Episode 50 — Build timelines that expose adversary cadence
Constructing a detailed master timeline of an intrusion is one of the most powerful ways to expose an adversary’s "operational cadence" and identify patterns in their technical behavior. This episode focuses on the "normalization" of timestamps across multiple data sources to create a unified chronological record of every command, connection, and file modification performed by the attacker. We explain how analyzing the "time between actions" can reveal whether an adversary is a human operator moving manually or an automated script executing a pre-programmed sequence. For the GCTI exam, you should be proficient in identifying "operational tempo," such as an attacker’s preferred working hours, which can provide significant clues for geographic attribution and future event prediction. Real-world scenarios include identifying "gaps" in the timeline that suggest an adversary has achieved stealth or is waiting for a specific external trigger. By building accurate timelines, you turn a chaotic series of alerts into a clear, evidentiary story that exposes the adversary’s habits and helps defenders anticipate their next move. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.
