Episode 4: How Analysts Think During an Investigation

How do threat intelligence analysts actually think during an investigation? In Episode 4 of The Vertex Project's 10-Year Anniversary limited series, Kali Fencl sits down with Vertex analysts Ryann Hallback (reign), Jennifer Kolde (thesilence), and Mary Beth Lee (savage) to discuss the investigative mindset behind intelligence work. The conversation explores where investigations begin, how analysts evaluate evidence, separate signal from noise, build confidence in their findings, and avoid common mistakes that can derail an investigation. Along the way, the team shares lessons learned from years of intelligence analysis, thoughts on malware attribution, and why skepticism may be one of an analyst's most valuable skills. Whether you're a threat intelligence practitioner, security analyst, researcher, or simply curious about how investigations unfold, this episode offers an inside look at the critical thinking that powers effective intelligence work. Topics Covered: Where investigations start The importance of context in threat intelligence Determining whether a lead is worth pursuing Separating signal from noise Building confidence through evidence Malware's role in investigations Common mistakes analysts make Alternative hypotheses and analytical skepticism Why humor matters in intelligence work Learn more about The Vertex Project: https://vertex.link/10-year-anniversary #ThreatIntelligence #CyberThreatIntelligence #CyberSecurity #OSINT #ThreatHunting #IntelligenceAnalysis #ThreatResearch #Investigations #InformationSecurity #TheVertexProject #SynapsePlatform #KnowledgeGraph #CyberDefense #AnalystLife #CTI