Intelligence Tradecraft - Sharpen your analytic edge

SummaryIn cybersecurity, understanding the intricacies of intelligence tradecraft can make all the difference. In this insightful interview, cybersecurity expert Aaron Roberts shares his journey from military intelligence to founding Perspective Intelligence. He discusses the evolution of cyber threat intelligence, practical training approaches, the impact of AI, and how to build a successful intelligence function.Aaron’s path into intelligence started with a fascination for intelligence and a local awareness of GCHQ, the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters. He candidly shares, "I always tell people this story and I don't think anyone believes me, but I used to watch a lot of 24." He recalls, "I was always interested in military history and intelligence services, which guided my career path." This foundational knowledge helped him navigate the complexities of cyber intelligence later on.After working at GCHQ, Aaron faced a significant decision: stay in public service or explore opportunities in the private sector. He explains, "I thought I was always going to be there for life," but personal circumstances and the evolving cybersecurity landscape prompted him to make a change. Aaron’s experiences provide valuable insights into cyber threat intelligence (CTI). He emphasizes the importance of adapting to new threats and technologies. "Cybersecurity is an ever-changing landscape, and staying ahead requires constant learning and adaptation," he advises.One key area Aaron focuses on is Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). He finds it fascinating how the internet can be utilized for intelligence investigations. "Using the internet for intelligence work is incredibly powerful," he states. This approach allows organizations to gather insights that are often overlooked in traditional intelligence methodologies.In 2021, Aaron published his book on cyber threat intelligence, a project that began during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. He shares, "I decided to write a book because there wasn’t much available for non-analysts looking to understand threat intelligence better." The process was both challenging and rewarding, providing him with a platform to share his knowledge and experiences.ResourcePerspective Intelligence - https://perspectiveintelligence.co.uk/ WannaCry - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WannaCry_ransomware_attack KASE Scenarios OSINT Training Platform - https://kasescenarios.com/KASE Scenarios PRoject SandShark - https://kasescenarios.com/project-sandshark Diamond Model - https://www.threatintel.academy/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/diamond_summary.pdf Intel architecture mindmap - https://github.com/Errum/IntelArchitectureMapThe cyber threat intelligence book - https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Threat-Intelligence-No-Nonsense-Security/dp/1484272196 TCM Security SOC 101 - https://academy.tcm-sec.com/p/security-operations-soc-101Michael Koczwara's Hunting Adversary Infrastructure Training Course - https://academy.intel-ops.io/courses/hunting-adversary-infraIntel471 Cyber underground Handbook - https://www.intel471.com/cyber-underground-handbookAdmiralty Scale blog post - https://www.sans.org/blog/enhance-your-cyber-threat-intelligence-with-the-admiralty-system/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Intelligence Careers04:21 Transitioning from Government to Private Sector12:23 Becoming a Published Author20:37 The Importance of Context in Cyber Intelligence28:08 Challenges in Open Source Intelligence36:53 Defining Intelligence: What It Is and Isn't44:47 Critical Thinking in Intelligence Analysis51:52 Training and Certifications in Intelligence59:14 Success Criteria for Intelligence Functions01:05:07 The Future of Cyber Threat Intelligence01:11:03 The Role of AI in Intelligence01:18:18 Advice for Aspiring Intelligence ProfessionalsPS! This conversation is a compressed edit of an interview Freddy has conducted as part of his PhD research. The interview happened on July 1st, 2025 in London, UK.

SummaryListen to Nadia Tuominen's path from crime science student to intelligence analyst in London’s Metropolitan Police, where she learned mostly on the job in a changing organization. She explains how austerity and lack of development pushed her to leave for sports integrity in tennis, then into the financial sector to work on economic crime. A later shift into academia and training lets her “close the circle” by teaching police officers and practitioners, creating qualifications she wishes had existed earlier. Across her journey, she emphasizes intelligence as a reasoning process, the importance of frameworks, elevating analysts from “support staff” to specialists, and helping people think better rather than just learn tools. Nadia emphasizes the need for analysts to be proactive, build relationships, and continuously develop their skills to adapt to the changing landscape of intelligence work.Key takeawaysIntelligence is a reasoning process for decision-making, not magic or perfect prediction.Definitions of intelligence should fit each organization’s mission and context, rather than chasing one universal formula.Frameworks like the UK National Intelligence Model, though imperfect, become clearly valuable once you work in less-structured private-sector environments.Analysts should be treated as specialists, not generic “support staff,” to improve respect, pay, and decision quality.Training should focus on how analysts think (cognition, self-awareness, bias) as much as on tools and structured techniques.Biases are unavoidable and not inherently bad; the aim is to understand and manage them, not pretend they can be removed.Many law enforcement analysts lack formal, portable qualifications, so building accessible, practice-based education helps careers and professionalizes the field.Resources and references mentionedNIM https://library.college.police.uk/docs/npia/NIM-Code-of-Practice.pdfICD 203 https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICD/ICD-203.pdfIntelligence Architecture Mind Map - https://github.com/Errum/IntelArchitectureMapPsychology of intelligence Analysis - https://www.cia.gov/resources/csi/static/Pyschology-of-Intelligence-Analysis.pdfAnalyst & Decision-Maker Conference - https://i2group.com/events/analyst-decision-maker-conference-2026Chapters02:59 Journey into Intelligence and Law Enforcement05:56 Training and Development in Intelligence Analysis09:12 Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Sports Integrity12:07 Understanding Intelligence Frameworks14:51 Exploring Financial Crime and Economic Crime17:49 The Role of Academia in Intelligence Analysis20:51 Training and Cognitive Function in Intelligence23:59 Defining Intelligence: Perspectives and Processes27:10 The Importance of Forward-Looking Intelligence29:57 Analysts as Specialists, Not Support Staff37:13 The Role of Analysts in Decision Making38:25 Understanding AI and Its Implications40:30 Critical Thinking in AI Usage42:35 Explainability and Trust in AI44:22 Evaluating AI vs Human Intelligence46:24 The Importance of Input in AI48:28Training and Experience in Intelligence Analysis55:33 Measuring the Value of Intelligence01:01:05 The Dialogue of Intelligence01:04:17 The Future of AI in Intelligence01:12:10 Preparing for a Career in Intelligence

SummaryHere, Teresa Walsh, a former NCIS analyst and current Chief Intelligence Officer (CINO), shares how intelligence tradecraft, critical thinking, and stakeholder-focused analysis must underpin cyber threat intelligence in an AI-saturated world, especially in heavily regulated sectors like finance.She discusses the importance of understanding the audience in intelligence work, the challenges of transitioning from government to private sector, and the evolving role of AI in the field.Teresa emphasizes the need for critical thinking, continuous training, and the significance of stakeholder engagement in delivering valuable intelligence. The conversation also touches on the future of intelligence, the impact of AI, and the importance of measuring success and value in intelligence work.Key takeawaysIntelligence is a profession, not a personality traitRaw data is not intelligenceAudience and purpose drive valuePrivate-sector CTI lacks role and training standardsFinance is mature because it’s regulated, not smarterEffective CTI blends technical and strategic skillsAI and LLMs are tools, not replacementsBeware “AI solves everything” thinkingMetrics must go beyond countsCuriosity, humility, and feedback fuel growthResources and references mentionedStructured Analytic Techniques (SAT) book - https://www.amazon.com/Structured-Analytic-Techniques-Intelligence-Analysis/dp/150636893XFeedly - https://feedly.com/IAP Training - https://inteltradecraft.com/sat-certificationsSANS Talk: The Way to a Stakeholder’s Heart is by Providing Value: Measuring Success of Your CTI Program - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5agsRg6-L4oMetrics by Gert-Jan - https://github.com/gertjanbruggink/metricsPsychology of Intelligence book - https://www.cia.gov/resources/csi/static/Pyschology-of-Intelligence-Analysis.pdf

SummaryIn this podcast episode, Elizabeth Dos Santos shares her journey from a 25-year career in the FBI, focusing on intelligence analysis and counter-terrorism, to the private sector, teaching intelligence. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of communication skills, and her transition to the private sector. Elizabeth emphasizes the role of AI in intelligence, the need for critical thinking, and the significance of structured analytic techniques in training. She also provides valuable advice for aspiring intelligence analysts, highlighting the importance of writing and presentation skills.TakeawaysElizabeth Dos Santos has a rich background in intelligence, having worked for the FBI for nearly 25 years.Her journey into intelligence began through a suggestion from her father.She emphasizes the importance of communication skills in intelligence analysis.Elizabeth shares her transition from government to private sector work and the cultural differences.She highlights the importance of structured analytic techniques in training and analysis is emphasized.Elizabeth advises aspiring analysts to focus on writing and presentation skills.The conversation touches on the need for transparency in AI and the importance of critical thinking.AI presents both opportunities and challenges in the field of intelligence.Resources and references mentionedThe Psychology of Intelligence Book - https://www.cia.gov/resources/csi/books-monographs/psychology-of-intelligence-analysis-2/ The Six Thinking Hats Book - https://www.amazon.com/Six-Thinking-Hats-Edward-Bono/dp/0241257530 Pherson Associates - https://pherson.org/ ICD 203 - https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICD/ICD-203.pdf SANS FOR578 CTI - https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/cyber-threat-intelligence Is all Intelligence Forward Looking blog post - https://inteltradecraft.com/is-all-intelligence-forward-looking The Thinking, Fast & Slow Book - https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374275637 Training with Intelligence Tradecraft - https://inteltradecraft.com/sat-certifications IAFIE - https://www.iafie.org/ The Structured Analytic Techniques (SAT) Book - https://www.amazon.com/Structured-Analytic-Techniques-Intelligence-Analysis/dp/150636893X The SAT Handbook book - https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Analytic-Tools-Techniques-5th/dp/0979888093/ Admiralty Scale SANS Blog - https://www.sans.org/blog/enhance-your-cyber-threat-intelligence-with-the-admiralty-system/ SANS FOR589 Cybercrime course - https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/cybercrime-intelligence/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Elizabeth Dos Santos01:51 Journey into Intelligence08:44 Career Development in the FBI12:40 Challenges and Growth in Intelligence19:39 Transitioning to the Private Sector27:52 The Role of AI in Intelligence53:23 Advice for Aspiring Intelligence Analysts01:07:29 The Importance of Communication in Intelligence01:14:19 Structured Analytic Techniques and IAP01:18:19 Conclusion and Reflections on IntelligenceThis conversation is a compressed edit of an interview Freddy has conducted as part of his PhD research. The interview happened on May 13th, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

SummaryIn this conversation, Terry shares his journey from government intelligence to the private sector, discussing the evolution of training and methodologies in intelligence analysis. He emphasizes the importance of structured analytical techniques and the challenges faced in adapting these methods in the private sector. The discussion also touches on the impact of geopolitics on cyber threats and the role of AI in intelligence work, highlighting the need for critical thinking and planning in the analysis process. Terry reflects on the differences between open source intelligence and open source information, and the importance of understanding biases in AI tools.TakeawaysTerry is a senior director for customer success at Atreides.He has a mixed career in both government and private sectors.Training in intelligence has evolved significantly over the years.Open source intelligence became more prominent after 2008.Structured analytical techniques are crucial for effective analysis.Planning is essential before diving into information collection.The maturity of intelligence practices varies between sectors.Geopolitical events significantly influence cyber threats.AI tools can assist but come with their own challenges.Understanding biases in AI is critical for effective intelligence.Resources and references mentionedSATs training - https://inteltradecraft.com/sat-certifications SANS FOR578 CTI - https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/cyber-threat-intelligence Structured Analytic Techniques (SAT) training - https://inteltradecraft.com/sat-certifications Arno exemplifies "spending time to save time" - https://opensourceintelligence.biz/vague-osint-questions/ ICD 203 - https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICD/ICD-203.pdf Intelligence agencies are starting to crowdsource information and recruits! For example, the MI6 platform, Silent Courier: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-dark-web-portal-launched-to-recruit-spies-to-support-uk-securityChapters00:00 Introduction to Terry's Journey02:54 Training and Development in Intelligence05:52 Transitioning from Government to Private Sector08:58 Challenges in Intelligence Analysis11:50 The Role of Planning in Intelligence Work14:51 The Maturity of Intelligence in the Private Sector17:53 The Impact of Geopolitics on Cyber Intelligence20:56 The Future of AI in Intelligence23:43 Open Source Intelligence vs. Open Source Information26:47 Advice and Reflections on Intelligence WorkThis conversation is a compressed edit of an interview Freddy has conducted as part of his PhD research. The interview happened on May 3rd, 2025 in London, England.

In this conversation, Freddy and Will delve into the world of Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) and sharing communities, exploring of Will T, the journey of a cybersecurity professional, the importance of training and community, the challenges faced in threat reporting, and the impact of AI on the field. They discuss the evolution of CTI, the necessity for critical thinking, and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in intelligence work. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing within the cybersecurity community to enhance overall effectiveness against cyber threats.TakeawaysThe importance of foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.Real-world experience is crucial for developing analytical skills.Training can significantly enhance an analyst's capabilities.Community support is vital for sharing knowledge and resources.AI can assist in summarizing and analyzing data but has limitations.Ethical considerations are paramount when using AI in intelligence.Critical thinking is essential in evaluating threat reports.Transparency in threat reporting builds trust with stakeholders.Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in cybersecurity.Collaboration within the community can lead to better threat mitigation.Resources & References MentionedRob M. Lee - https://www.dragos.com/team/robert-m-lee/SANS FOR578: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/cyber-threat-intelligence/ SANS FOR589: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/cybercrime-investigations/ Chainalysis Blockchain Intelligence: https://www.chainalysis.com/blockchain-intelligence/ SANS blog post on Admiralty Scale https://www.sans.org/blog/enhance-your-cyber-threat-intelligence-with-the-admiralty-system/Oracle incident - https://www.csoonline.com/article/3953644/oracle-quietly-admits-data-breach-days-after-lawsuit-accused-it-of-cover-up.html Flavio Queiroz's LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/flavioqueiroz_threathunting-threatdetection-threatanalysis-activity-7310254153732141056-b-Ba/ Council of Experts: https://blog.bushidotoken.net/2024/04/strengthening-proactive-cti-through.htmlWill's Projects: https://github.com/BushidoUK#-my-projectsRansomware Tool Matrix: https://github.com/BushidoUK/Ransomware-Tool-MatrixCurated Intelligence: https://www.curatedintel.org/MITRE ATT&CK: https://attack.mitre.org/Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis: https://www.activeresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/diamond.pdf?adlt=strictMapping TTPs: https://github.com/BushidoUK/MITRE-MappingsCurated Intel website - https://www.curatedintel.org/ Microsoft Security Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/ai-machine-learning/microsoft-security-copilotChapters00:00 Introduction to Cyber Threat Intelligence02:48 Career Journey in Cybersecurity06:08 Understanding Cyber Threat Intelligence09:06 The Role of Training in Cyber Intelligence11:57 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge in Cybersecurity15:08 The Importance of Community in Cyber Intelligence17:54 Challenges in Cyber Threat Reporting20:56 The Impact of AI on Cyber Threat Intelligence24:08 Future of AI in Cybersecurity26:47 Ethics and Challenges of AI in Intelligence29:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThis conversation is a compressed edit of an interview Freddy has conducted as part of his PhD research. The interview happened on May 2nd, 2025 in Bournemouth, England.

Step inside the real world of intelligence with Kathy Pherson, a pioneering CIA analyst whose career arc spans from a curious Kansas City upbringing to the highest levels of global intelligence. In this episode, Kathy reveals how she navigated the challenges of intelligence writing, honed her craft in security and Latin American analysis, and ultimately transformed the field with innovative structured analytic techniques.Kathy has candid reflections on balancing data and practical countermeasures, adapting to the evolving demands of intelligence, and the crucial role of critical thinking in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Learn how Kathy’s work at the White House, her leadership of Pherson Associates, and her presidency at the International Association for Intelligence Education are shaping future intelligence professionals. With stories of teamwork, adaptation, and even a personal mission to fight rare diseases, this conversation promises to intrigue, inspire, and challenge your ideas about intelligence analysis, education, and the intersection with advanced technologies.TakeawaysKathy Pherson's journey began with a love for language and led her to a career in intelligence.She learned the importance of writing clearly for policymakers. Writing skills are crucial in intelligence analysis, especially for conveying complex information succinctly.Understanding the audience and decision-making is key to effective communication in intelligence.Kathy emphasizes the need for adaptability in intelligence work because the evolution of intelligence practices requires ongoing learning.Resources and References MentionedVassar College - https://www.vassar.edu/Critical Thinking book - https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Thinking-Strategic-Intelligence-Katherine/dp/1544374267IAP training - https://inteltradecraft.com/sat-certificationsSANS blog post on sources and admiralty scale - https://www.sans.org/blog/enhance-your-cyber-threat-intelligence-with-the-admiralty-system/The Five Habits of the Master Thinker paper - https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol6/iss3/5/SAT book - https://www.amazon.com/Structured-Analytic-Techniques-Intelligence-Analysis/dp/150636893XThe Art of the Long View book - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Long-View-Planning-Uncertain/dp/0385267320Maria Robson Morrow's research - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02684527.2022.2029099Gary Klein's book - https://www.amazon.com/Sources-Power-People-Decisions-Press/dp/0262534290The Intel Architecture mind map on GitHub - https://github.com/Errum/IntelArchitectureMapICD 203 - https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICD/ICD-203.pdfIAFIE - https://www.iafie.org/IAFIE European Conference - https://iafieeurope.org/events/annual-conference/Chapters00:00 Kathy's Journey: From Kansas City to CIA03:09 Navigating the Intelligence Landscape05:58 The Art of Writing in Intelligence08:55 Understanding the Decision Maker12:13 The Importance of Communication in Intelligence15:04 Framing and Analyzing Risks17:56 The Evolution of Security Analysis20:57 Lessons Learned from Intelligence Work24:13 The Future of Intelligence and Decision Making34:37 Operationalizing Cyber Intelligence35:52 The Role of AI in Intelligence Analysis37:17 Transitioning from Intelligence to Private Sector40:30 The Evolution of Structured Analytic Techniques44:39 Publishing Intelligence Methodologies46:44 Teaching Critical Thinking in Cyber Intelligence50:51 The Importance of Perspective in Analysis54:56 Defining Success in Intelligence01:00:33 The Balance of Data and Creativity01:09:47 Simple Steps for Intelligence Analysis01:12:28 The Role of AI in Intelligence01:18:39 AI's Impact on Nonprofit Initiatives01:21:10 Challenges of AI in Decision Making01:27:33 The Future of Human Intelligence in an AI World01:33:03 IAFIE: Bridging Academia and PracticeThis interview was recorded on May 2nd, 2025 in London, England.

In this conversation, Scott Small, Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence at Tidal Cyber, shares his journey into the field of CTI, discussing his background, current responsibilities, and the importance of curiosity and empathy in intelligence analysis. He emphasizes the role of AI and open-source intelligence in enhancing threat detection and response, while also addressing the challenges of implementing threat-informed defense strategies. The discussion highlights stakeholder engagement, the value of writing in intelligence, and the need for continuous learning and networking within the cybersecurity community.TakeawaysCuriosity is essential for success in intelligence analysis.Writing helps clarify thoughts and improve analytical skills.AI is transforming the landscape of cybersecurity and threat intelligence.Stakeholder engagement is crucial for effective intelligence sharing.Open-source intelligence provides valuable insights for threat analysis.Empathy allows analysts to understand diverse perspectives in intelligence.Structured analytic techniques enhance the quality of intelligence analysis.Networking within the cybersecurity community fosters collaboration and learning.Trustworthy sources are vital for accurate intelligence gathering.Incident-driven intelligence can lead to proactive security measures.Resources references mentionedTidal Cyber web site - https://www.tidalcyber.com/ What are TTPs - https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/tactics_techniques_and_procedures Cyber Kill Chain - https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/cyber/cyber-kill-chain.html Unified Kill chain - https://www.unifiedkillchain.com/ my LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmurre/ my GitHub - https://github.com/Errum/IntelArchitectureMap Katie Nickels - CTI study plan 1 - https://medium.com/katies-five-cents/a-cyber-threat-intelligence-self-study-plan-part-1-968b5a8daf9a Katie Nickels - CTI study plan 2 - https://medium.com/katies-five-cents/a-cyber-threat-intelligence-self-study-plan-part-2-d04b7a529d36 Curated Intel CTI fundamentals - https://github.com/curated-intel/CTI-fundamentals Intelligence Tradecraft Structured Analytic Techniques (SAT) training - https://inteltradecraft.com/sat-certifications Workshop I teach at FIRST CTI - https://www.first.org/conference/firstcti25/program#pIntelligence-Collection-Planning-Workshop-How-to-Create-A-Plan-that-Synchronizes-Collection-with-Your-Stakeholders-Needs NFCERT CTL - https://communication.nfcert.org/hubfs/CTL_Reports/2025%20TLP_CLEAR%20NFCERT%20Cyber%20Threat%20Landscape%20(CTL)%20Report%20v1.0.pdfChapters00:00 Introduction to Cyber Threat Intelligence02:47 Scott Small's Background and Career Path06:10 Understanding Threat Informed Defense08:59 The Role of TTPs in Cybersecurity11:51 The Importance of Storytelling in Cyber Intelligence15:05 Challenges in Implementing Threat Informed Defense17:52 The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Cyber Intelligence21:01 Evaluating Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)23:56 Identifying Trustworthy Sources in Cyber Intelligence26:59 Lessons Learned from Mistakes in Cyber Intelligence29:44 Case Study: Analyzing the Akira Ransomware Group33:10 Future of Cyber Threat Intelligence38:06 Navigating the Landscape of Cyber Threat Intelligence43:37 The Path to Becoming a Cyber Intelligence Analyst46:08 The Importance of Writing in Cyber Intelligence49:31 Essential Skills for a Successful Analyst51:14 Structured Analytical Techniques in Cyber Intelligence54:30 Implementing Intelligence Tradecraft in Organizations58:02 Proactive vs. Reactive Intelligence01:01:33 The Role of AI in Cyber Threat Intelligence01:09:53 The Future of Automated Threats and Defenses01:15:15 The Value of Networking and Community in Cyber IntelligenceThis conversation is a compressed edit of an interview Freddy has conducted as part of his PhD research. The interview was recorded in April 23rd, 2025 during the FIRST CTI Conference in Berlin.

In this conversation, Freddy and Gert-Jan delve into the complexities of cybersecurity and cyber threat intelligence (CTI), exploring the importance of decision-making informed by intelligence, the challenges of training and development in the field, and the significance of metrics in demonstrating value. They discuss the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity, the necessity of critical thinking, and the importance of mentorship and community support for aspiring professionals.TakeawaysThe journey into cybersecurity often starts with hands-on experience rather than formal education.Understanding the implicit decision-making processes in CTI is crucial for effective intelligence work.Training and continuous learning are essential in cybersecurity.Metrics should focus on impact rather than just activities to demonstrate value to stakeholders.AI is transforming the landscape of intelligence, but critical thinking remains vital.Source assessment and information evaluation are key components of effective intelligence generation.The importance of storytelling in conveying intelligence to different stakeholders cannot be overstated.Building a community and supporting others in their journey is a fundamental aspect of professional growth.Recognizing influential figures in one's career can provide valuable insights and direction.The future of CTI will require adaptability and a focus on explicit decision-making processes.Resources and references mentionedThe APT 1 report - https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/mandiant-apt1-report.pdfVenation - https://venation.digital/Gert-Jan speaking at the FIRST conference - https://youtu.be/2pSjbSx8J1Q?t=5202CTI-CMM web site - https://cti-cmm.org/SANS FOR578 - https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/cyber-threat-intelligenceIntelligence ans Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) training - https://inteltradecraft.com/sat-certificationsArno's LI profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuser/Admiralty Scale SANS Blog post - https://www.sans.org/blog/enhance-your-cyber-threat-intelligence-with-the-admiralty-system/MISP Admiralty Scale - https://www.misp-project.org/taxonomies.html#_admiralty_scaleSANS talk on metrics - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d38C3992aQGert Jan's Metric GitHub - https://github.com/gertjanbruggink/metricsMy SANS talk on measuring success of CTI programs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5agsRg6-L4oChapters00:00 Introduction to Gert-Jan and the CTI Conference02:50 Gert-Jan's Journey in Cybersecurity05:51 The Role of Intelligence in Decision Making08:50 Training and Development in Cyber Threat Intelligence12:06 Consultancy and the Importance of Storytelling14:46 Generating and Consuming Intelligence17:37 The Distinction Between OSINT and OSINF20:49 Prioritization and Decision Making in Intelligence23:54 The Art of Failure and Learning26:55 Navigating the Intelligence Cycle29:53 Responding to Incidents and Public Perception35:38 Critical Thinking in Source Assessment39:48 Understanding Source Reliability43:04 The Role of AI in Intelligence51:31 Metrics and Measuring Impact01:06:02 Advice for Aspiring CTI Professionals01:11:49 Reflecting on Influential FiguresThis conversation is a compressed edit of an interview Freddy has conducted as part of his PhD research. The interview was recorded in April 21st, 2025 during the FIRST CTI Conference in Berlin.

Join us in the first episode of our podcast where we interview Garrett Carstens in beautiful Berlin. Garrett shares his extensive experience in cyber threat intelligence, from his beginnings at the US Department of Defense to his current role as VP of Intel Operations at Intel 471. We delve into the transition from government to private sector, the importance of critical thinking in cyber intelligence, the evolution of threat intelligence, and how to effectively measure success in this field. Garrett also discusses the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cyber intelligence and provides practical advice for those looking to make a similar career transition.Resources and references mentioned:Intel471 - https://www.intel471.com/ SANS blog - https://www.sans.org/blog/enhance-your-cyber-threat-intelligence-with-the-admiralty-system/ FIRST CTI Conference Agenda - https://www.first.org/conference/firstcti25/program LinkedIn post on "what makes something intelligence?" - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fmurre_in-your-opinion-when-does-something-go-from-activity-7181221399561203712-mV-m The Intelligence Architecture Mind Map on GitHub - https://github.com/Errum/IntelArchitectureMap SANS courses FOR578 CTI - https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/cyber-threat-intelligence FOR589 Cybercrime Investigations - https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/cybercrime-investigations Intel471 Handbook - https://www.intel471.com/resources/cyber-underground-handbook GitHub Repo - https://github.com/intel471/CU-GIRThis conversation is a compressed edit of an interview Freddy has conducted as part of his PhD research. The interview was recorded in April 21st, 2025 during the FIRST CTI Conference in Berlin