Security teams have invested heavily in protecting networks, endpoints, and data. These are critical layers of defense, but many organizations still overlook a growing vulnerability that lives outside the perimeter: the brand.
The value of threat intelligence is well established in cybersecurity. Teams track attack techniques, monitor malicious IP addresses, and patch new vulnerabilities. But many organizations have yet to apply that same level of vigilance to how their brand identities are being used or misused online. This gap in visibility creates a growing exposure.
In 2024, phishing attacks using impersonation techniques rose sharply, with over 30,000 lookalike domains identified between February and July alone. More than 11,000 were confirmed malicious (Zscaler). These tactics are effective because they target what your customers and employees trust most: your name, your logo, and your presence online.
Why brand monitoring belongs in your security program
When attackers register lookalike domains, create fake executive profiles, or publish fraudulent mobile apps, your core security tools stay silent. These brand-targeted attacks happen outside your controlled environments.
Consider a typical impersonation: an attacker creates a spoofed version of your company domain, sets up a phishing website, and begins emailing employees and customers. Your firewall sees nothing. Endpoint protection does not flag it. Your SIEM never logs a thing.
The first warning often comes from confused customers. Sometimes it is worse, a breach is discovered only after credentials show up in logs from unfamiliar locations, thanks to successful phishing. In late 2024, credential phishing increased by 703%, according to SlashNext, with brand impersonation playing a key role in the success of these campaigns.
Detecting threats that impersonate your identity, before they compromise customer trust or internal systems is why brand monitoring must also become part of your broader security program.
Implementing effective brand intelligence
To defend against brand-based threats, security teams should operationalize brand intelligence. Focus areas include:
- Monitoring for lookalike domain registrations
- Scanning for unauthorized use of brand assets and logos
- Detecting impersonation on social platforms
- Identifying fraudulent mobile apps
- Tracking mentions on dark web marketplaces or forums
- Executing timely takedown of malicious assets
The implementation doesn't require massive new investments. Many organizations start with simple alerts for domain registrations and basic search monitoring. More mature programs integrate automated scanning tools that continually assess for brand impersonation across multiple channels.
Recent research reinforces the impact of these efforts. A 2025 study found that phishing detection systems using brand domain identification features achieved 99.8% accuracy, underscoring the effectiveness of brand-aware tools in catching attacks that traditional controls miss.
The brand is part of the threat surface
Most security programs are built to protect what is inside the organization. But today, what represents your business externally, your brand, deserves the same level of attention. As the lines between internal and external threats continue to blur, the ability to detect misuse of your identity has become a natural extension of threat intelligence.
Incorporating brand intelligence is not about chasing every mention or launching a brand new function overnight. It is about being intentional, adding visibility where you previously had none, and responding with context, clarity, and speed.
A well-protected organization defends not just its infrastructure but also the trust it builds with customers, partners, and employees. Adding this layer makes your security strategy more complete, more proactive, and better aligned with the realities of today's threat landscape.
NuHarbor helps organizations integrate brand intelligence into their security programs with practical tools, experienced guidance, and a focus on outcomes. If you are ready to close the gap, we are here to help.
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