Hey there, Bay Area chums! For those of you interested in a career in cybersecurity, especially in threat intelligence, this article is just for you.
So, let’s dive into the core of threat intelligence. This line of work is all about digging up information related to potential cyber threats, vulnerabilities, attacks, and attackers. It can get a bit overwhelming for businesses with heaps of data and no way to sort out what can be really useful. That’s where a skilled threat intelligence analyst comes into play to make sense of all that information, turning it into actionable insights.
Now, if you’re the type of person who likes shaking things up, this might be right up your alley! This field is constantly evolving which means there’s always something new on the horizon that could change the game. A successful threat intelligence analyst doesn’t just have a knack for research and analytics, but is also passionate about staying ahead of the curve in cybersecurity developments.
But let’s roll back a bit, because you’ve got to walk before you can run, right? If you’re just starting your race towards becoming a threat intelligence analyst, you might be wondering where on earth to begin. Well, getting certified is a great way to kick things off!
There are countless organizations that provide training courses and certificates. We’ll give you a brief rundown of some top-rated certifications that could boost your chances of having a successful career.
Coming up first is the C|TIA – Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst, provided by EC-Council. Here you will receive practical training alongside the expansion of your theoretical knowledge. Do note that you need a minimum of 3 years of work experience in information security or software design to take the exam.
Next, consider the GCTI – GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence managed by GIAC. The good news here is that there’s no need to prove your eligibility upfront for the exam.
Switching lanes, Rocheston is another organization that offers credible threat intelligence training for enthusiasts, known as the RCIA – Rocheston Cyberthreat Intelligence Analyst. Cliffnotes: basic hacking, networking, and system administration skills are needed here.
Moving on to government-inspired certification, there’s the CCTIA by the NICCS – Certified Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst offered by the NICCS. They focus on a variety of cybersecurity topics, including threat hunting and OSINT.
For those seeking a more serious teaching environment, the Center for TI provides two levels of Threat Intelligence certificates: CTIP and ACTIP. The difference being one is for experienced professionals and the other is for those just getting their feet wet. Reach out to them to see which level will fit you best.
Another viable choice is the Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst – Cyber Intelligence Tradecraft offered by Treadstone 71. Their training focuses on critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills, encouraging candidates to forecast adversarial actions instead of only defending against them.
If you’re all about out-of-the-box thinking, The OSINT Pathfinder Programme could be just what you’re looking for. This isn’t tied to any certification provider and focuses exclusively on OSINT gathering techniques which are instrumental in this line of work.
Last, but by no means least, CREST provides various certifications related to cybersecurity and threat intelligence. They have separate qualifications for beginners and advanced levels as well, so reach out to them to see what suits you best.
Although the journey to becoming a threat intelligence analyst may seem daunting, with the right training, continuous learning, and a hefty dose of curiosity, you can make your mark in this increasingly important field. Happy learning!
by Morgan Phisher | HEAL Security
