Could you be a cyber threat intelligence analyst? Here’s what to know

Could you be a cyber threat intelligence analyst? Here’s what to know

With cybercrime rising at unprecedented rates, demand for professionals with the right skills to counter these threats is high. Recent government data shows that 43 per cent of businesses experienced a cyber breach in the past year, while high-profile attacks on the likes of Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover and the Post Office have been notable for the widespread disruption caused to essential everyday activities.

Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) analysts provide essential protection against these risks for many employers. Organisations need CTI expertise to monitor cyber risks, profile criminals and deliver insights that guide defensive actions and stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated attacks. 

For technically minded individuals who enjoy detective work and safeguarding systems, this role offers purpose, challenge and growing opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

What is a cyber threat intelligence analyst?

A cyber threat intelligence analyst is responsible for identifying, analysing and reporting on cyber risks that could impact an organisation. Working within a wider cyber security or security operations team, their focus is on understanding who attackers are, what tactics they use and how to defend against them. 

Unlike general cyber security analysts, whose role is typically to respond to incidents or monitor systems for breaches, CTI analysts work proactively. This means gathering intelligence from open and closed sources to predict and prevent attacks before they happen.

Their main purpose is to turn complex data into actionable intelligence that helps decision-makers strengthen defences, prioritise risks and anticipate emerging threats. This proactive insight is essential for keeping organisations secure in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.

Who hires cyber threat intelligence analysts?

Organisations across almost every sector benefit from employing CTI analysts in today’s challenging threat landscape. While demand exists in both the public and private sectors, these roles are particularly critical in environments handling highly sensitive or confidential data. 

Key employers include government departments, intelligence agencies, defence contractors and law enforcement bodies. CTI analysts are also widely recruited by cyber security consultancies, financial institutions, telecoms providers and firms operating national infrastructure such as energy or transport. 

Any organisation facing complex digital risks or nation-state-level threats increasingly depends on CTI expertise to stay ahead of evolving attacks and maintain operational resilience.

Key responsibilities of the role

CTI analysts are responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on cyber threats that could impact their organisation or sector, with their input vital in shaping effective, pre-emptive cyber defence strategies.

Their work is intelligence-led and proactive, focusing on understanding threat actors, anticipating tactics and guiding security decisions. They play a central role in helping organisations stay ahead of cyber attacks, often collaborating closely with security operations, risk teams and incident response.

Common responsibilities of this job include:

• Monitoring threat intelligence feeds and identifying relevant risks.
• Profiling threat actors, malware, tools and techniques.
• Assessing the likelihood and impact of emerging threats.
• Producing tactical, operational and strategic intelligence reports.
• Supporting threat modelling and risk assessments.
• Informing detection rules and security controls.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external agencies.
• Contributing to incident investigations with contextual threat insights.
• Ensuring intelligence handling complies with ethical and legal standards.
  

Skills and qualifications needed

CTI analysts require a unique mix of technical capability, investigative thinking and communication skills. Success in this role depends not only on understanding cyber threats, but also on interpreting complex data, making sound judgements under pressure and delivering clear, actionable intelligence. Essential skills include:

• Strong analytical and research skills, with an ability to assess incomplete or conflicting information.
• Knowledge of cyber threat actors, attack methods and frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK or the cyber kill chain.
• Familiarity with tools like MISP, ThreatConnect, Splunk or other threat intelligence platforms.
• Ability to interpret indicators of compromise (IOCs), malware behaviour and network telemetry.
• Report writing and verbal communication, particularly for non-technical audiences.
• An understanding of risk and its relevance to business operations.
• Collaboration across technical, operational and strategic teams.
  

Common backgrounds include cyber security, computer science or digital forensics, with undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in these subjects highly desired by employers. Some professionals also come from criminology or law enforcement disciplines.

As well as academic achievements, there are a range of industry-led certifications that will be beneficial for cyber threat intelligence analysts to have on their CV. In-demand qualifications include CompTIA CySA+, GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) and CREST Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst. Security clearance may also be required for roles in government, defence or national infrastructure.

Salary and career progression

CTI analysts are highly valued for their expertise in identifying and interpreting threats in an increasingly hostile digital environment. As a result, salaries for these roles tend to be competitive, particularly in sectors where cyber risk is high or where roles require security clearance. While pay varies depending on experience, employer and location, CTI professionals at all levels are generally well compensated, with clear pathways for progression into more senior or specialist positions.

Typical UK salary ranges are:

• Junior/entry-level: around £42,588 per year
• Mid-level/experienced: average base salary of £47,355
• Senior/specialist roles: median of £72,000, with higher-end roles exceeding £90,000

As analysts gain experience, they can move into roles such as senior or lead CTI analyst, cyber threat intelligence manager, or transition into broader cyber strategy, national security or digital risk leadership roles.

How to get started

There are several entry points into a CTI career. Some professionals join via graduate schemes or cyber apprenticeships, while others move from related roles in IT, intelligence or incident response. Employers value hands-on experience, but strong research skills and a clear understanding of cyber threats can also open doors.

You can find job vacancies on specialist sites such as CyberSecurityJobsite.com, or SecurityClearedJobs.com for roles that require security vetting. To stand out, tailor your CV to highlight analytical thinking, technical knowledge and any relevant tools or certifications.