informed decisions and communicate with others.

Analytical skills are used to detect patterns, interpret difficult data, brainstorm solutions and to come up with a solution that factors in all reasons and results. There are many variables that Analysts have to consider when putting together intelligence, so it’s vital to consider each possible outcome carefully.

CTR have experienced managers and analysts who can provide valuable intelligence products to our clients. Our staff have gained experience within security and risk, in addition to this having dedicated Intelligence Analysis training.