AN-ASA-002 Mission Assessment Specialist
Performs highly-specialized review and evaluation of incoming cybersecurity information to determine its usefulness for intelligence.
Analyzes threat information from multiple sources, disciplines, and agencies across the Intelligence Community. Synthesizes and places intelligence information in context; draws insights about the possible implications.
Develops assessment plans and measures of performance/effectiveness. Conducts strategic and operational effectiveness assessments as required for cyber events. Determines whether systems performed as expected and provides input to the determination of operational effectiveness.
Knowledges 52
| Code | Description | Work Roles |
|---|---|---|
| K0001 | Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies. | 52 |
| K0002 | Knowledge of risk management processes (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk). | 52 |
| K0003 | Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and ethics as they relate to cybersecurity and privacy. | 52 |
| K0004 | Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles. | 52 |
| K0005 | Knowledge of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. | 52 |
| K0006 | Knowledge of specific operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses. | 52 |
| K0036 | Knowledge of human-computer interaction principles. | 12 |
| K0058 | Knowledge of network traffic analysis methods. | 10 |
| K0108 | Knowledge of concepts, terminology, and operations of a wide range of communications media (computer and telephone networks, satellite, fiber, wireless). | 11 |
| K0109 | Knowledge of physical computer components and architectures, including the functions of various components and peripherals (e.g., CPUs, Network Interface Cards, data storage). | 15 |
| K0177 | Knowledge of cyber attack stages (e.g., reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, gaining access, escalation of privileges, maintaining access, network exploitation, covering tracks). | 12 |
| K0349 | Knowledge of website types, administration, functions, and content management system (CMS). | 8 |
| K0362 | Knowledge of attack methods and techniques (DDoS, brute force, spoofing, etc.). | 9 |
| K0377 | Knowledge of classification and control markings standards, policies and procedures. | 7 |
| K0392 | Knowledge of common computer/network infections (virus, Trojan, etc.) and methods of infection (ports, attachments, etc.). | 9 |
| K0395 | Knowledge of computer networking fundamentals (i.e., basic computer components of a network, types of networks, etc.). | 10 |
| K0405 | Knowledge of current computer-based intrusion sets. | 5 |
| K0409 | Knowledge of cyber intelligence/information collection capabilities and repositories. | 4 |
| K0410 | Knowledge of cyber laws and their effect on Cyber planning. | 2 |
| K0414 | Knowledge of cyber operations support or enabling processes. | 4 |
| K0417 | Knowledge of data communications terminology (e.g., networking protocols, Ethernet, IP, encryption, optical devices, removable media). | 10 |
| K0427 | Knowledge of encryption algorithms and cyber capabilities/tools (e.g., SSL, PGP). | 8 |
| K0431 | Knowledge of evolving/emerging communications technologies. | 11 |
| K0436 | Knowledge of fundamental cyber operations concepts, terminology/lexicon (i.e., environment preparation, cyber-attack, cyber defense), principles, capabilities, limitations, and effects. | 8 |
| K0437 | Knowledge of general Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system components. | 4 |
| K0440 | Knowledge of host-based security products and how those products affect exploitation and reduce vulnerability. | 8 |
| K0444 | Knowledge of how Internet applications work (SMTP email, web-based email, chat clients, VOIP). | 11 |
| K0445 | Knowledge of how modern digital and telephony networks impact cyber operations. | 9 |
| K0446 | Knowledge of how modern wireless communications systems impact cyber operations. | 8 |
| K0449 | Knowledge of how to extract, analyze, and use metadata. | 7 |
| K0457 | Knowledge of intelligence confidence levels. | 3 |
| K0460 | Knowledge of intelligence preparation of the environment and similar processes. | 5 |
| K0464 | Knowledge of intelligence support to planning, execution, and assessment. | 6 |
| K0465 | Knowledge of internal and external partner cyber operations capabilities and tools. | 6 |
| K0469 | Knowledge of internal tactics to anticipate and/or emulate threat capabilities and actions. | 3 |
| K0471 | Knowledge of Internet network addressing (IP addresses, classless inter-domain routing, TCP/UDP port numbering). | 9 |
| K0480 | Knowledge of malware. | 8 |
| K0507 | Knowledge of organization or partner exploitation of digital networks. | 6 |
| K0511 | Knowledge of organizational hierarchy and cyber decision-making processes. | 6 |
| K0516 | Knowledge of physical and logical network devices and infrastructure to include hubs, switches, routers, firewalls, etc. | 10 |
| K0549 | Knowledge of target vetting and validation procedures. | 3 |
| K0551 | Knowledge of targeting cycles. | 3 |
| K0556 | Knowledge of telecommunications fundamentals. | 6 |
| K0560 | Knowledge of the basic structure, architecture, and design of modern communication networks. | 10 |
| K0561 | Knowledge of the basics of network security (e.g., encryption, firewalls, authentication, honey pots, perimeter protection). | 8 |
| K0565 | 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. | 11 |
| K0598 | Knowledge of the structure and intent of organization specific plans, guidance and authorizations. | 6 |
| K0603 | Knowledge of the ways in which targets or threats use the Internet. | 6 |
| K0604 | Knowledge of threat and/or target systems. | 4 |
| K0610 | Knowledge of virtualization products (VMware, Virtual PC). | 7 |
| K0612 | Knowledge of what constitutes a “threat” to a network. | 8 |
| K0614 | Knowledge of wireless technologies (e.g., cellular, satellite, GSM) to include the basic structure, architecture, and design of modern wireless communications systems. | 7 |
Skills 22
| Code | Description | Work Roles |
|---|---|---|
| S0189 | Skill in assessing and/or estimating effects generated during and after cyber operations. | 3 |
| S0194 | Skill in conducting non-attributable research. | 5 |
| S0203 | Skill in defining and characterizing all pertinent aspects of the operational environment. | 6 |
| S0211 | Skill in developing or recommending analytic approaches or solutions to problems and situations for which information is incomplete or for which no precedent exists. | 3 |
| S0216 | Skill in evaluating available capabilities against desired effects to provide effective courses of action. | 2 |
| S0218 | Skill in evaluating information for reliability, validity, and relevance. | 8 |
| S0227 | Skill in identifying alternative analytical interpretations to minimize unanticipated outcomes. | 4 |
| S0228 | Skill in identifying critical target elements, to include critical target elements for the cyber domain. | 4 |
| S0229 | Skill in identifying cyber threats which may jeopardize organization and/or partner interests. | 5 |
| S0249 | Skill in preparing and presenting briefings. | 8 |
| S0254 | Skill in providing analysis to aid writing phased after action reports. | 3 |
| S0256 | Skill in providing understanding of target or threat systems through the identification and link analysis of physical, functional, or behavioral relationships. | 5 |
| S0271 | Skill in reviewing and editing assessment products. | 3 |
| S0278 | Skill in tailoring analysis to the necessary levels (e.g., classification and organizational). | 6 |
| S0285 | Skill in using Boolean operators to construct simple and complex queries. | 4 |
| S0288 | 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.). | 4 |
| S0289 | Skill in using multiple search engines (e.g., Google, Yahoo, LexisNexis, DataStar) and tools in conducting open-source searches. | 4 |
| S0292 | Skill in using targeting databases and software packages. | 2 |
| S0296 | Skill in utilizing feedback to improve processes, products, and services. | 9 |
| S0297 | Skill in utilizing virtual collaborative workspaces and/or tools (e.g., IWS, VTCs, chat rooms, SharePoint). | 7 |
| S0303 | Skill in writing, reviewing and editing cyber-related Intelligence/assessment products from multiple sources. | 3 |
| S0360 | Skill to analyze and assess internal and external partner cyber operations capabilities and tools. | 6 |
Abilities 18
| Code | Description | Work Roles |
|---|---|---|
| A0013 | Ability to communicate complex information, concepts, or ideas in a confident and well-organized manner through verbal, written, and/or visual means. | 14 |
| A0066 | Ability to accurately and completely source all data used in intelligence, assessment and/or planning products. | 12 |
| A0080 | Ability to develop or recommend analytic approaches or solutions to problems and situations for which information is incomplete or for which no precedent exists. | 6 |
| A0084 | Ability to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize large quantities of data (which may be fragmented and contradictory) into high quality, fused targeting/intelligence products. | 7 |
| A0072 | Ability to clearly articulate intelligence requirements into well-formulated research questions and data tracking variables for inquiry tracking purposes. | 3 |
| A0082 | Ability to effectively collaborate via virtual teams. | 7 |
| A0083 | Ability to evaluate information for reliability, validity, and relevance. | 6 |
| A0087 | Ability to focus research efforts to meet the customer’s decision-making needs. | 6 |
| A0088 | Ability to function effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. | 7 |
| A0089 | 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. | 13 |
| A0091 | Ability to identify intelligence gaps. | 6 |
| A0101 | Ability to recognize and mitigate cognitive biases which may affect analysis. | 6 |
| A0102 | Ability to recognize and mitigate deception in reporting and analysis. | 5 |
| A0106 | Ability to think critically. | 9 |
| A0107 | Ability to think like threat actors. | 3 |
| A0109 | Ability to utilize multiple intelligence sources across all intelligence disciplines. | 6 |
| A0085 | Ability to exercise judgment when policies are not well-defined. | 9 |
| A0108 | Ability to understand objectives and effects. | 4 |
Tasks 35
| Code | Description | Work Roles |
|---|---|---|
| T0582 | Provide expertise to course of action development. | 5 |
| T0583 | Provide subject matter expertise to the development of a common operational picture. | 3 |
| T0585 | Provide subject matter expertise to the development of cyber operations specific indicators. | 3 |
| T0586 | Assist in the coordination, validation, and management of all-source collection requirements, plans, and/or activities. | 3 |
| T0588 | Provide expertise to the development of measures of effectiveness and measures of performance. | 2 |
| T0589 | Assist in the identification of intelligence collection shortfalls. | 3 |
| T0593 | Brief threat and/or target current situations. | 3 |
| T0597 | Collaborate with intelligence analysts/targeting organizations involved in related areas. | 4 |
| T0660 | Develop information requirements necessary for answering priority information requests. | 3 |
| T0661 | Develop measures of effectiveness and measures of performance. | 2 |
| T0611 | Conduct end-of-operations assessments. | 1 |
| T0615 | Conduct in-depth research and analysis. | 3 |
| T0617 | Conduct nodal analysis. | 5 |
| T0624 | Conduct target research and analysis. | 3 |
| T0663 | Develop munitions effectiveness assessment or operational assessment materials. | 2 |
| T0678 | Engage customers to understand customers’ intelligence needs and wants. | 2 |
| T0684 | Estimate operational effects generated through cyber activities. | 2 |
| T0685 | Evaluate threat decision-making processes. | 3 |
| T0686 | Identify threat vulnerabilities. | 2 |
| T0707 | Generate requests for information. | 5 |
| T0718 | Identify intelligence gaps and shortfalls. | 3 |
| T0748 | Monitor and report changes in threat dispositions, activities, tactics, capabilities, objectives, etc. as related to designated cyber operations warning problem sets. | 3 |
| T0749 | Monitor and report on validated threat activities. | 3 |
| T0752 | Monitor operational environment and report on adversarial activities which fulfill leadership’s priority information requirements. | 3 |
| T0758 | Produce timely, fused, all-source cyber operations intelligence and/or indications and warnings intelligence products (e.g., threat assessments, briefings, intelligence studies, country studies). | 3 |
| T0761 | Provide subject-matter expertise and support to planning/developmental forums and working groups as appropriate. | 4 |
| T0782 | Provide analyses and support for effectiveness assessment. | 3 |
| T0783 | Provide current intelligence support to critical internal/external stakeholders as appropriate. | 3 |
| T0785 | Provide evaluation and feedback necessary for improving intelligence production, intelligence reporting, collection requirements, and operations. | 3 |
| T0786 | 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. | 3 |
| T0788 | Provide input and assist in post-action effectiveness assessments. | 2 |
| T0789 | Provide input and assist in the development of plans and guidance. | 2 |
| T0793 | Provide effectiveness support to designated exercises, and/or time sensitive operations. | 1 |
| T0797 | Provide target recommendations which meet leadership objectives. | 4 |
| T0834 | Work closely with planners, intelligence analysts, and collection managers to ensure intelligence requirements and collection plans are accurate and up-to-date. | 3 |