A day in the life of a threat intelligence analyst is often hectic and ever-changing. Threats and related data abound, and an analyst must look at all angles and scenarios before making recommendations. As information security, in general, garners more interest throughout the enterprise, an analyst’s time is more in demand and he or she might be required to provide frequent updates or participate in meetings to which they’ve never previously been invited. So, how can a threat analyst keep up? With so much to do each and every day, smart threat intelligence analysts practice habits that make them more effective and efficient. Above we’ve outlined seven of those habits so you can provide your organization even more value.

1. 7 Habits of Smart
Threat Intelligence Analysts
There’s a constant need to stay ahead of new adversary tactics, techniques, procedures (TTPs)
and geopolitical events that could impact the threat landscape. To keep up, analysts should
practice these habits to be more effective and efficient.
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2. An “always-on” communication style can be detrimental to
the quality of work. Allotting dedicated research time without
interruption directs focus to the task at hand, without
becoming distracted by external chatter.
Turn Off to Tune In1
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3. Smart threat analysts keep track of their time and accomplishments
throughout the day. Keep a detailed time management journal to
understand where the bulk of time and effort is spent identifying
indicators of compromise (IOCs).
Keep Yourself in Check2
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4. An analyst needs to have an idea of how threat actors think and the
new technologies and techniques they might be using. Dedicate 30
minutes each day to education outside core competency to be aware
of world events and understand context for protective measures.
Broaden Horizons3
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5. In weeding through the world’s sheer amount of data, effective threat
analysts are intentional about slowing down and focusing on critical
reading. Take the time to think: Is it relevant to the organization?
Could it become a targeted threat?
Don’t Move Too Fast4
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6. Human behavior is not code, and the adversaries behind TTPs are the
ones writing the malware that infects corporate systems and steals
the data. Take time to understand certain threat actor characteristics
and habits to follow a more logical path.
Getting to Know You5
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7. Analysts are challenged by data overload. Prioritize reporting based
on available information and use it to estimate the time it will take to
deliver finished intelligence.
Prioritize Available Information6
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8. Focus on the key leaders of organizational operations since they are
the people most likely to impact the business. Know your business
decision makers and influencers and produce a product that helps
them do their jobs more effectively.
Know Your Audience7
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9. With these guidelines and effort, incremental changes
will dramatically increase the efficiency of threat
predictions and recommendations.
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10. www.recordedfuture.com