- Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies.
- Knowledge of risk management processes (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk).
- Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and ethics as they relate to cybersecurity and privacy.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles.
- Knowledge of cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
- Knowledge of specific operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses.
- Knowledge of human-computer interaction principles.
- Knowledge of network traffic analysis methods.
- Knowledge of concepts, terminology, and operations of a wide range of communications media (computer and telephone networks, satellite, fiber, wireless).
- Knowledge of physical computer components and architectures, including the functions of various components and peripherals (e.g., CPUs, Network Interface Cards, data storage).
- Knowledge of cyber attack stages (e.g., reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, gaining access, escalation of privileges, maintaining access, network exploitation, covering tracks).
- Knowledge of OSI model and underlying network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP).
- Knowledge of website types, administration, functions, and content management system (CMS).
- Knowledge of attack methods and techniques (DDoS, brute force, spoofing, etc.).
- Knowledge of classification and control markings standards, policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of common computer/network infections (virus, Trojan, etc.) and methods of infection (ports, attachments, etc.).
- Knowledge of computer networking fundamentals (i.e., basic computer components of a network, types of networks, etc.).
- Knowledge of current computer-based intrusion sets.
- Knowledge of cyber intelligence/information collection capabilities and repositories.
- Knowledge of cyber laws and their effect on Cyber planning.
- Knowledge of encryption algorithms and cyber capabilities/tools (e.g., SSL, PGP).
- Knowledge of evolving/emerging communications technologies.
- Knowledge of fundamental cyber operations concepts, terminology/lexicon (i.e., environment preparation, cyber-attack, cyber defense), principles, capabilities, limitations, and effects.
- Knowledge of general Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system components.
- Knowledge of host-based security products and how those products affect exploitation and reduce vulnerability.
- Knowledge of how Internet applications work (SMTP email, web-based email, chat clients, VOIP).
- Knowledge of how modern digital and telephony networks impact cyber operations.
- Knowledge of how modern wireless communications systems impact cyber operations.
- Knowledge of how to extract, analyze, and use metadata.
- Knowledge of intelligence confidence levels.
- Knowledge of intelligence disciplines.
- Knowledge of intelligence preparation of the environment and similar processes.
- Knowledge of intelligence support to planning, execution, and assessment.
- Knowledge of internal and external partner cyber operations capabilities and tools.
- Knowledge of internal tactics to anticipate and/or emulate threat capabilities and actions.
- Knowledge of Internet network addressing (IP addresses, classless inter-domain routing, TCP/UDP port numbering).
- Knowledge of malware.
- Knowledge of organization or partner exploitation of digital networks.
- Knowledge of organizational hierarchy and cyber decision-making processes.
- Knowledge of physical and logical network devices and infrastructure to include hubs, switches, routers, firewalls, etc.
- Knowledge of specific target identifiers, and their usage.
- Knowledge of target development (i.e., concepts, roles, responsibilities, products, etc.).
- Knowledge of target vetting and validation procedures.
- Knowledge of targeting cycles.
- Knowledge of telecommunications fundamentals.
- Knowledge of the basic structure, architecture, and design of modern communication networks.
- Knowledge of the basics of network security (e.g., encryption, firewalls, authentication, honey pots, perimeter protection).
- Knowledge of the common networking and routing protocols (e.g. TCP/IP), services (e.g., web, mail, DNS), and how they interact to provide network communications.
- Knowledge of the intelligence frameworks, processes, and related systems.
- Knowledge of the structure and intent of organization specific plans, guidance and authorizations.
- Knowledge of the ways in which targets or threats use the Internet.
- Knowledge of threat and/or target systems.
- Knowledge of virtualization products (VMware, Virtual PC).
- Knowledge of what constitutes a threat? to a network.
- Knowledge of wireless technologies (e.g., cellular, satellite, GSM) to include the basic structure, architecture, and design of modern wireless communications systems.
All-Source Analyst
Analyzes data/information from one or multiple sources to conduct preparation of the environment, respond to requests for information, and submit intelligence collection and production requirements in support of planning and operations.
- Skill in assessing and/or estimating effects generated during and after cyber operations.
- Skill in conducting non-attributable research.
- Skill in defining and characterizing all pertinent aspects of the operational environment.
- Skill in developing or recommending analytic approaches or solutions to problems and situations for which information is incomplete or for which no precedent exists.
- Skill in evaluating information for reliability, validity, and relevance.
- Skill in identifying alternative analytical interpretations to minimize unanticipated outcomes.
- Skill in identifying cyber threats which may jeopardize organization and/or partner interests.
- Skill in preparing and presenting briefings.
- Skill in providing analysis to aid writing phased after action reports.
- Skill in providing understanding of target or threat systems through the identification and link analysis of physical, functional, or behavioral relationships.
- Skill in tailoring analysis to the necessary levels (e.g., classification and organizational).
- Skill in using Boolean operators to construct simple and complex queries.
- Skill in using multiple analytic tools, databases, and techniques (e.g., Analyst's Notebook, A-Space, Anchory, M3, divergent/convergent thinking, link charts, matrices, etc.).
- Skill in using multiple search engines (e.g., Google, Yahoo, LexisNexis, DataStar) and tools in conducting open-source searches.
- Skill in utilizing feedback to improve processes, products, and services.
- Skill in utilizing virtual collaborative workspaces and/or tools (e.g., IWS, VTCs, chat rooms, SharePoint).
- Skill in writing, reviewing and editing cyber-related Intelligence/assessment products from multiple sources.
- Skill to analyze and assess internal and external partner cyber operations capabilities and tools.
- Ability to communicate complex information, concepts, or ideas in a confident and well-organized manner through verbal, written, and/or visual means.
- Ability to accurately and completely source all data used in intelligence, assessment and/or planning products.
- Ability to develop or recommend analytic approaches or solutions to problems and situations for which information is incomplete or for which no precedent exists.
- Ability to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize large quantities of data (which may be fragmented and contradictory) into high quality, fused targeting/intelligence products.
- Ability to clearly articulate intelligence requirements into well-formulated research questions and data tracking variables for inquiry tracking purposes.
- Ability to effectively collaborate via virtual teams.
- Ability to evaluate information for reliability, validity, and relevance.
- Ability to exercise judgment when policies are not well-defined.
- Ability to focus research efforts to meet the customer's decision-making needs.
- Ability to function effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to function in a collaborative environment, seeking continuous consultation with other analysts and experts—both internal and external to the organization—to leverage analytical and technical expertise.
- Ability to identify intelligence gaps.
- Ability to recognize and mitigate cognitive biases which may affect analysis.
- Ability to recognize and mitigate deception in reporting and analysis.
- Ability to think critically.
- Ability to think like threat actors.
- Ability to understand objectives and effects.
- Ability to utilize multiple intelligence sources across all intelligence disciplines.
- Answer requests for information.
- Provide expertise to course of action development.
- Provide subject matter expertise to the development of a common operational picture.
- Maintain a common intelligence picture.
- Provide subject matter expertise to the development of cyber operations specific indicators.
- Assist in the coordination, validation, and management of all-source collection requirements, plans, and/or activities.
- Assist in the identification of intelligence collection shortfalls.
- Brief threat and/or target current situations.
- Collaborate with intelligence analysts/targeting organizations involved in related areas.
- Conduct in-depth research and analysis.
- Conduct nodal analysis.
- Maintain awareness of internal and external cyber organization structures, strengths, and employments of staffing and technology.
- Develop information requirements necessary for answering priority information requests.
- Engage customers to understand customers' intelligence needs and wants.
- Evaluate threat decision-making processes.
- Identify threat vulnerabilities.
- Identify threats to Blue Force vulnerabilities.
- Generate requests for information.
- Identify threat tactics, and methodologies.
- Identify and evaluate threat critical capabilities, requirements, and vulnerabilities.
- Identify and submit intelligence requirements for the purposes of designating priority information requirements.
- Identify intelligence gaps and shortfalls.
- Monitor and report changes in threat dispositions, activities, tactics, capabilities, objectives, etc. as related to designated cyber operations warning problem sets.
- Monitor and report on validated threat activities.
- Monitor open source websites for hostile content directed towards organizational or partner interests.
- Monitor operational environment and report on adversarial activities which fulfill leadership's priority information requirements.
- Produce timely, fused, all-source cyber operations intelligence and/or indications and warnings intelligence products (e.g., threat assessments, briefings, intelligence studies, country studies).
- Provide subject-matter expertise and support to planning/developmental forums and working groups as appropriate.
- Provide subject matter expertise to website characterizations.
- Provide analyses and support for effectiveness assessment.
- Provide current intelligence support to critical internal/external stakeholders as appropriate.
- Provide evaluation and feedback necessary for improving intelligence production, intelligence reporting, collection requirements, and operations.
- Provide information and assessments for the purposes of informing leadership and customers; developing and refining objectives; supporting operation planning and execution; and assessing the effects of operations.
- Provide input and assist in post-action effectiveness assessments.
- Provide input and assist in the development of plans and guidance.
- Provide intelligence analysis and support to designated exercises, planning activities, and time sensitive operations.
- Provide target recommendations which meet leadership objectives.
- Provide timely notice of imminent or hostile intentions or activities which may impact organization objectives, resources, or capabilities.
- Report intelligence-derived significant network events and intrusions.
- Work closely with planners, intelligence analysts, and collection managers to ensure intelligence requirements and collection plans are accurate and up-to-date.