With over seven years of experience, Zachary Zbranak is a distinguished Threat Intelligence Analyst and private Threat Intelligence Contractor recognized for his expertise in countering advanced persistent threats (APTs), particularly those from North Korea. A SANS-certified professional, he has dedicated his career to analyzing network-based attacks and developing trend reports that inform and safeguard organizations against evolving cyber threats. His role involves curating intelligence from proprietary and open-source (OSINT) sources, crafting and refining network detection rules, and delivering high-value intelligence reports to security operations center (SOC) analysts, senior management teams, and government cybersecurity agencies As a leader in the industry, he leverages his extensive knowledge to combat cyber adversaries, ensuring businesses and government entities remain well-protected in an increasingly digital world.
Building a Legacy in Cybersecurity
After gaining valuable experience with several high-profile organizations, Zachary took a bold step in 2024 by founding Laser Tiger Security LLC, a company dedicated to cybersecurity excellence Alongside running his firm, he is actively writing a book on North Korean cyberattacks, aiming to shed light on the intricate tactics used by state-sponsored cybercriminals His work in cybersecurity extends beyond technical assessments; he provides thought leadership through detailed research and advisory reports that inform global security strategies His ability to translate complex cybersecurity threats into actionable intelligence has made him respected among analysts and executives
Technical Expertise in Cyber Threat Analysis
A well-versed programmer, Zbranak possesses proficiency in multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, C++, C#, R, and Microsoft Visual Basic. His expertise extends to using powerful incident-response tools such as Splunk, YARA, Snort, i2 Analyst Notebook, and Wireshark, which he utilizes to investigate and mitigate cyber threats In addition, he has hands-on experience with intelligence platforms like ThreatConnect, FireEye, Flashpoint, Recorded Future, and Intel471 This diverse technical skill set enables him to analyze cyber threats from multiple angles, providing a comprehensive approach to network security His
mastery of data analytics and cybersecurity software ensures he remains at the forefront of digital defense strategies.
Professional Career and Leadership
Before launching his own company, Zachary Zbranak spent several years at Recorded Future as a Team Lead and Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, managing a globally distributed team of eight intelligence professionals Under his leadership, the team delivered high-impact intelligence reports to more than 65 clients across multiple industries and global regions These reports, valued at approximately $12 million, ranged from daily briefings to in-depth executive summaries and long-term trend analyses His ability to lead a team while maintaining exceptional quality standards earned him recognition as an integral part of Recorded Future's success.
Zachary's responsibilities included scoping, researching, and developing customized intelligence reports tailored to various stakeholders, from highly technical security engineers to C-suite executives. He ensured all intelligence products met the highest standards by reviewing and refining reports produced by junior and senior analysts before client delivery. Beyond research and reporting, he worked closely with internal teams to streamline intelligence operations through automation and documentation, significantly improving workflow efficiency. His commitment to mentoring junior analysts in intelligence collection, aggregation, and finished intelligence production highlights his dedication to fostering talent within the cybersecurity community.
Raising Awareness on Cybersecurity Threats
As a leading voice in cybersecurity, Zbranak participated in the webinar series The Top Threats Targeting Your Brand: Combat Credential Exposure with Intelligence In this program, he and his colleagues discussed domain abuse, brand-targeting threats, and the impact of cyberattacks on trust and reputation Through these discussions, he provided critical insights into early threat detection and response strategies, emphasizing proactive measures to mitigate potential damage His contributions to industry knowledge-sharing efforts have helped organizations develop stronger cybersecurity postures worldwide
Early Career at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Zachary Zbranak's journey into cybersecurity began at JP Morgan Chase & Co. (JPMC), where he worked as a Vulnerability Management Intern during the summer of 2016 In this role, he collaborated with multiple business units to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities within the company's network. Following his graduation in 2017, he continued at JPMC as a Threat Intelligence Analyst, where he played a crucial role in processing internal and external intelligence to assess threats and mitigate risks.
During his three-year tenure at JPMC, Zachary performed in-depth threat hunts and developed automation solutions for threat intelligence platforms. He conducted investigations on behalf of FS-ISAC member firms to provide actionable intelligence to the financial services industry He also implemented MITRE’s ATT&CK framework to enhance real-time visibility for cybersecurity teams and established standardized operating procedures to ensure consistent data ingestion and reporting across global intelligence operations His contributions significantly bolstered the company's ability to identify and respond to cyber threats preemptively.
Academic Achievements and Foundations in Cybersecurity
Born in 1995 and raised in Northern Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania, Zbranak developed a strong foundation in cybersecurity through his academic pursuits He attended Salesianum High School, excelled in academics and athletics, and later pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina He graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems and a minor in Business Information Management, achieving a 3 4 GPA His education gave him a solid understanding of computer systems, data security, and business intelligence, which he continues to apply in his professional endeavors
Passions Beyond Cybersecurity: Ice Hockey, History, and Photography
Outside of his cybersecurity career, Zachary Zbranak is an avid ice hockey enthusiast. During high school, he captained the Salesianum hockey team and earned the prestigious Hobby Baker Award, a national-level accolade recognizing exceptional players in each state His love for the sport extended beyond playing, as he dedicated three years to coaching both the varsity
and junior varsity teams Under his leadership, the team achieved an undefeated season, winning the league championship and the Flyers Cup. To this day, he remains active in the sport and supports young athletes
Zachary's interests also include American history, photography, and outdoor activities. He finds inspiration in studying historical events and enjoys capturing moments through photography His appreciation for nature leads him to explore the outdoors, balancing his professional life with his passions
Commitment to Giving Back and Community Support
Zbranak's dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond cybersecurity and sports. He consistently gives back to the community by donating to the Salesianum High School hockey team, ensuring future generations of players have access to resources and opportunities Additionally, he spent four years teaching Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Hockessin, Delaware, demonstrating his commitment to faith-based education.
For the past two years, he has contributed to the Human Trafficking Awareness (HTA) Range Day, an initiative to raise awareness and funds for organizations combating human trafficking. His philanthropic efforts reflect his belief in using his success and influence to support meaningful causes that create a lasting impact
As an accomplished cybersecurity expert, mentor, and philanthropist, Zachary Zbranak continues to drive innovation and leadership in the industry. His extensive experience, technical expertise, and commitment to knowledge-sharing make him a valuable asset in the fight against cyber threats Through his work in cybersecurity, sports, education, and philanthropy, he remains dedicated to making a difference in his life's professional and personal spheres.
