Introduction (Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence Using

Talos)

Cybersecurity threat intelligence is the practice of gathering, analyzing,

and acting upon information about potential or current cyber threats. In
this course, Cisco Talos—a prominent threat intelligence organization—is
introduced as a key player in identifying and mitigating global security
threats.

Talos aggregates telemetry from a vast network of sources (including

Cisco security products, open-source tools, honeypots, and global
networks) to identify and analyze cyberthreats in real-time. Their findings
are used to feed databases that help security professionals and products
detect malicious activity.

Importance of Threat Intelligence:

 Helps detect attacks before they cause damage.

 Enables proactive defense through indicators of compromise (IOCs).

 Allows correlation of threat patterns across different networks.

Use Case Example: A security team receives reports of suspicious

outbound traffic from a corporate network. Using Talos intelligence, they
identify the IP as part of a known command-and-control (C2) botnet
infrastructure. Immediate firewall rules are applied to block the traffic and
begin remediation.

Tools Introduced:

 Talos Intelligence Website

 URL and IP lookup capabilities

 Domain reputation analysis

Scan URL (Using Cisco Talos Intelligence)
Overview
The “Scan URL” functionality in Cisco Talos Intelligence is a fundamental
feature that allows cybersecurity professionals to analyze the reputation,
threat level, and historical data associated with a given URL. This is
especially useful for identifying phishing websites, malicious redirects, or
sites hosting malware or exploit kits.

Purpose
URL scanning helps determine if a link (often received via email,
messaging apps, or embedded in websites) is safe to click. With
cybercriminals increasingly using deceptive URLs to trick users, real-time
URL analysis is a frontline defense.

How It Works
When a URL is entered into the Talos URL reputation lookup:

 The system checks the domain against its database of known

threats.

 It analyzes the page’s behavior, content, SSL certificate, and hosting

IP address.

 Machine learning and community-based feedback may contribute to

the reputation score.

Reputation Categories
URLs are categorized as:

 Malicious – Known to host malware or part of a phishing/scam

operation.

 Suspicious – Detected with unusual activity or low trust score.

 Clean – No known malicious behavior or threats.

Example Use Case

A user receives an email with a link that looks like a PayPal login page
(e.g., http://paypall-security-check.com). Before clicking, the security
analyst inputs the URL into Talos. The platform flags it as “Malicious” and
notes it’s been associated with phishing attacks since last week. The
analyst blocks the domain via a firewall and alerts employees.

Why It’s Important

 Saves time in verifying link safety.

 Prevents users from falling for social engineering attacks.

  Provides evidence for broader investigation or incident response.

Best Practices

 Always check suspicious URLs, even if they appear to come from

trusted sources.

 Use browser plugins or integrations to automate URL scanning.

 Incorporate URL scanning into the email security gateway.

Tools (Used in Cisco Talos Threat Intelligence Analysis)

Overview
The Tools section in the Cisco Talos Intelligence platform introduces the
basic utilities used to analyze threat data. These tools assist cybersecurity
professionals in performing lookups and gaining contextual insights into
domains, IP addresses, URLs, file hashes, and network activity that may
indicate malicious behavior.

Main Tools Introduced

1. Domain Lookup

o Allows users to check if a domain is flagged as malicious,

suspicious, or clean.

o Provides information such as WHOIS data, DNS records,

creation date, and associated IPs.

o Helps trace domains involved in phishing, malware

campaigns, or command-and-control (C2) communication.

2. IP Address Reputation Tool

o Determines whether an IP address has been associated with

malware hosting, spam, botnets, or other cyber threats.

o Offers geolocation details and ASN (Autonomous System

Number).

o Indicates historical and current reputation.

3. URL Scanner

o Performs behavior analysis on a submitted URL.

o Identifies phishing pages, redirection chains, SSL certificate

issues, and potential downloads.
 o Integrated with domain and IP reputation results.

4. File Hash Lookup (MD5/SHA256)

o Allows users to input a known hash and retrieve the file’s

reputation.

o Useful for malware analysis and verifying if a file is known to

be harmful.

o Part of wider threat intelligence sharing across platforms (e.g.,

VirusTotal, Talos, MISP).

5. Email & Spam Analyzer (Advanced)

o Checks email headers or domains used in spam/phishing.

o Validates domain reputation and return paths.

o Helps track down business email compromise (BEC) attacks.

Practical Example
A user reports a suspicious email with an attached PDF. The security team
extracts the file hash and pastes it into the Talos File Hash Lookup tool.
The hash matches a known banking trojan. Simultaneously, they scan the
sender’s domain using Domain Lookup and discover it’s part of a known
phishing campaign.

Why These Tools Matter

 Provide immediate insights without needing full sandbox analysis.

 Help prioritize incidents (e.g., whether a suspicious file or domain is

truly a threat).

 Contribute to threat hunting, IOC enrichment, and alert triage.

Best Practices

 Combine multiple tools to validate a threat (e.g., URL + IP + file

hash).

 Automate lookups using threat intelligence platforms (TIPs).

  Keep logs of tool usage for audits and investigations.

Talos’s built-in tools give security teams actionable intelligence and a

rapid way to assess threats. Whether checking a domain, scanning a URL,
or identifying a malicious file, these utilities are foundational to any
modern SOC (Security Operations Center) workflow.

Scan Webpage (Behavioral and Threat Analysis Using

Cisco Talos)
Overview
The Scan Webpage feature in Cisco Talos Intelligence allows users to
examine the behavior and content of a live website to determine whether
it poses a security risk. Unlike a simple URL or domain lookup, this feature
fetches and inspects the actual webpage contents, identifying threats
based on what the page is doing rather than just where it resides.

Purpose
This feature is essential for evaluating unfamiliar or suspicious websites
by analyzing how they behave when accessed. It mimics the process of
visiting the site in a secure environment (sandbox) and checks for
indicators of compromise (IOCs).

How It Works

1. URL Input
The user enters the full webpage URL into the Talos Scan Webpage
tool.

2. Page Fetch and Rendering

Talos simulates a visit using a secure, virtual browser and captures:

o Page content (HTML/JavaScript)

o Redirects and embedded elements

o External calls to third-party domains

o Use of suspicious scripts or obfuscation

3. Threat Detection
It scans for:
 o Malicious JavaScript (e.g., exploit kits or cryptojacking scripts)

o Phishing forms (e.g., fake login pages)

o Auto-downloads or drive-by downloads

o Suspicious iFrames or redirections

4. Classification
The webpage is categorized as:

o Clean – No harmful activity detected

o Suspicious – Behavior deviates from normal but not conclusive

o Malicious – Known threat patterns identified

Example Scenario
A user receives an SMS containing a link claiming to offer free Amazon gift
cards. The security analyst pastes the URL into Talos Scan Webpage. The
scan reveals:

 Obfuscated JavaScript that triggers a redirection to a fake Amazon

login page.

 A form that collects personal information and sends it to a domain

previously flagged for phishing.

The tool labels the page “Malicious,” and the SOC blocks it on the
proxy/firewall and issues an internal alert.

Key Benefits

 Allows real-time behavioral inspection of websites.

 Provides a deeper layer of analysis than simple domain or IP

lookups.

 Detects stealthy threats that may not yet be widely reported.

Best Practices

 Use Scan Webpage before visiting unknown or suspicious links.

 Combine with URL, domain, and IP reputation tools to correlate data.

 Share confirmed threats with peers via STIX/TAXII feeds or internal

threat intel platforms.
Limitations

 May not analyze password-protected or dynamically generated

pages fully.

 Limited in detecting threats that require user interaction (e.g.,

clicking).

Malware Database (Cisco Talos Threat Intelligence)

Overview
The Malware Database is a curated repository maintained by Cisco Talos
that catalogs known malware families, samples, behaviors, and threat
campaigns. It serves as a reference point for security researchers, incident
responders, and SOC analysts to identify, classify, and understand the
nature of malware affecting systems globally.

Purpose
The database helps security teams recognize known malware artifacts,
associate them with attack patterns, and understand the tactics,
techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors. It also supports
rapid identification and containment of threats based on historical and
behavioral context.

Structure of the Database

1. Malware Families
Each entry is associated with a known malware family such as:

o Emotet (banking trojan, malspam)

o TrickBot (modular trojan with ransomware payload)

o Cobalt Strike (post-exploitation tool used maliciously)

o Agent Tesla (keylogger and information stealer)

2. Sample Information
Each sample includes:

o File hash (MD5, SHA1, SHA256)

o File type and size

 o First seen and last seen timestamps

o Delivery method (e.g., phishing attachment, drive-by

download)

o Behavior summary (e.g., keylogging, C2 communication,

lateral movement)

3. Threat Indicators

o C2 servers

o Hardcoded IPs

o Domains used for exfiltration

o Mutexes, registry changes, or specific API usage

4. Related Threat Campaigns

Entries often include links to campaigns where the malware was
used (e.g., spear phishing in energy sector).

Example Scenario
A company detects a suspicious executable on a user’s machine. The file
hash is submitted to the Talos Malware Database. The result identifies it as
a variant of Remcos RAT (Remote Access Trojan), with behavior including
keystroke logging, webcam activation, and shell command execution. The
security team isolates the machine, blocks its C2 domain, and searches
for lateral movement across the network.

Why It’s Important

 Helps in threat attribution (e.g., APT groups using specific tools).

 Reduces time to detect and respond to malware infections.

 Improves IOC enrichment in SIEMs and EDR platforms.

 Enables retroactive hunting for known malware variants.

Best Practices

 Cross-reference malware hashes and domains with the Talos

Malware Database.

 Automate database checks for file uploads or alerts.

  Track malware evolution through versioning and modification
records.

Integration Examples

 Used by antivirus vendors for signature updates.

 Powers backend detection logic in Cisco AMP, Firepower, and

Umbrella.

 Supports MITRE ATT&CK mapping for TTP correlation.

Botnet Database (Cisco Talos Threat Intelligence)

Overview
The Botnet Database maintained by Cisco Talos tracks global botnet
infrastructures, infected devices, command-and-control (C2) servers, and
known botnet campaigns. A botnet (short for robot network) is a collection
of internet-connected devices infected with malware and controlled
remotely by attackers, often without the users’ knowledge. These
networks are commonly used for launching distributed denial-of-service
(DDoS) attacks, sending spam, conducting credential stuffing, or mining
cryptocurrency.

Purpose
The Botnet Database is designed to help cybersecurity professionals
identify and block communications between internal hosts and known
botnet controllers. It also aids in understanding how different botnet
strains operate and evolve.

Key Components of the Database

1. Known Botnets
The database includes entries for:

o Mirai: Targets IoT devices for massive DDoS attacks.

o TrickBot: Initially a banking Trojan, later evolved into a

modular botnet.

o Necurs: Used primarily for spam and malware distribution.

 o QakBot: Involved in banking fraud and credential theft.

2. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

Each botnet entry includes:

o C2 server IPs and domains

o Associated malware file hashes

o Protocols used (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS, IRC, custom TCP)

o Known ports and patterns in communication traffic

3. Infection Geography
Botnet records are enriched with heat maps and geolocation data
showing infection spread by country or region, enabling targeted
threat mitigation.

4. Tactics and Behavior

o Persistence mechanisms (e.g., registry entries, services)

o Lateral movement capabilities

o Obfuscation or encryption techniques used to avoid detection

Example Scenario
An organization’s firewall detects outbound communication from an
internal IP to a suspicious external domain. Using the Talos Botnet
Database, the domain is identified as a known TrickBot C2 server. Logs
reveal multiple endpoints contacting the same address. The SOC isolates
affected systems, applies network blocks, and initiates incident response
protocols.

Why It Matters

 Enables proactive blocking of known malicious infrastructure.

 Aids in early detection of compromised internal assets.

 Provides context for ongoing campaigns (e.g., associated phishing

waves or malware strains).

 Supports digital forensics and attribution to attacker groups.

Best Practices

 Correlate botnet indicators with EDR, firewall, and proxy logs.

  Regularly feed Talos botnet IOCs into SIEM platforms.

 Automate alerts for any internal device communicating with known

C2 addresses.

 Use botnet data to train detection rules in intrusion detection

systems (IDS).

Integration Examples

 Cisco Umbrella and Secure Firewall use the database to block botnet
C2 traffic.

 Feeds into threat intelligence platforms (TIPs) for enrichment and

correlation.

 Supports incident response playbooks by offering known behavioral

signatures.

Malicious Links Database (Cisco Talos Threat Intelligence)

Overview
The Malicious Links Database curated by Cisco Talos serves as a real-time
repository of URLs and hyperlinks that have been verified to host or
redirect to malicious content. These links are often embedded in phishing
emails, malicious websites, online advertisements (malvertising), or social
media messages to trick users into initiating a compromise—such as
downloading malware or entering credentials.

Purpose
The database is designed to help security teams proactively block harmful
web links and detect potential compromise attempts within email
gateways, web proxies, or endpoint protection tools. It serves as a threat
feed that enriches cybersecurity systems with up-to-date, high-fidelity
indicators.

Core Components of the Database

1. URL Metadata
Each link entry typically includes:
  Full URL and domain name

 First seen and last seen timestamps

 Associated file types (e.g., .exe, .doc, .js)

 Referrer information (e.g., search engines, redirect chains)

2. Classification Categories
Each link is tagged based on threat behavior:

 Phishing: Fake login pages mimicking banks, email providers, or

corporate portals.

 Malware: URLs that directly host executable payloads or exploit kits.

 Scam/Spam: Clickbait links used in fraud or unsolicited ads.

 Exploit: URLs containing embedded JavaScript or Flash exploits.

 Botnet C2: Embedded links to callback infrastructure.

3. Severity Rating
Each malicious link is scored based on:

 Potential for harm (critical, high, medium, low)

 Target type (individual users, enterprises, government entities)

 Volume of reported detections

4. Associated Artifacts
Each link may be tied to:

 Known phishing kits or malware campaigns

 Email subjects or body content

 IP addresses and autonomous systems

Example Scenario
A company receives multiple phishing emails with a link that mimics a
Microsoft Office 365 login page. The SOC team extracts the URL and
checks it against the Talos Malicious Links Database. It confirms the link is
part of a known phishing kit used in a campaign targeting enterprise cloud
users. The team updates email filters and alerts users not to click on
similar links.

Use Cases and Benefits

  Threat Prevention: Automatically block known malicious URLs at the
DNS, web proxy, or firewall layer.

 Email Protection: Helps email security gateways detect and

quarantine emails with embedded malicious links.

 Incident Response: Provides IOC enrichment during phishing

investigations.

 Threat Hunting: Used to identify patterns across spear-phishing or

watering hole campaigns.

Best Practices

 Integrate the database into SIEM/SOAR platforms for automated IOC

lookups.

 Regularly feed updates into firewalls, DNS resolvers, and proxy

servers.

 Train users to report suspicious links, which can be validated against

this database.

 Set up automated alerts when internal systems access high-risk

links.

Integration Examples

 Cisco Secure Email and Cisco Umbrella use the Malicious Links
Database to block access in real time.

 Combined with malware and domain databases for layered defense.

 Available via Talos threat feeds (STIX/TAXII) for enterprise

integration.

Talos Dashboard (Cisco Talos Intelligence Platform)

Overview
The Talos Dashboard is the central web interface of the Cisco Talos Threat
Intelligence platform. It presents threat data and security telemetry in a
structured, real-time format. Designed for SOC analysts, incident
responders, and security researchers, the dashboard consolidates multiple
threat feeds, lookup tools, malware detections, and global threat trends
into a single visual workspace.

Purpose
The Talos Dashboard simplifies threat intelligence consumption by offering
a unified platform where users can analyze IP addresses, domains, URLs,
file hashes, campaigns, and behavioral trends. It serves as both a search
engine and a threat management console.

Main Features

1. Global Threat Map

Displays real-time data on threat activity around the world,
including:

 Most active attack types (e.g., malware, exploit kits, phishing)

 Top affected countries and industries

 Ongoing campaigns and targeted geographies

2. Search & Lookup Functions

The dashboard provides powerful lookup tools for:

 IP addresses: reputation, geolocation, blacklist status

 Domains/URLs: threat classification, WHOIS data, timeline of

detections

 File hashes: malware family, behavior, sandbox results

 Campaign identifiers: threat actor details, tactics and techniques

3. Recent Threats & Alerts

Live feed of:

 Malware outbreaks

 Botnet C2 discoveries

 Zero-day vulnerabilities and exploited CVEs

 Phishing campaign summaries

4. Integration with Security Tools

Users can link the dashboard with:

 Cisco Secure Endpoint (AMP)

 Secure Email Gateway

  Secure Firewall and Umbrella

 Third-party SIEMs (via APIs or STIX/TAXII feeds)

5. Drill-Down Analysis
Analysts can pivot on indicators to view related IOCs, threat actors,
MITRE ATT&CK mappings, and behavior analytics. This helps in
threat correlation and root cause identification.

6. User-Centric Features

 Favorites/bookmarking for commonly investigated indicators

 Custom alert notifications

 Downloadable threat intelligence reports

 Dark theme and dashboard customization

Example Scenario
A SOC analyst notices a spike in alerts related to a particular domain.
Using the Talos Dashboard, they look up the domain and see it's tied to an
active phishing campaign targeting Office 365 credentials. The dashboard
also shows it was recently added to the Malicious Links Database and is
related to known Emotet distribution. The analyst blocks the domain and
searches for related IOCs across their network.

Benefits

 Real-time, centralized access to threat data

 Reduces time to triage alerts and validate threats

 Helps identify trending attacks before they impact your organization

 Improves decision-making during incidents

Best Practices

 Monitor the “Recent Threats” feed daily to stay updated on

campaigns

 Automate searches of newly triggered indicators using Talos APIs

 Bookmark frequently encountered threat actors or malware families

 Use the Dashboard as a launchpad for deeper investigation

Limitations

 Advanced usage (like automation or deep integration) may require

Cisco SecureX or Talos API access

 Some threat information may be anonymized due to privacy/legal

concerns