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 |