Zachary Zbranak@zacharyzbranak
Zachary Zbranak is a highly skilled Threat Intelligence Analyst and private Threat Intelligence Contractor with over seven years of expertise in cybersecurity. As a SANS-certified professional, he specializes in detecting and analyzing North Korean advanced persistent threats (APTs), network intrusions, and cyber threat trends. His role demands high precision in intelligence collection, utilizing proprietary and open-source (OSINT) methods to build a reliable network of intelligence sources. His work is instrumental in writing and refining network detection rules, ensuring security operations center (SOC) analysts, senior managers, and government cybersecurity agencies receive actionable intelligence that strengthens their defensive strategies. His ability to assess and anticipate sophisticated cyber adversaries' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) has made him a sought-after expert in the field, particularly in combatting nation-state threats.
Zachary's technical expertise spans multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, C++, C#, R, and Microsoft Visual Basic. These skills enable him to develop and implement advanced cybersecurity solutions, ensuring organizations remain ahead of emerging threats. He is also highly proficient in using critical incident-response software, including Splunk, YARA, Snort, i2 Analyst Notebook, and Wireshark. Additionally, his deep understanding of intelligence platforms such as ThreatConnect, FireEye, Flashpoint, Recorded Future, and Intel471 allows him to conduct thorough threat analyses. His technical acumen and analytical mindset enable him to generate intelligence reports that provide critical insights to cybersecurity teams, empowering them to make informed decisions in real time.
In 2024, after gaining extensive experience across different organizations, Zbranak founded Laser Tiger Security LLC, a cybersecurity firm dedicated to threat intelligence research, advisory services, and cyber risk mitigation. His leadership within the company focuses on providing strategic intelligence solutions tailored to organizations facing advanced cyber threats. Alongside running his firm, he is currently writing a book on North Korean cyberattacks, where he shares his insights on the tactics of nation-state-sponsored threat actors. His expertise in this domain has positioned him as a leading voice in cybersecurity, particularly regarding the geopolitical implications of cyber warfare. His research continues to uncover critical vulnerabilities and tactics malicious actors use, helping organizations fortify their defenses.
Before establishing his own company, Zachary Zbranak held a leadership role as a Team Lead and Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst at a prominent cybersecurity firm. In this capacity, he managed a globally dispersed team of eight intelligence analysts, ensuring that intelligence reports were delivered precisely and efficiently. His team provided security insights to over 65 clients, ranging from highly technical security professionals to C-suite executives across various industries and global regions. The intelligence products he spearheaded amounted to a total value of approximately $12 million, demonstrating the impact of his work on organizations worldwide. His responsibilities extended beyond intelligence gathering—he played a crucial role in developing automation processes, refining intelligence workflows, and mentoring junior analysts. His ability to translate complex cybersecurity trends into actionable intelligence allowed businesses to address security risks proactively.