From Tradecraft to Threat Intelligence: Applying Intelligence Community Principles to AI-Driven Cyber Defense

Drawing from two decades of service in the CIA and current leadership at Blackwire Labs, this talk explores how principles of intelligence tradecraft—such as source validation, adversary modeling, and high-confidence situational awareness—can be adapted to modern AI-driven threat intelligence platforms. By blending human judgment with automation and high-fidelity data sources (e.g., VulnCheck integrations), we’ll demonstrate how practitioners can cut through noise, prioritize risk, and take action faster and with more precision.

Key Themes:

• Personal reflection on working alongside Andrew Boyd and lessons from the CIA era that still hold relevance today.
• Translating HUMINT-style vetting to vulnerability and exploit intelligence.
• Integrating AI and trusted data sources to operationalize threat intelligence.
• Real-world use cases from the Blackwire.ai platform and VulnCheck partnership.
• Bridging practitioner needs with scalable, credible, and timely insight.

Why This Works:

• Resonates with both technical and leadership attendees by blending mission-first perspective with AI modernization.
• Creates continuity and synergy with Andrew Boyd’s keynote (and Easterly's public-sector lens).
• Leverages your unique experience to humanize and differentiate Blackwire’s approach in a crowded market.