Meet the Rising Stars of Threat Intelligence

In a world where cyber threats loom larger every day, the dedicated teams at Unit 42 are at the forefront, working tirelessly to uncover, analyze, and contextualize advanced cyber threats. This crucial mission not only fortifies Palo Alto Networks products but also uplifts the entire security community.

Inside the Internship: Meet Gabrielle and Sakthi

I had the chance to chat with two brilliant interns from Unit 42: Gabrielle Calderon, a Malware Reverse Engineering Intern, and Sakthi Vinayak, a Threat Research Intern. With 12 weeks of hands-on experience under their belts, they’re immersing themselves in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity.

From Inspiration to Action: What Drew Them Here

Sakthi, hailing from India, was inspired to pursue cybersecurity after witnessing friends and family fall victim to phishing scams during the pandemic. The thrill of threat intelligence, akin to the intrigue of true crime documentaries, captured his interest as he sought real-world applications to understand the motives and methods of cybercriminals.

Gabrielle's journey is rooted in her computer engineering background, where she has honed her focus on cybersecurity. With experience as an IT worker and a SOC analyst, she eagerly pursued opportunities to deepen her knowledge—especially in malware reverse engineering—leading her to apply for her current role.

Diving Deep: Their Roles and Discoveries

In his internship, Sakthi has been pivotal in automating data processes to maximize research capabilities. He’s tackled significant projects such as refining data ingestion workflows and crafting a dashboard that identifies cybersecurity trends.

Gabrielle’s dual focal points include analyzing malware incidents to assess required responses, and developing innovative tools to streamline the identification of malware families. This hands-on approach has allowed her to engage directly with pressing cybersecurity challenges tied to ongoing global events.

Growing Together: The Unit 42 Experience

Both interns have praised the nurturing environment at Unit 42. Sakthi has benefited from an encouraging culture that promotes knowledge sharing across teams, enhancing not only his understanding of threat intelligence but also introducing him to cutting-edge technologies.

Gabrielle appreciates the enthusiasm every team member carries—that spirit of collaboration and independence fosters an innovative atmosphere, allowing her to pursue new ideas and broaden her skill set.

The Takeaway: Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity

As they wrap up their internships, Gabrielle and Sakthi represent the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, equipped with hands-on experience and insights that will shape the ongoing battle against cyber threats. Their passion and commitment are a testament to why understanding threat intelligence is crucial in today’s digital landscape.