Which statement accurately contrasts Strategic Threat Intelligence and Operational Threat Intelligence?

• A. Strategic Threat Intelligence is high-level and non-technical for executives; Operational Threat Intelligence studies threat actors (who they are, their motivations, and their TTPs).
• B. Strategic Threat Intelligence is focused on indicators of compromise (IOCs)
• C. Operational Threat Intelligence is the only form used by executives
• D. Both types provide the same type of information

Answer: (A)

The question tests understanding of the difference between strategic and operational threat intelligence. Strategic threat intelligence is about big-picture, long-term risk and non-technical context that helps executives with planning and policy decisions. Operational threat intelligence, on the other hand, focuses on actual threat actors—their identities, motivations, and the tactics, techniques, and procedures they use in campaigns—to guide defensive actions.

This is why the statement is the best fit: strategic intelligence is described as high-level and non-technical for executives, while operational intelligence indeed studies threat actors, their motivations, and their TTPs. Indicators of compromise (IOCs) belong to a more technical, actionable sphere and are not the defining feature of strategic intelligence. Executives typically rely on strategic insights rather than operational details, and the two types do not provide the same kind of information.

So, the other options don’t fit because: IOCs are not the focus of strategic intelligence; executives aren’t limited to using only operational intelligence; and the two types do not provide identical information.