Empowering Situational Awareness: The Vitality of Cyber Threat Intelligence

Cyber security threat. Young woman using computer and coding. Internet and network security. Cyber

In today’s interconnected world, where cyber attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, organizations need to be proactive in defending their digital assets. To achieve this, they must have a deep understanding of the threats they face and the ability to quickly respond to them. This is where cyber threat intelligence comes into play. By providing valuable insights into potential threats and vulnerabilities, cyber threat intelligence empowers organizations to enhance their situational awareness and take proactive measures to protect their systems and data.

Understanding Cyber Threat Intelligence

Cyber threat intelligence refers to the collection, analysis, and distribution of information about potential cyber threats and the actors behind them. It involves gathering data from various sources, such as open-source intelligence, dark web monitoring, and security incident reports. This raw data is then processed and analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and potential indicators of compromise. The goal is to transform this information into actionable intelligence that can be used to detect, prevent, and mitigate cyber attacks.

Cyber threat intelligence provides organizations with valuable insights into the tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by attackers. It helps identify vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors that may be exploited. Furthermore, it allows organizations to understand the motivations and intentions of threat actors, whether they are nation-states, criminal organizations, or hacktivists. This understanding is crucial in developing effective countermeasures and implementing proactive defense strategies.

Enhancing Situational Awareness with Cyber Threat Intelligence

Situational awareness refers to the ability to perceive, understand, and anticipate threats and risks in a given environment. In the realm of cybersecurity, situational awareness means having a real-time understanding of potential threats, vulnerabilities, and ongoing attacks. This is where cyber threat intelligence plays a vital role. By continuously monitoring and analyzing the threat landscape, organizations can stay one step ahead of attackers.

Cyber threat intelligence enhances situational awareness by providing organizations with timely and relevant information about emerging threats and vulnerabilities. This allows them to prioritize their security efforts and allocate resources effectively. For example, if a new type of malware is detected, organizations can quickly update their antivirus software and implement additional security controls to mitigate the risk. Similarly, if a known threat actor is targeting a specific industry, organizations in that sector can proactively strengthen their defenses.

In conclusion, cyber threat intelligence is crucial for empowering situational awareness in today’s digital landscape. By understanding the threats they face and having real-time insights into potential vulnerabilities, organizations can take proactive measures to strengthen their defenses and protect their valuable assets. Cyber threat intelligence goes beyond traditional security measures and provides a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling organizations to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape. As cyber attacks continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, investing in cyber threat intelligence is vital for any organization serious about safeguarding their digital infrastructure.

VeriTech Services

True Tech Advisors – Simple solutions to complex problems. Helping businesses identify and use new and emerging technologies.

Liana Blatnik

Director of Operations

Liana is a process-driven operations leader with nine years of experience in project management, technology program management, and business operations. She specializes in developing, scaling, and codifying workflows that drive efficiency, improve collaboration, and support long-term growth. Her expertise spans edtech, digital marketing solutions, and technology-driven initiatives, where she has played a key role in optimizing organizational processes and ensuring seamless execution.

With a keen eye for scalability and documentation, Liana has led initiatives that transform complex workflows into structured, repeatable, and efficient systems. She is passionate about creating well-documented frameworks that empower teams to work smarter, not harder—ensuring that operations run smoothly, even in fast-evolving environments.

Liana holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with concentrations in Technology Management and Project Management from the University of Denver, as well as a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy. Her strategic mindset and ability to bridge technology, operations, and leadership make her a driving force in operational excellence at VeriTech Consulting.

Keri Fischer

CEO & Founder

Founder & CEO | Cybersecurity & Data Analytics Expert | SIGINT & OSINT Specialist

Keri Fischer is a highly accomplished cybersecurity, data science, and intelligence expert with over 20 years of experience in Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), and cyberspace operations. A proven leader and strategist, Keri has played a pivotal role in advancing big data analytics, cyber defense, and intelligence integration within the U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) and beyond.

As the Founder & CEO of VeriTech Consulting, Keri leverages extensive expertise in cloud computing, data analytics, DevOps, and secure cyber solutions to provide mission-critical guidance to government and defense organizations. She is also the Co-Founder of Code of Entry, a company dedicated to innovation in cybersecurity and intelligence.

Key Expertise & Accomplishments:

Cyber & Intelligence Leadership – Served as a Senior Technician at ARCYBER’s Technical Warfare Center, providing SME support on big data, OSINT, and SIGINT policies and TTPs, shaping future Army cyber operations.
Big Data & Advanced Analytics – Spearheaded ARCYBER’s Big Data Platform, enhancing cyber operations and intelligence fusion through cutting-edge data analytics.
Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation – Excelled in identifying, assessing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities, ensuring mission-critical systems remain secure, scalable, and resilient.
Strategic Operations & Decision Support – Provided key intelligence support to Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (JFHQ-C), Army Cyber Operations and Integration Center, and Theater Cyber Centers.
Education & Innovation – The first-ever 170A to graduate from George Mason University’s Data Analytics Engineering Master’s program, setting a new standard for data-driven military cyber operations.

Career Highlights:

🔹 Senior Data Scientist – Led groundbreaking all domain efforts in analytics, machine learning, and data-driven operational solutions.
🔹 Senior Technician, U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) – Recognized as the #1 warrant officer in the command, driving big data analytics and cyber intelligence strategies.
🔹 Division Chief, G2 Single Source Element, ARCYBER – Directed 20+ analysts in SIGINT, OSINT, and cyber intelligence, influencing Army cyber policies and operational training.
🔹 Senior Intelligence Analyst, ARCYBER – Built the Army’s first OSINT training program, improving intelligence support for cyberspace operations.

Recognition & Leadership:

🛡️ Lauded as “the foremost expert in data analytics in the Army” by senior leadership.
📌 Key advisor to the ARCYBER Commanding General on all data science matters.
🚀 Led the development of ARCYBER’s first-ever OSINT program and cyber intelligence initiatives.

Keri Fischer is a visionary in cybersecurity, intelligence, and data science, continuously pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in defense and national security. Through her leadership at VeriTech Consulting, she remains dedicated to helping organizations navigate the complexities of emerging technologies and drive mission success in an evolving cyber landscape.

Education:

National Intelligence University Graphic

National Intelligence University

Master of Science – MS Strategic Intelligence

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George Mason University Graphic

George Mason University

Master of Science – MS Data Analytics

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