AN-TWA-001 Threat/Warning Analyst

Performs highly-specialized review and evaluation of incoming cybersecurity information to determine its usefulness for intelligence.

Identifies and assesses the capabilities and activities of cybersecurity criminals or foreign intelligence entities; produces findings to help initialize or support law enforcement and counterintelligence investigations or activities.

Develops cyber indicators to maintain awareness of the status of the highly dynamic operating environment. Collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates cyber threat/warning assessments.

Knowledges 47

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
K0415	Knowledge of cyber operations terminology/lexicon.	1
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
K0458	Knowledge of intelligence disciplines.	3
K0460	Knowledge of intelligence preparation of the environment and similar processes.	5
K0464	Knowledge of intelligence support to planning, execution, and assessment.	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
K0499	Knowledge of operations security.	8
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
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
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 17

Code	Description	Work Roles
S0194	Skill in conducting non-attributable research.	5
S0196	Skill in conducting research using deep web.	3
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
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
S0256	Skill in providing understanding of target or threat systems through the identification and link analysis of physical, functional, or behavioral relationships.	5
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
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

Abilities 16

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
A0072	Ability to clearly articulate intelligence requirements into well-formulated research questions and data tracking variables for inquiry tracking purposes.	3
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
A0082	Ability to effectively collaborate via virtual teams.	7
A0083	Ability to evaluate information for reliability, validity, and relevance.	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
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

Tasks 29

Code	Description	Work Roles
T0569	Answer requests for information.	2
T0583	Provide subject matter expertise to the development of a common operational picture.	3
T0584	Maintain a common intelligence picture.	2
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
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
T0615	Conduct in-depth research and analysis.	3
T0617	Conduct nodal analysis.	5
T0685	Evaluate threat decision-making processes.	3
T0687	Identify threats to Blue Force vulnerabilities.	2
T0707	Generate requests for information.	5
T0708	Identify threat tactics, and methodologies.	2
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
T0751	Monitor open source websites for hostile content directed towards organizational or partner interests.	2
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
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
T0792	Provide intelligence analysis and support to designated exercises, planning activities, and time sensitive operations.	2
T0800	Provide timely notice of imminent or hostile intentions or activities which may impact organization objectives, resources, or capabilities.	2
T0805	Report intelligence-derived significant network events and intrusions.	2
T0834	Work closely with planners, intelligence analysts, and collection managers to ensure intelligence requirements and collection plans are accurate and up-to-date.	3