Target Developer

Performs target system analysis, builds and/or maintains electronic target folders to include inputs from environment preparation, and/or internal or external intelligence sources. Coordinates with partner target activities and intelligence organizations, and presents candidate targets for vetting and validation.
  • 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 collection management processes, capabilities, and limitations.
  • Knowledge of cyber attack stages (e.g., reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, gaining access, escalation of privileges, maintaining access, network exploitation, covering tracks).
  • Knowledge of website types, administration, functions, and content management system (CMS).
  • Knowledge of applicable statutes, laws, regulations and policies governing cyber targeting and exploitation.
  • Knowledge of attack methods and techniques (DDoS, brute force, spoofing, etc.).
  • Knowledge of client organizations, including information needs, objectives, structure, capabilities, etc.
  • Knowledge of collateral damage and estimating impact(s).
  • 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 criticality and vulnerability factors (e.g., value, recuperation, cushion, countermeasures) for target selection and applicability to the cyber domain.
  • Knowledge of cyber intelligence/information collection capabilities and repositories.
  • Knowledge of cyber operation objectives, policies, and legalities.
  • Knowledge of data communications terminology (e.g., networking protocols, Ethernet, IP, encryption, optical devices, removable media).
  • Knowledge of dynamic and deliberate targeting.
  • 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 governing authorities for targeting.
  • 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 production processes.
  • Knowledge of intelligence support to planning, execution, and assessment.
  • Knowledge of internal and external partner cyber operations capabilities and tools.
  • Knowledge of internal and external partner intelligence processes and the development of information requirements and essential information.
  • Knowledge of Internet network addressing (IP addresses, classless inter-domain routing, TCP/UDP port numbering).
  • Knowledge of intrusion sets.
  • Knowledge of legal considerations in targeting.
  • Knowledge of malware analysis and characteristics.
  • Knowledge of operational effectiveness assessment.
  • Knowledge of operations security.
  • Knowledge of organization or partner exploitation of digital networks.
  • 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 estimated repair and recuperation times.
  • Knowledge of target list development (i.e. Restricted, Joint, Candidate, etc.).
  • Knowledge of target methods and procedures.
  • Knowledge of target vetting and validation procedures.
  • Knowledge of targeting cycles.
  • Knowledge of TCP/IP networking protocols.
  • 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 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 wireless technologies (e.g., cellular, satellite, GSM) to include the basic structure, architecture, and design of modern wireless communications systems.
  • Skill in applying various analytical methods, tools, and techniques (e.g., competing hypotheses; chain of reasoning; scenario methods; denial and deception detection; high impact-low probability; network/association or link analysis; Bayesian, Delphi, and Pattern analyses).
  • Skill in assessing and/or estimating effects generated during and after cyber operations.
  • Skill in conducting non-attributable research.
  • Skill in conducting research using deep web.
  • Skill in defining and characterizing all pertinent aspects of the operational environment.
  • Skill in determining appropriate targeting options through the evaluation of available capabilities against desired effects.
  • Skill in determining the physical location of network devices.
  • Skill in evaluating available capabilities against desired effects to provide effective courses of action.
  • Skill in evaluating information for reliability, validity, and relevance.
  • Skill in fusion analysis
  • Skill in identifying alternative analytical interpretations to minimize unanticipated outcomes.
  • Skill in identifying critical target elements, to include critical target elements for the cyber domain.
  • Skill in identifying cyber threats which may jeopardize organization and/or partner interests.
  • Skill in performing target system analysis.
  • Skill in preparing and presenting briefings.
  • Skill in providing understanding of target or threat systems through the identification and link analysis of physical, functional, or behavioral relationships.
  • Skill in reviewing and editing target materials.
  • 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 geospatial data and applying geospatial resources.
  • 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 using targeting databases and software packages.
  • 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 effectiveness reports.
  • Skill to analyze and assess internal and external partner cyber operations capabilities and tools.
  • Skill to analyze and assess internal and external partner intelligence processes and the development of information requirements and essential information.
  • 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 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 utilize multiple intelligence sources across all intelligence disciplines.
  • Ability to exercise judgment when policies are not well-defined.
  • Ability to clearly articulate intelligence requirements into well-formulated research questions and requests for information.
  • Accurately characterize targets.
  • Provide expertise to course of action development.
  • Provide expertise to the development of measures of effectiveness and measures of performance.
  • Build and maintain electronic target folders.
  • Collaborate with intelligence analysts/targeting organizations involved in related areas.
  • Collaborate with other customer, Intelligence and targeting organizations involved in related cyber areas.
  • Conduct nodal analysis.
  • Conduct target research and analysis.
  • Coordinate target vetting with appropriate partners.
  • Maintain awareness of internal and external cyber organization structures, strengths, and employments of staffing and technology.
  • Determine what technologies are used by a given target.
  • Develop all-source intelligence targeting materials.
  • Develop measures of effectiveness and measures of performance.
  • Develop munitions effectiveness assessment or operational assessment materials.
  • Estimate operational effects generated through cyber activities.
  • Evaluate available capabilities against desired effects to recommend efficient solutions.
  • Generate requests for information.
  • Identify and evaluate threat critical capabilities, requirements, and vulnerabilities.
  • Identify critical target elements.
  • Initiate requests to guide tasking and assist with collection management.
  • Maintain target lists (i.e., RTL, JTL, CTL, etc.).
  • Perform targeting automation activities.
  • Characterize websites.
  • Produce target system analysis products.
  • Provide aim point and reengagement recommendations.
  • Provide analyses and support for effectiveness assessment.
  • Provide input for targeting effectiveness assessments for leadership acceptance.
  • Provide operations and reengagement recommendations.
  • Provide target recommendations which meet leadership objectives.
  • Provide targeting products and targeting support as designated.
  • Provide time sensitive targeting support.
  • Review appropriate information sources to determine validity and relevance of information gathered.
  • Sanitize and minimize information to protect sources and methods.
  • Support identification and documentation of collateral effects.
  • Work closely with planners, analysts, and collection managers to identify intelligence gaps and ensure intelligence requirements are accurate and up-to-date.