Breaking the Intelligence-Defense Divide with Scott Scher

In this episode of Data Security Decoded, join Caleb Tolin as he sits down with Scott Scher, a cyber threat intelligence (CTI) expert with an unconventional backstory, to explore how his four years living off the grid shaped his belief that protecting technology isn’t just technical work, it’s about resilience, strategy, and thinking differently. From redefining CTI as “counter-threat intelligence” to breaking down the walls between intelligence teams, defenders, and policy leaders, Scott explains how to turn raw intel into actionable security decisions that strengthen organizations where it matters most. • Learn why threat intelligence should be seen as cover, helping defenders justify and prioritize their actions • Hear how Scott’s off-grid lifestyle influenced his approach to resilience and technology reliance • Understand why “intel vs. defense” is the wrong mindset and what real collaboration looks like • Get practical ways to transform raw threat data into clear, actionable defense strategies