Operational Integration of Cyber Threat Intelligence in Modern Security Operations Centers: A Design Science Approach

Abstract

The escalating volume, velocity, and sophistication of cyber threats necessitate the strategic integration of Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) into Security Operations Centers (SOCs). While CTI offers the potential to significantly enhance situational awareness, improve threat detection, and enable a proactive defense posture, its operational integration within SOC workflows often remains inconsistent and underdeveloped. This research employs a design science methodology to investigate the current state of CTI utilization in SOCs, identifying the critical technical and organizational challenges that impede its full adoption. We evaluate the efficacy of existing CTI platforms and standards, leading to the design of a novel framework for systematically embedding CTI into SOC operations with a focus on automation, contextual enrichment, and intelligent orchestration. The framework's utility is validated in a controlled SOC environment using a combination of real-world and synthetic threat intelligence. The evaluation, based on technical performance metrics and qualitative analyst feedback, demonstrates that a structured approach to CTI integration can significantly improve detection efficacy while reducing Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), Mean Time to Respond (MTTR), and triage time which can substantially enhance threat prioritization and decision-making. This paper culminates in the proposal of a CTI Operationalization Maturity Model, providing a structured roadmap and actionable guidance for organizations seeking to substantially enhance threat prioritization and decision-making.