Security BSides Las Vegas 2025

Alina Thai

Alina is an experienced intelligence analyst focusing on cyber threats and emerging technologies. Her research interests include financial cyber crimes, cyber warfare, and protective security. Holding a BS in Computer Science and Master's in Applied Intelligence, Alina advocates for women in cybersecurity while mentoring the next generation of professionals.


Session

08-05
10:00
45min
Thinking Outside the SOC: Structured Analytics for the Overloaded Cyber Analyst
Alina Thai, Haily Beem

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) analysts face overwhelming information, complex attribution problems, and adversaries practicing active deception. While technical indicators provide essential data, they often fall short in delivering comprehensive threat understanding. This beginner-level presentation introduces Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) – methodologies developed in traditional intelligence – as powerful enhancers for CTI workflows. We'll explore how techniques like Analysis of Competing Hypotheses, Key Assumptions Check, Red Team Analysis, and more mitigate cognitive biases in cybersecurity. The session demonstrates practical integration of SATs with established frameworks including MITRE ATT&CK, the Diamond Model, and Intelligence Cycle. Attendees will learn implementation strategies, key metrics for analytical improvement, and gain actionable templates for immediate application. This methodological bridge between traditional intelligence practices and cybersecurity represents the next evolution in defense against sophisticated threats.

Ground Floor
Florentine E