Credit: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay 

The Government Digital Service has boosted its “proactive security” measures to protect against cyberthreats by investing in threat intelligence services.

Newly released commercial information reveals that the Cabinet Office-based agency recently signed a one-year deal with cybersecurity specialist Brookcourt Solutions for its Recorded Future Threat Intelligence offering. According to the service’s listing on the government’s Digital Marketplace platform, it includes cyber tools such as threat hunting, threat research, monitoring of the dark web, prioritisation of vulnerabilities, and real-time threat alerts – including enhanced indicator-of-compromise notices. 

The service also provides monitoring of potential risks customers’ supply chain. 

Under the terms of the contract, GDS is guaranteed a response within 1.5 working hours to issues raised online or via email.

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“Recorded Future will also provide a dedicated intelligence services representative to any customer who will support that customer reach their intelligence goals,” the contract added. “This person should be seen as an extension to the customers team and will help on any queries you might have.”

Threat intelligence is a growing cyber discipline in which data on potential threats is gathered and analysed in real time to help inform security strategy and potential response and mitigation. 

The engagement between GDS and Brookcourt came into effect on 6 August. It lasts for an initial term of one year, plus a potential 12-month extension. Annual spending via the deal will be £84,842.

The contract said: “Contextualised threat intelligence is a vital component of any proactive security strategy. Relevant insights, updated in real time, integrated with the existing infrastructure drives faster and more informed security decisions.”