IBM to launch cyber threat-sharing exchange

IBM announced that it will begin sharing two decades of data about security and cyber threats with private and public companies that could use it to improve their defenses.

The IBM X-Force Exchange, run out of the cloud, will include malware threat data from more than 270 million computers and devices and information about 15 billion security events per day. The still-growing database currently takes up 700 terabytes.

{mosads}”We’re taking the lead by opening up our own deep and global network of cyberthreat research, customers, technologies and experts,” said IBM Security General Manager Brendan Hannigan.

“We’re aiming to accelerate the formation of the networks and relationships we need to fight hackers.”

Threat-sharing exchanges are on the rise as companies and government agencies work to combat mounting cyberattacks. Three bills currently under consideration in Congress would provide liability protection for companies to share their threat information with the government.

A handful of sectors have launched their own private data exchanges, including banks, law firms and cybersecurity shops.

IBM for other companies to eventually contribute to its platform, arguing that private industry would benefit from access to a single source of threat data. The database will be continuously updated and built with sophisticated search tools, IBM said.