Abilities

  • A0128: Ability to apply techniques for detecting host and network-based intrusions using intrusion detection technologies.
  • A0161: Ability to integrate information security requirements into the acquisition process; using applicable baseline security controls as one of the sources for security requirements; ensuring a robust software quality control process; and establishing multiple sources (e.g., delivery routes, for critical system elements). 
  • A0170: Ability to identify critical infrastructure systems with information communication technology that were designed without system security considerations. 

Knowledge

  • K0001: Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies. 
  • K0002: Knowledge of risk management processes (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk). 
  • K0003: Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and ethics as they relate to cybersecurity and privacy. 
  • K0004: Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles. 
  • K0005: Knowledge of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. 
  • K0006: Knowledge of specific operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses. 
  • K0008: Knowledge of applicable business processes and operations of customer organizations. 
  • K0018: Knowledge of encryption algorithms 
  • K0021: Knowledge of data backup and recovery. 
  • K0026: Knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery continuity of operations plans. 
  • K0033: Knowledge of host/network access control mechanisms (e.g., access control list, capabilities lists). 
  • K0038: Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles used to manage risks related to the use, processing, storage, and transmission of information or data.
  • K0040: Knowledge of vulnerability information dissemination sources (e.g., alerts, advisories, errata, and bulletins). 
  • K0042: Knowledge of incident response and handling methodologies. 
  • K0043: Knowledge of industry-standard and organizationally accepted analysis principles and methods. 
  • K0046: Knowledge of intrusion detection methodologies and techniques for detecting host and network-based intrusions.
  • K0048: Knowledge of Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements. 
  • K0053: Knowledge of measures or indicators of system performance and availability.
  • K0054: Knowledge of current industry methods for evaluating, implementing, and disseminating information technology (IT) security assessment, monitoring, detection, and remediation tools and procedures utilizing standards-based concepts and capabilities. 
  • K0058: Knowledge of network traffic analysis methods. 
  • K0059: Knowledge of new and emerging information technology (IT) and cybersecurity technologies. 
  • K0061: Knowledge of how traffic flows across the network (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol [TCP] and Internet Protocol [IP], Open System Interconnection Model [OSI], Information Technology Infrastructure Library, current version [ITIL]).
  • K0070: Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities (e.g., buffer overflow, mobile code, cross-site scripting, Procedural Language/Structured Query Language [PL/SQL] and injections, race conditions, covert channel, replay, return-oriented attacks, malicious code).
  • K0072: Knowledge of resource management principles and techniques.
  • K0076: Knowledge of server administration and systems engineering theories, concepts, and methods.
  • K0077: Knowledge of server and client operating systems.
  • K0087: Knowledge of system software and organizational design standards, policies, and authorized approaches (e.g., International Organization for Standardization [ISO] guidelines) relating to system design.
  • K0090: Knowledge of system life cycle management principles, including software security and usability.
  • K0092: Knowledge of technology integration processes.
  • K0101: Knowledge of the organization’s enterprise information technology (IT) goals and objectives.
  • K0106: Knowledge of what constitutes a network attack and a network attack’s relationship to both threats and vulnerabilities. 
  • K0121: Knowledge of information security program management and project management principles and techniques.
  • K0126: Knowledge of Supply Chain Risk Management Practices (NIST SP 800-161) 
  • K0149: Knowledge of organization's risk tolerance and/or risk management approach.
  • K0150: Knowledge of enterprise incident response program, roles, and responsibilities.
  • K0151: Knowledge of current and emerging threats/threat vectors.
  • K0163: Knowledge of critical information technology (IT) procurement requirements.
  • K0167: Knowledge of system administration, network, and operating system hardening techniques.
  • K0168: Knowledge of applicable laws, statutes (e.g., in Titles 10, 18, 32, 50 in U.S. Code), Presidential Directives, executive branch guidelines, and/or administrative/criminal legal guidelines and procedures.
  • K0169: Knowledge of information technology (IT) supply chain security and supply chain risk management policies, requirements, and procedures. 
  • K0170: Knowledge of critical infrastructure systems with information communication technology that were designed without system security considerations. 
  • K0179: Knowledge of network security architecture concepts including topology, protocols, components, and principles (e.g., application of defense-in-depth). 
  • K0180: Knowledge of network systems management principles, models, methods (e.g., end-to-end systems performance monitoring), and tools. 
  • K0199: Knowledge of security architecture concepts and enterprise architecture reference models (e.g., Zachman, Federal Enterprise Architecture [FEA]).
  • K0260: Knowledge of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data security standards. 
  • K0261: Knowledge of Payment Card Industry (PCI) data security standards. 
  • K0262: Knowledge of Personal Health Information (PHI) data security standards. 
  • K0267: Knowledge of laws, policies, procedures, or governance relevant to cybersecurity for critical infrastructures. 
  • K0287: Knowledge of an organization's information classification program and procedures for information compromise. 
  • K0332: Knowledge of network protocols such as TCP/IP, Dynamic Host Configuration, Domain Name System (DNS), and directory services.
  • K0342: Knowledge of penetration testing principles, tools, and techniques.
  • K0622: Knowledge of controls related to the use, processing, storage, and transmission of data. 
  • K0624: Knowledge of Application Security Risks (e.g. Open Web Application Security Project Top 10 list) 

Skills

  • S0018: Skill in creating policies that reflect system security objectives.
  • S0027: Skill in determining how a security system should work (including its resilience and dependability capabilities) and how changes in conditions, operations, or the environment will affect these outcomes.
  • S0086: Skill in evaluating the trustworthiness of the supplier and/or product.

Tasks

  • T0001: Acquire and manage the necessary resources, including leadership support, financial resources, and key security personnel, to support information technology (IT) security goals and objectives and reduce overall organizational risk.
  • T0002: Acquire necessary resources, including financial resources, to conduct an effective enterprise continuity of operations program.
  • T0003: Advise senior management (e.g., Chief Information Officer [CIO]) on risk levels and security posture.
  • T0004: Advise senior management (e.g., CIO) on cost/benefit analysis of information security programs, policies, processes, systems, and elements.
  • T0005: Advise appropriate senior leadership or Authorizing Official of changes affecting the organization's cybersecurity posture.
  • T0024: Collect and maintain data needed to meet system cybersecurity reporting.
  • T0025: Communicate the value of information technology (IT) security throughout all levels of the organization stakeholders.
  • T0044: Collaborate with stakeholders to establish the enterprise continuity of operations program, strategy, and mission assurance.
  • T0089: Ensure that security improvement actions are evaluated, validated, and implemented as required.
  • T0091: Ensure that cybersecurity inspections, tests, and reviews are coordinated for the network environment.
  • T0092: Ensure that cybersecurity requirements are integrated into the continuity planning for that system and/or organization(s).
  • T0093: Ensure that protection and detection capabilities are acquired or developed using the IS security engineering approach and are consistent with organization-level cybersecurity architecture.
  • T0095: Establish overall enterprise information security architecture (EISA) with the organization's overall security strategy.
  • T0097: Evaluate and approve development efforts to ensure that baseline security safeguards are appropriately installed.
  • T0099: Evaluate cost/benefit, economic, and risk analysis in decision-making process.
  • T0106: Identify alternative information security strategies to address organizational security objective.
  • T0115: Identify information technology (IT) security program implications of new technologies or technology upgrades.
  • T0130: Interface with external organizations (e.g., public affairs, law enforcement, Command or Component Inspector General) to ensure appropriate and accurate dissemination of incident and other Computer Network Defense information.
  • T0132: Interpret and/or approve security requirements relative to the capabilities of new information technologies.
  • T0133: Interpret patterns of noncompliance to determine their impact on levels of risk and/or overall effectiveness of the enterprise's cybersecurity program.
  • T0134: Lead and align information technology (IT) security priorities with the security strategy.
  • T0135: Lead and oversee information security budget, staffing, and contracting.
  • T0147: Manage the monitoring of information security data sources to maintain organizational situational awareness.
  • T0148: Manage the publishing of Computer Network Defense guidance (e.g., TCNOs, Concept of Operations, Net Analyst Reports, NTSM, MTOs) for the enterprise constituency.
  • T0149: Manage threat or target analysis of cyber defense information and production of threat information within the enterprise.
  • T0151: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the enterprise's cybersecurity safeguards to ensure that they provide the intended level of protection.
  • T0157: Oversee the information security training and awareness program.
  • T0158: Participate in an information security risk assessment during the Security Assessment and Authorization process.
  • T0159: Participate in the development or modification of the computer environment cybersecurity program plans and requirements.
  • T0192: Prepare, distribute, and maintain plans, instructions, guidance, and standard operating procedures concerning the security of network system(s) operations.
  • T0199: Provide enterprise cybersecurity and supply chain risk management guidance for development of the Continuity of Operations Plans.
  • T0206: Provide leadership and direction to information technology (IT) personnel by ensuring that cybersecurity awareness, basics, literacy, and training are provided to operations personnel commensurate with their responsibilities.
  • T0211: Provide system-related input on cybersecurity requirements to be included in statements of work and other appropriate procurement documents.
  • T0213: Provide technical documents, incident reports, findings from computer examinations, summaries, and other situational awareness information to higher headquarters.
  • T0215: Recognize a possible security violation and take appropriate action to report the incident, as required.
  • T0219: Recommend resource allocations required to securely operate and maintain an organization's cybersecurity requirements.
  • T0227: Recommend policy and coordinate review and approval.
  • T0229: Supervise or manage protective or corrective measures when a cybersecurity incident or vulnerability is discovered.
  • T0234: Track audit findings and recommendations to ensure that appropriate mitigation actions are taken.
  • T0239: Use federal and organization-specific published documents to manage operations of their computing environment system(s).
  • T0248: Promote awareness of security issues among management and ensure sound security principles are reflected in the organization's vision and goals.
  • T0254: Oversee policy standards and implementation strategies to ensure procedures and guidelines comply with cybersecurity policies.
  • T0255: Participate in Risk Governance process to provide security risks, mitigations, and input on other technical risk.
  • T0256: Evaluate the effectiveness of procurement function in addressing information security requirements and supply chain risks through procurement activities and recommend improvements.
  • T0263: Identify security requirements specific to an information technology (IT) system in all phases of the system life cycle.
  • T0264: Ensure that plans of actions and milestones or remediation plans are in place for vulnerabilities identified during risk assessments, audits, inspections, etc.
  • T0265: Assure successful implementation and functionality of security requirements and appropriate information technology (IT) policies and procedures that are consistent with the organization's mission and goals.
  • T0275: Support necessary compliance activities (e.g., ensure that system security configuration guidelines are followed, compliance monitoring occurs).
  • T0276: Participate in the acquisition process as necessary, following appropriate supply chain risk management practices.
  • T0277: Ensure that all acquisitions, procurements, and outsourcing efforts address information security requirements consistent with organization goals.
  • T0280: Continuously validate the organization against policies/guidelines/procedures/regulations/laws to ensure compliance.
  • T0281: Forecast ongoing service demands and ensure that security assumptions are reviewed as necessary.
  • T0282: Define and/or implement policies and procedures to ensure protection of critical infrastructure as appropriate.

Capability Indicators

Entry Intermediate Advanced
Credentials/Certifications
  • Recommended: Not essential but may be beneficial
  • Example Types: Certifications addressing new attack vectors (emphasis on cloud computing technology, emphasis on mobile platforms and tablet computers), new vulnerabilities, existing threats to operating environments, change management and incident handling for managers, common attacks and malware, managing access control, managing defense in depth and security policy, managing disaster recovery and contingency planning, managing employees and total cost of ownership, managing operational security, managing physical security and facility safety, managing privacy and web security, managing risk and ethics, managing security awareness and protecting intellectual property, managing the network infrastructure, managing quality and growth of the security organization, managing the use of cryptography, managing vulnerabilities, managing wireless security, network and endpoint security technologies, network protocols for managers, project management and business situational awareness, selling and managing the mission, information security governance, information risk management, security program development and management, information security incident management, security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, software development security, authentication, security testing, intrusion detection/prevention, incident response and recovery, attacks and countermeasures, malicious code countermeasures
  • Example Topics: N/A
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Example Types: N/A
  • Example Topics: Certifications addressing security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, software development security
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Example Topics: Certifications addressing security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, software development security, information security governance, information risk management, information, security program development and management, information security incident management
Continuous Learning
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Examples: Virtual learning (webinars, workshops), participation in annual security conferences
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Examples: 20-40 hours annually (may include workshops, seminars, participation in annual security conferences)
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Examples: Mentor others, speak at events (e.g., panels, conference presentations), champion projects, lead teams, exposure to enterprise-wide cybersecurity training needs and solutions (e.g., rotations, details)
Education
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Example Types: Bachelor's
  • Example Topics: Information security, computer science, electrical systems, cybersecurity
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Example Types: Bachelor's (certifications addressing advanced systems management may substitute education)
  • Example Topics: Information security, computer science, electrical systems, cybersecurity
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Example Types: Master's, Ph.D., (certifications addressing advanced systems management, governance, security risk management, controls, and audit management, information security core concepts [access control, social engineering, phishing attacks, identity theft], strategic planning, finance, and vendor management may substitute education)
  • Example Topics: Information security
Experiential Learning
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Examples: 2-3 years of experience as a team/technical lead working on security/networks/ systems operations, shadowing intermediate-level managers, receiving and providing prior mentoring
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Examples: 1-3 years of experience as a manager of security/networks/systems operations, and directly involved with operations management, policy development, system procurement activities, leadership, shadowing master-level managers, mentorship, information assurance management
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Examples: 3+ years of experience leading multiple security/networks/systems operations, significant involvement with operations management, business continuity and policy compliance development, system procurement activities, shadowing, mentoring, supervised on-the-job training
Training
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Example Types: N/A
  • Example Topics: Leadership, NIST Risk Management Framework, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Example Types: N/A
  • Example Topics: Leadership, technical, information system security management, NIST Risk Management Framework, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework
  • Recommended: Yes
  • Example Types: N/A
  • Example Topics: Leadership, technical cyber training, NIST Risk Management Framework, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework