Page 133 - Cyber Defense eMagazine September 2025

Inside the Mind of a Threat Actor: What CISOs Must Learn

Before the Next Breach

Using Attacker Psychology to Strengthen Enterprise Defenses

By Ahmed Awad (aka nullc0d3), Senior Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst, Author & Educator

Cybersecurity isn’t a game of defense—it’s a game of anticipation. Yet too many CISOs and security
leaders still think in terms of controls, compliance, and detection thresholds. Meanwhile, the adversaries
think like hunters. They exploit mindset gaps as much as technical ones. To close the breach gap, CISOs
must begin thinking like attackers.

Over my 20+ years as a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst and Red Team strategist, I’ve learned one
truth that governs this field: underestimating attacker psychology is the biggest blind spot in most
enterprise security programs.

Threat Actors Aren’t Just Technicians—They’re Strategists

Whether you're facing an APT backed by a nation-state or a skilled ransomware affiliate group, their
success rarely hinges on zero-days. It hinges on knowing how defenders think—and then staying one
step ahead.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – September 2025 Edition 133
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