All-Source Analysis

Analyze

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.

Below are the roles for this Specialty Area. Click each role to see the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) and Tasks.

All-Source Analyst

(AN-ASA-001)

Analyzes data/information from one or multiple sources to conduct preparation of the environment, respond to requests for information, and submit intelligence collection and production requirements in support of planning and operations.

Work Role

Abilities

A0013: Ability to communicate complex information, concepts, or ideas in a confident and well-organized manner through verbal, written, and/or visual means.
A0066: Ability to accurately and completely source all data used in intelligence, assessment and/or planning products.
A0072: Ability to clearly articulate intelligence requirements into well-formulated research questions and data tracking variables for inquiry tracking purposes.
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.
A0082: Ability to effectively collaborate via virtual teams.
A0083: Ability to evaluate information for reliability, validity, and relevance.
A0084: Ability to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize large quantities of data (which may be fragmented and contradictory) into high quality, fused targeting/intelligence products.
A0085: Ability to exercise judgment when policies are not well-defined.
A0087: Ability to focus research efforts to meet the customer’s decision-making needs.
A0088: Ability to function effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
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.
A0091: Ability to identify intelligence gaps.
A0101: Ability to recognize and mitigate cognitive biases which may affect analysis.
A0102: Ability to recognize and mitigate deception in reporting and analysis.
A0106: Ability to think critically.
A0107: Ability to think like threat actors.
A0108: Ability to understand objectives and effects.
A0109: Ability to utilize multiple intelligence sources across all intelligence disciplines.

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.
K0036: Knowledge of human-computer interaction principles.
K0058: Knowledge of network traffic analysis methods.
K0108: Knowledge of concepts, terminology, and operations of a wide range of communications media (computer and telephone networks, satellite, fiber, wireless).
K0109: Knowledge of physical computer components and architectures, including the functions of various components and peripherals (e.g., CPUs, Network Interface Cards, data storage).
K0177: Knowledge of cyber attack stages (e.g., reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, gaining access, escalation of privileges, maintaining access, network exploitation, covering tracks).
K0221: Knowledge of OSI model and underlying network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP).
K0349: Knowledge of website types, administration, functions, and content management system (CMS).
K0357: Knowledge of analytical constructs and their use in assessing the operational environment.
K0362: Knowledge of attack methods and techniques (DDoS, brute force, spoofing, etc.).
K0377: Knowledge of classification and control markings standards, policies and procedures.
K0392: Knowledge of common computer/network infections (virus, Trojan, etc.) and methods of infection (ports, attachments, etc.).
K0395: Knowledge of computer networking fundamentals (i.e., basic computer components of a network, types of networks, etc.).
K0405: Knowledge of current computer-based intrusion sets.
K0409: Knowledge of cyber intelligence/information collection capabilities and repositories.
K0410: Knowledge of cyber laws and their effect on Cyber planning.
K0427: Knowledge of encryption algorithms and cyber capabilities/tools (e.g., SSL, PGP).
K0431: Knowledge of evolving/emerging communications technologies.
K0436: Knowledge of fundamental cyber operations concepts, terminology/lexicon (i.e., environment preparation, cyber-attack, cyber defense), principles, capabilities, limitations, and effects.
K0437: Knowledge of general Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system components.
K0440: Knowledge of host-based security products and how those products affect exploitation and reduce vulnerability.
K0444: Knowledge of how Internet applications work (SMTP email, web-based email, chat clients, VOIP).
K0445: Knowledge of how modern digital and telephony networks impact cyber operations.
K0446: Knowledge of how modern wireless communications systems impact cyber operations.
K0449: Knowledge of how to extract, analyze, and use metadata.
K0457: Knowledge of intelligence confidence levels.
K0458: Knowledge of intelligence disciplines.
K0460: Knowledge of intelligence preparation of the environment and similar processes.
K0464: Knowledge of intelligence support to planning, execution, and assessment.
K0465: Knowledge of internal and external partner cyber operations capabilities and tools.
K0469: Knowledge of internal tactics to anticipate and/or emulate threat capabilities and actions.
K0471: Knowledge of Internet network addressing (IP addresses, classless inter-domain routing, TCP/UDP port numbering).
K0480: Knowledge of malware.
K0507: Knowledge of organization or partner exploitation of digital networks.
K0511: Knowledge of organizational hierarchy and cyber decision-making processes.
K0516: Knowledge of physical and logical network devices and infrastructure to include hubs, switches, routers, firewalls, etc.
K0533: Knowledge of specific target identifiers, and their usage.
K0542: Knowledge of target development (i.e., concepts, roles, responsibilities, products, etc.).
K0549: Knowledge of target vetting and validation procedures.
K0551: Knowledge of targeting cycles.
K0556: Knowledge of telecommunications fundamentals.
K0560: Knowledge of the basic structure, architecture, and design of modern communication networks.
K0561: Knowledge of the basics of network security (e.g., encryption, firewalls, authentication, honey pots, perimeter protection).
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.
K0577: Knowledge of the intelligence frameworks, processes, and related systems.
K0598: Knowledge of the structure and intent of organization specific plans, guidance and authorizations.
K0603: Knowledge of the ways in which targets or threats use the Internet.
K0604: Knowledge of threat and/or target systems.
K0610: Knowledge of virtualization products (VMware, Virtual PC).
K0612: Knowledge of what constitutes a “threat” to a network.
K0614: Knowledge of wireless technologies (e.g., cellular, satellite, GSM) to include the basic structure, architecture, and design of modern wireless communications systems.

Skills

S0189: Skill in assessing and/or estimating effects generated during and after cyber operations.
S0194: Skill in conducting non-attributable research.
S0203: Skill in defining and characterizing all pertinent aspects of the operational environment.
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.
S0218: Skill in evaluating information for reliability, validity, and relevance.
S0227: Skill in identifying alternative analytical interpretations to minimize unanticipated outcomes.
S0229: Skill in identifying cyber threats which may jeopardize organization and/or partner interests.
S0249: Skill in preparing and presenting briefings.
S0254: Skill in providing analysis to aid writing phased after action reports.
S0256: Skill in providing understanding of target or threat systems through the identification and link analysis of physical, functional, or behavioral relationships.
S0278: Skill in tailoring analysis to the necessary levels (e.g., classification and organizational).
S0285: Skill in using Boolean operators to construct simple and complex queries.
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.).
S0289: Skill in using multiple search engines (e.g., Google, Yahoo, LexisNexis, DataStar) and tools in conducting open-source searches.
S0296: Skill in utilizing feedback to improve processes, products, and services.
S0297: Skill in utilizing virtual collaborative workspaces and/or tools (e.g., IWS, VTCs, chat rooms, SharePoint).
S0303: Skill in writing, reviewing and editing cyber-related Intelligence/assessment products from multiple sources.
S0360: Skill to analyze and assess internal and external partner cyber operations capabilities and tools.

Tasks

T0167: Perform file signature analysis.
T0172: Perform real-time forensic analysis (e.g., using Helix in conjunction with LiveView).
T0569: Answer requests for information.
T0582: Provide expertise to course of action development.
T0583: Provide subject matter expertise to the development of a common operational picture.
T0584: Maintain a common intelligence picture.
T0585: Provide subject matter expertise to the development of cyber operations specific indicators.
T0586: Assist in the coordination, validation, and management of all-source collection requirements, plans, and/or activities.
T0589: Assist in the identification of intelligence collection shortfalls.
T0593: Brief threat and/or target current situations.
T0597: Collaborate with intelligence analysts/targeting organizations involved in related areas.
T0615: Conduct in-depth research and analysis.
T0617: Conduct nodal analysis.
T0642: Maintain awareness of internal and external cyber organization structures, strengths, and employments of staffing and technology.
T0660: Develop information requirements necessary for answering priority information requests.
T0678: Engage customers to understand customers' intelligence needs and wants.
T0685: Evaluate threat decision-making processes.
T0686: Identify threat vulnerabilities.
T0687: Identify threats to Blue Force vulnerabilities.
T0707: Generate requests for information.
T0708: Identify threat tactics, and methodologies.
T0710: Identify and evaluate threat critical capabilities, requirements, and vulnerabilities.
T0713: Identify and submit intelligence requirements for the purposes of designating priority information requirements.
T0718: Identify intelligence gaps and shortfalls.
T0748: Monitor and report changes in threat dispositions, activities, tactics, capabilities, objectives, etc. as related to designated cyber operations warning problem sets.
T0749: Monitor and report on validated threat activities.
T0751: Monitor open source websites for hostile content directed towards organizational or partner interests.
T0752: Monitor operational environment and report on adversarial activities which fulfill leadership's priority information requirements.
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).
T0761: Provide subject-matter expertise and support to planning/developmental forums and working groups as appropriate.
T0771: Provide subject matter expertise to website characterizations.
T0782: Provide analyses and support for effectiveness assessment.
T0783: Provide current intelligence support to critical internal/external stakeholders as appropriate.
T0785: Provide evaluation and feedback necessary for improving intelligence production, intelligence reporting, collection requirements, and operations.
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.
T0788: Provide input and assist in post-action effectiveness assessments.
T0789: Provide input and assist in the development of plans and guidance.
T0792: Provide intelligence analysis and support to designated exercises, planning activities, and time sensitive operations.
T0797: Provide target recommendations which meet leadership objectives.
T0800: Provide timely notice of imminent or hostile intentions or activities which may impact organization objectives, resources, or capabilities.
T0805: Report intelligence-derived significant network events and intrusions.
T0834: Work closely with planners, intelligence analysts, and collection managers to ensure intelligence requirements and collection plans are accurate and up-to-date.

Capability Indicators

Capability Indicators for All-Source Analyst
Category	Entry	Intermediate	Advanced
Credentials/Certifications	Recommended: Not essential but may be beneficial Example Types: N/A Example Topics: Certifications addressing new attack vectors (emphasis on cloud computing technology, mobile platforms, and tablet computers), new vulnerabilities, existing threats to operating environments, auditing, information systems audit process, IT governance and management, information systems acquisition, development, implementation, operations, maintenance, and service management, and protection of information assets, pen testing, risk management, categorization of information systems, selection of security controls, security control implementation and assessment, information system authorization, monitoring of security controls, managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing, configuring basic network infrastructure, system security, network infrastructure, access control, cryptography, assessments and audits, organizational security, network infrastructure, mobile device integration, hardware evaluation, operating systems, technical support	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: Not essential but may be beneficial Example Topics: Certifications addressing project management (initiating, planning executing, monitoring and controlling, closing), focus on new attack vectors (emphasis on cloud computing technology, mobile platforms and tablet computers), new vulnerabilities, existing threats to operating environments, 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 systems audit process, IT governance and management, information systems acquisition, development, implementation, operations, maintenance, and service management, and protection of information assets, information security governance, information risk management, security program development and management, incident management, system security, network infrastructure, access control, cryptography, assessments and audits, organizational security, U.S. government privacy laws (privacy definitions and principles, The Privacy Act and the E-Government Act, other laws and regulations affecting U.S. government privacy practice, privacy and the federal government intelligence community, other federal information privacy laws and authorities affecting government practice), U.S. government privacy practices (privacy program management and organization, records management, auditing and compliance monitoring)
Continuous Learning	Recommended: Not essential but may be beneficial Examples: Conferences	Recommended: Yes Examples: 40 hours annually (may include mentoring, shadowing, conferences, webinars, or rotations)	Recommended: Not essential but may be beneficial Examples: Mentoring
Education	Recommended: Not essential but may be beneficial Example Types: Bachelor's Example Topics: Computer science, engineering, math	Recommended: Yes Example Types: Bachelor's Example Topics: N/A	Recommended: Yes Example Types: Master's, PhD Example Topics: N/A
Experiential Learning	Recommended: Yes Examples: Not essential but may be beneficial	Recommended: Yes Examples: Interdepartmental rotations and external rotations, receiving mentoring, viewing and analyzing data	Recommended: N/A (see prior levels) Examples: N/A
Training	Recommended: Not essential but may be beneficial Example Types: N/A Example Topics: Database queries, vendor trainings transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP), IP addressing, MAC addresses, PEN testing, computer forensics, privacy, standards, policy training, offered trainings	Recommended: Yes Example Types: N/A Example Topics: Data and privacy laws (e.g., NIST controls and standards, policy), information security, information systems, network security, information assurance, Unix, trouble shooting, security operations, cryptography, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP)	Recommended: Yes Example Types: N/A Example Topics: Intelligence skills, data flow architecture, firewalls, data and privacy laws (e.g. NIST controls and standards, policy), programming languages, vendor trainings, information security, information systems, network security, information assurance, Unix, trouble shooting, security operations, cryptography, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP)

Mission Assessment Specialist

(AN-ASA-002)

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.