Strengthen your risk posture by documenting how your organisation manages cyber threat intelligence.
Download our Threat Intelligence Policy template to define how threat data is gathered, assessed, and used to make informed security and risk decisions.
What Is a Threat Intelligence Policy and Why It Matters
A Threat Intelligence Policy, also known as a Cyber Threat Intelligence Policy or Threat Monitoring Policy, defines how your organisation identifies, evaluates, and acts on information about malicious activity. It outlines who is responsible for threat response, how intelligence is validated, and how insights are communicated across the business.
This type of policy brings structure to your cyber threat intelligence function and supports alignment with ISO 27001, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and UK regulatory expectations.
A strong policy typically covers:
- Intelligence sources and criteria for validation
- Processes for triaging, analysing, and distributing threat data
- How findings are used to update controls or inform decisions
- Responsibilities for oversight, ownership, and review
Cyber threats are evolving quickly, and intelligence must be treated as a core governance function. Without a formal policy, organisations risk inconsistent detection, delayed incident response, and audit gaps.
Why Threat Intelligence Policies Matter More Than Ever
Latest data shows:
- 43% of UK businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months.
(Source: UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025) - The UK accounts for 25% of all cyber attacks tracked in Europe, making it the most-targeted country in the region.
(Source: IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2025) - Threat actors increasingly use AI and automation to amplify phishing, malware deployment, and lateral movement.
(Source: Reuters, May 2025)
A documented threat intelligence process gives your organisation the visibility to identify early warnings, protect against sophisticated threats, and maintain readiness in audits and real-world incidents.
Where Does a Threat Intelligence Policy Fit in a Cyber Security Framework?
This type of policy operates at a governance level, ensuring threat data is collected, understood, and used to inform wider security and operational decisions.
It complements technical controls such as firewalls, SIEM platforms, and endpoint protection by:
- Prioritising alerts using verified threat feeds
- Enabling faster responses to indicators of compromise (IoCs) or attacker TTPs
- Documenting how intelligence integrates with risk registers or business continuity planning
For ISO-certified or audit-focused organisations, this policy supports demonstrable evidence of awareness and control.
How Activ’s Template Supports ISO Compliance
Our Threat Intelligence Policy template is designed to reflect the expectations of ISO auditors and information security management frameworks. It helps you put key practices in place, including:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
Supports consistent documentation and action on external risks affecting service delivery. - ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems
Emphasises the role of threat awareness in preparing for and mitigating disruptions. - ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management Systems
Annex A.5.7 requires the collection and use of threat intelligence. A structured policy helps you demonstrate awareness, responsibility assignment, and use of intelligence to inform controls. - ISO/IEC 27002 – Code of Practice
Offers guidance on validating external information sources, communicating intelligence, and refining response strategies. - NIST Cybersecurity Framework (Identify + Respond)
Threat intelligence is key to identifying and responding to emerging risks in a timely, risk-based manner.
Is a Threat Intelligence Policy Required for ISO 27001?
Yes. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 includes Annex A.5.7, which explicitly calls for the collection and use of external threat intelligence. Certification auditors expect documented processes that show:
- Who is responsible for threat intelligence
- How data is evaluated and validated
- How threat insights inform policies, controls, and risk responses
Including this policy in your Statement of Applicability (SoA) helps demonstrate conformance and risk-based thinking in action.
Download Our Template
Our template gives you a practical, audit-ready foundation for building your threat intelligence capability.
Use it to define your approach to gathering threat data, assigning responsibilities, and embedding insight into your wider governance system.
Complete the form at the top of the page to download the template now.
