Zachary Zbranak is a highly skilled Threat Intelligence Analyst and private Threat Intelligence Contractor with over seven years of experience in cybersecurity. As a SANS-certified Threat Intelligence Analyst, he has dedicated his career to countering North Korean advanced persistent threats (APTs), network attacks, and cyber threat trend analysis. His expertise extends across intelligence collection, network detection rule development, and actionable intelligence reporting. Through his professional journey, he has significantly contributed to security operations center (SOC) analysts, senior managers, and government cybersecurity organizations, providing critical insights into cyber threats and attack methodologies. In 2024, he took his career to the next level by founding Laser Tiger Security LLC, a firm focused on advanced cybersecurity solutions. He is also working on a book exploring North Korean cyberattacks, demonstrating his dedication to educating professionals and the public about emerging cyber threats.
Technical Expertise in Cybersecurity
With a robust technical background, Zachary has proficiency in multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, C++, C#, R, and Microsoft Visual Basic. His expertise extends to cybersecurity and intelligence tools like Splunk, YARA, Snort, i2 Analyst Notebook, and Wireshark. He is also well-versed in industry-leading threat intelligence platforms, including ThreatConnect, FireEye, Flashpoint, Recorded Future, and Intel471. His ability to leverage these technologies allows him to conduct in-depth network analysis, automate security processes, and develop intelligence-driven security strategies. His technical acumen and analytical skills position him as a thought leader in cybersecurity threat intelligence.
Advancing Threat Intelligence: A Dynamic Career Path
Before launching his cybersecurity firm, Zbranak played a pivotal role at Recorded Future, where he worked as a Team Lead and Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst. He led a globally distributed team of eight analysts and spearheaded intelligence operations for more than 65 clients, delivering tailored reports, trend analyses, and daily briefings. His work directly influenced security postures across various industries, with his intelligence products valued at approximately $12 million. His ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic intelligence enabled him to craft reports for cybersecurity professionals and executive leadership. Additionally, he oversaw the production and review of intelligence assessments, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, actionable insights to clients.
Zachary's contributions at Recorded Future extended beyond intelligence production. He collaborated with internal stakeholders to develop automation strategies that enhanced efficiency across cybersecurity workflows. His leadership in process optimization and mentorship helped junior analysts refine their intelligence collection, aggregation, and reporting skills. His impact was recognized when he received the esteemed Employee of the Quarter award, further solidifying his reputation as a high-performing cybersecurity professional.
Addressing Emerging Threats in Cybersecurity
Zachary Zbranak's expertise was showcased during his participation in the webinar series “The Top Threats Targeting Your Brand: Combat Credential Exposure with Intelligence.” In this event, he and his colleagues provided an in-depth analysis of domain abuse, cyber threat actors’ strategies, and their impact on brand security. He emphasized the importance of early detection and response strategies to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting brand trust. His ability to communicate complex cybersecurity threats to diverse audiences demonstrates his commitment to thought leadership and practical cybersecurity solutions.
Early Cybersecurity Career at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Zbranak's journey in cybersecurity began during his university years when he interned as a Vulnerability Management professional at JP Morgan Chase (JPMC) in 2016. Working closely with security teams, he identified and remediated vulnerabilities within JPMC’s network infrastructure. This early exposure to threat intelligence and network security laid the foundation for his career in cyber defense.
After graduating in 2017, Zachary joined JP Morgan Chase as a full-time Threat Intelligence Analyst. Over three years, he played an instrumental role in processing internal and external threat intelligence, conducting proactive threat hunts, and developing automated solutions for sorting and enriching raw intelligence data. His work contributed to the financial industry's cybersecurity posture, as he collaborated with FS-ISAC member firms to disseminate critical intelligence. He also integrated the MITRE ATT&CK framework into threat intelligence operations, providing real-time cybersecurity insights that enhanced threat-hunting capabilities. His ability to establish standard operating procedures ensured consistency in intelligence gathering and reporting across global security teams.
Academic Achievements and Passion for Cybersecurity
Born in 1995 and raised in the Northern Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania region, Zachary Zbranak demonstrated a strong aptitude for technology early on. He attended Salesianum High School before pursuing higher education at the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Business Information Management. He graduated with a 3.4 GPA, showcasing his academic dedication and analytical mindset. His educational background gave him a solid foundation in data analytics, cybersecurity frameworks, and business intelligence, shaping his approach to threat intelligence and cybersecurity leadership.
Passions Beyond Cybersecurity: Ice Hockey, History, and Photography
Zachary has a deep passion for ice hockey outside of his professional career. As a student at Salesianum High School, he served as the team captain. He was honored with the prestigious Hobby Baker Award, a nationally recognized accolade awarded to top-performing players in each state. His leadership on the ice extended beyond his playing years, as he went on to coach both varsity and junior varsity ice hockey teams at Salesianum. Under his guidance, the team achieved an undefeated season, securing the league championship and the Flyers Cup. His involvement in ice hockey reflects his leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to mentor others—traits defining his professional career.
Beyond sports, Zbranak has a strong interest in American history, photography, and outdoor activities. His passion for history fuels his understanding of geopolitical cyber threats, while his appreciation for photography and nature provides a balanced escape from the demanding world of cybersecurity. Whether analyzing historical cybersecurity incidents or capturing breathtaking outdoor landscapes, he continuously seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and creativity.
Commitment to Community and Philanthropy
Giving back to the community is a core value Zachary upholds. He remains deeply connected to his high school, donating annually to the Salesianum High School hockey team to support young athletes. His philanthropic efforts also extend to education, as he dedicated four years to teaching Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Hockessin, Delaware. His commitment to making a difference is further exemplified through his support of the Human Trafficking Awareness (HTA) Range Day, an initiative aimed at educating the community about human trafficking while raising funds for organizations that combat this issue. His active engagement in charitable causes reflects his commitment to cybersecurity and broader societal issues.
A Legacy of Excellence in Cybersecurity and Intelligence
As he continues his journey in cybersecurity, he remains committed to driving innovation in threat intelligence, cybersecurity automation, and advanced threat detection. His expertise in North Korean cyber threats, ability to translate intelligence into action, and leadership in the cybersecurity industry set him apart as a key figure. He is shaping the future of cyber threat analysis and intelligence-driven security through Laser Tiger Security LLC and his upcoming book on North Korean cyberattacks. With a career marked by excellence, strategic thinking, and a passion for protecting digital landscapes, Zachary Zbranak continues to make a lasting impact in cybersecurity.
Portfolio Website: https://zacharyzbranak.com
