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NICE Framework Specialty Areas and Work Role Table of Contents
Click to view the Master KSA List
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5/15/2020Click to view the Master Task List
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NICE Specialty AreaNICE Specialty Area DefinitionWork RoleWork Role DefinitionWork Role IDKSAsTasksOPM Code (Fed Use)
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SECURELY PROVISION (SP) - Conceptualizes, designs, procures, and/or builds secure information technology (IT) systems, with responsibility for aspects of system and/or network development.
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Risk Management (RSK)Oversees, evaluates, and supports the documentation, validation, assessment, and authorization processes necessary to assure that existing and new information technology (IT) systems meet the organization's cybersecurity and risk requirements. Ensures appropriate treatment of risk, compliance, and assurance from internal and external perspectives.Authorizing Official/Designating RepresentativeSenior official or executive with the authority to formally assume responsibility for operating an information system at an acceptable level of risk to organizational operations (including mission, functions, image, or reputation), organizational assets, individuals, other organizations, and the Nation (CNSSI 4009).SP-RSK-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks611
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Security Control AssessorConducts independent comprehensive assessments of the management, operational, and technical security controls and control enhancements employed within or inherited by an information technology (IT) system to determine the overall effectiveness of the controls (as defined in NIST SP 800-37). SP-RSK-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks612
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Software Development (DEV)Develops and writes/codes new (or modifies existing) computer applications, software, or specialized utility programs following software assurance best practices.Software DeveloperDevelops, creates, maintains, and writes/codes new (or modifies existing) computer applications, software, or specialized utility programs.SP-DEV-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks621
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Secure Software AssessorAnalyzes the security of new or existing computer applications, software, or specialized utility programs and provides actionable results.SP-DEV-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks622
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Systems Architecture (ARC)Develops system concepts and works on the capabilities phases of the systems development life cycle; translates technology and environmental conditions (e.g., law and regulation) into system and security designs and processes.Enterprise Architect Develops and maintains business, systems, and information processes to support enterprise mission needs; develops information technology (IT) rules and requirements that describe baseline and target architectures. SP-ARC-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks651
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Security Architect Ensures that the stakeholder security requirements necessary to protect the organization’s mission and business processes are adequately addressed in all aspects of enterprise architecture including reference models, segment and solution architectures, and the resulting systems supporting those missions and business processes.SP-ARC-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks652
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Technology R&D (TRD)Conducts technology assessment and integration processes; provides and supports a prototype capability and/or evaluates its utility.Research & Development Specialist Conducts software and systems engineering and software systems research to develop new capabilities, ensuring cybersecurity is fully integrated. Conducts comprehensive technology research to evaluate potential vulnerabilities in cyberspace systems. SP-TRD-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks661
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Systems Requirements Planning (SRP)Consults with customers to gather and evaluate functional requirements and translates these requirements into technical solutions. Provides guidance to customers about applicability of information systems to meet business needs.Systems Requirements Planner Consults with customers to evaluate functional requirements and translate functional requirements into technical solutions.SP-SRP-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks641
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Test and Evaluation (TST)Develops and conducts tests of systems to evaluate compliance with specifications and requirements by applying principles and methods for cost-effective planning, evaluating, verifying, and validating of technical, functional, and performance characteristics (including interoperability) of systems or elements of systems incorporating IT.System Testing and Evaluation Specialist Plans, prepares, and executes tests of systems to evaluate results against specifications and requirements as well as analyze/report test results.SP-TST-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks671
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Systems Development (SYS)Works on the development phases of the systems development life cycle.Information Systems Security Developer Designs, develops, tests, and evaluates information system security throughout the systems development life cycle.SP-SYS-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks631
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Systems Developer Designs, develops, tests, and evaluates information systems throughout the systems development life cycle.SP-SYS-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks632
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OPERATE and MAINTAIN (OM) - Provides the support, administration, and maintenance necessary to ensure effective and efficient information technology (IT) system performance and security.
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Data Administration (DTA)Develops and administers databases and/or data management systems that allow for the storage, query, protection, and utilization of data.Database AdministratorAdministers databases and/or data management systems that allow for the secure storage, query, protection, and utilization of data.OM-DTA-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks421
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Data Analyst Examines data from multiple disparate sources with the goal of providing security and privacy insight. Designs and implements custom algorithms, workflow processes, and layouts for complex, enterprise-scale data sets used for modeling, data mining, and research purposes.OM-DTA-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks422
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Knowledge Management (KMG)Manages and administers processes and tools that enable the organization to identify, document, and access intellectual capital and information content.Knowledge ManagerResponsible for the management and administration of processes and tools that enable the organization to identify, document, and access intellectual capital and information content.OM-KMG-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks431
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Customer Service and Technical Support (STS)Addresses problems; installs, configures, troubleshoots, and provides maintenance and training in response to customer requirements or inquiries (e.g., tiered-level customer support). Typically provides initial incident information to the Incident Response (IR) Specialty.Technical Support SpecialistProvides technical support to customers who need assistance utilizing client-level hardware and software in accordance with established or approved organizational process components (i.e., Master Incident Management Plan, when applicable).OM-STS-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks411
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Network Services (NET)Installs, configures, tests, operates, maintains, and manages networks and their firewalls, including hardware (e.g., hubs, bridges, switches, multiplexers, routers, cables, proxy servers, and protective distributor systems) and software that permit the sharing and transmission of all spectrum transmissions of information to support the security of information and information systems.Network Operations SpecialistPlans, implements, and operates network services/systems, to include hardware and virtual environments.OM-NET-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks441
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Systems Administration (ADM)Installs, configures, troubleshoots, and maintains server configurations (hardware and software) to ensure their confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Manages accounts, firewalls, and patches. Responsible for access control, passwords, and account creation and administration.System AdministratorResponsible for setting up and maintaining a system or specific components of a system (e.g. for example, installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software; establishing and managing user accounts; overseeing or conducting backup and recovery tasks; implementing operational and technical security controls; and adhering to organizational security policies and procedures).OM-ADM-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks451
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Systems Analysis (ANA)Studies an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and designs information systems solutions to help the organization operate more securely, efficiently, and effectively. Brings business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.Systems Security AnalystResponsible for the analysis and development of the integration, testing, operations, and maintenance of systems security.OM-ANA-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks461
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OVERSEE and GOVERN (OV) - Provides leadership, management, direction, or development and advocacy so the organization may effectively conduct cybersecurity work.
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Legal Advice and Advocacy (LGA)Provides legally sound advice and recommendations to leadership and staff on a variety of relevant topics within the pertinent subject domain. Advocates legal and policy changes, and makes a case on behalf of client via a wide range of written and oral work products, including legal briefs and proceedings.Cyber Legal Advisor Provides legal advice and recommendations on relevant topics related to cyber law. OV-LGA-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks731
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Privacy Officer/Privacy Compliance ManagerDevelops and oversees privacy compliance program and privacy program staff, supporting privacy compliance, governance/policy, and incident response needs of privacy and security executives and their teams. OV-LGA-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks732
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Training, Education, and Awareness (TEA)Conducts training of personnel within pertinent subject domain. Develops, plans, coordinates, delivers and/or evaluates training courses, methods, and techniques as appropriate.Cyber Instructional Curriculum Developer Develops, plans, coordinates, and evaluates cyber training/education courses, methods, and techniques based on instructional needs.OV-TEA-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks711
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Cyber Instructor Develops and conducts training or education of personnel within cyber domain. OV-TEA-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks712
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Cybersecurity Management (MGT)Oversees the cybersecurity program of an information system or network, including managing information security implications within the organization, specific program, or other area of responsibility, to include strategic, personnel, infrastructure, requirements, policy enforcement, emergency planning, security awareness, and other resources.Information Systems Security ManagerResponsible for the cybersecurity of a program, organization, system, or enclave. OV-MGT-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks722
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Communications Security (COMSEC) ManagerIndividual who manages the Communications Security (COMSEC) resources of an organization (CNSSI 4009) or key custodian for a Crypto Key Management System (CKMS).OV-MGT-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks723
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Strategic Planning and Policy (SPP)Develops policies and plans and/or advocates for changes in policy that support organizational cyberspace initiatives or required changes/enhancements.Cyber Workforce Developer and Manager Develops cyberspace workforce plans, strategies, and guidance to support cyberspace workforce manpower, personnel, training and education requirements and to address changes to cyberspace policy, doctrine, materiel, force structure, and education and training requirements. OV-SPP-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks751
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Cyber Policy and Strategy PlannerDevelops and maintains cybersecurity plans, strategy, and policy to support and align with organizational cybersecurity initiatives and regulatory compliance.OV-SPP-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks752
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Executive Cyber Leadership (EXL)Supervises, manages, and/or leads work and workers performing cyber and cyber-related and/or cyber operations work.Executive Cyber Leadership Executes decision-making authorities and establishes vision and direction for an organization's cyber and cyber-related resources and/or operations.OV-EXL-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks901
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Program/Project Management (PMA) and AcquisitionApplies knowledge of data, information, processes, organizational interactions, skills, and analytical expertise, as well as systems, networks, and information exchange capabilities to manage acquisition programs. Executes duties governing hardware, software, and information system acquisition programs and other program management policies. Provides direct support for acquisitions that use information technology (IT) (including National Security Systems), applying IT-related laws and policies, and provides IT-related guidance throughout the total acquisition life cycle.Program Manager Leads, coordinates, communicates, integrates, and is accountable for the overall success of the program, ensuring alignment with agency or enterprise priorities.OV-PMA-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks801
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IT Project ManagerDirectly manages information technology projects.OV-PMA-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks802
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Product Support ManagerManages the package of support functions required to field and maintain the readiness and operational capability of systems and components. OV-PMA-003Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks803
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IT Investment/Portfolio ManagerManages a portfolio of IT investments that align with the overall needs of mission and enterprise priorities.OV-PMA-004Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks804
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IT Program AuditorConducts evaluations of an IT program or its individual components to determine compliance with published standards. OV-PMA-005Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks805
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PROTECT and DEFEND (PR) - Identifies, analyzes, and mitigates threats to internal information technology (IT) systems and/or networks.
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Cybersecurity Defense Analysis (CDA)Uses defensive measures and information collected from a variety of sources to identify, analyze, and report events that occur or might occur within the network to protect information, information systems, and networks from threats.Cyber Defense AnalystUses data collected from a variety of cyber defense tools (e.g., IDS alerts, firewalls, network traffic logs) to analyze events that occur within their environments for the purposes of mitigating threats. PR-CDA-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks511
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Cybersecurity Defense Infrastructure Support (INF)Tests, implements, deploys, maintains, reviews, and administers the infrastructure hardware and software that are required to effectively manage the computer network defense service provider network and resources. Monitors network to actively remediate unauthorized activities.Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support SpecialistTests, implements, deploys, maintains, and administers the infrastructure hardware and software. PR-INF-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks521
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Incident Response (CIR)Responds to crises or urgent situations within the pertinent domain to mitigate immediate and potential threats. Uses mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery approaches, as needed, to maximize survival of life, preservation of property, and information security. Investigates and analyzes all relevant response activities.Cyber Defense Incident Responder Investigates, analyzes, and responds to cyber incidents within the network environment or enclave.PR-CIR-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks531
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Vulnerability Assessment and Management (VAM)Conducts assessments of threats and vulnerabilities; determines deviations from acceptable configurations, enterprise or local policy; assesses the level of risk; and develops and/or recommends appropriate mitigation countermeasures in operational and nonoperational situations.Vulnerability Assessment AnalystPerforms assessments of systems and networks within the network environment or enclave and identifies where those systems/networks deviate from acceptable configurations, enclave policy, or local policy. Measures effectiveness of defense-in-depth architecture against known vulnerabilities.PR-VAM-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks541
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ANALYZE (AN) - Performs highly-specialized review and evaluation of incoming cybersecurity information to determine its usefulness for intelligence.
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Threat Analysis (TWA)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.Threat/Warning AnalystDevelops cyber indicators to maintain awareness of the status of the highly dynamic operating environment. Collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates cyber threat/warning assessments.AN-TWA-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks141
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Exploitation Analysis (EXP)Analyzes collected information to identify vulnerabilities and potential for exploitation.Exploitation AnalystCollaborates to identify access and collection gaps that can be satisfied through cyber collection and/or preparation activities. Leverages all authorized resources and analytic techniques to penetrate targeted networks.AN-EXP-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks121
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All-Source Analysis (ASA)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.All-Source AnalystAnalyzes 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. AN-ASA-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks111
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Mission Assessment SpecialistDevelops 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.AN-ASA-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks112
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Targets (TGT)Applies current knowledge of one or more regions, countries, non-state entities, and/or technologies.Target DeveloperPerforms target system analysis, builds and/or maintains electronic target folders to include inputs from environment preparation, and/or internal or external intelligence sources. Coordinates with partner target activities and intelligence organizations, and presents candidate targets for vetting and validation.AN-TGT-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks131
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Target Network AnalystConducts advanced analysis of collection and open-source data to ensure target continuity; to profile targets and their activities; and develop techniques to gain more target information. Determines how targets communicate, move, operate and live based on knowledge of target technologies, digital networks, and the applications on them.AN-TGT-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks132
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Language Analysis (LNG)Applies language, cultural, and technical expertise to support information collection, analysis, and other cybersecurity activities.Multi-Disciplined Language AnalystApplies language and culture expertise with target/threat and technical knowledge to process, analyze, and/or disseminate intelligence information derived from language, voice and/or graphic material. Creates and maintains language-specific databases and working aids to support cyber action execution and ensure critical knowledge sharing. Provides subject matter expertise in foreign language-intensive or interdisciplinary projects. AN-LNG-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks151
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COLLECT and OPERATE (CO) - Provides specialized denial and deception operations and collection of cybersecurity information that may be used to develop intelligence.
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Collection Operations (CLO)Executes collection using appropriate strategies and within the priorities established through the collection management process.All Source-Collection ManagerIdentifies collection authorities and environment; incorporates priority information requirements into collection management; develops concepts to meet leadership's intent. Determines capabilities of available collection assets, identifies new collection capabilities; and constructs and disseminates collection plans. Monitors execution of tasked collection to ensure effective execution of the collection plan.CO-CLO-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks311
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All Source-Collection Requirements ManagerEvaluates collection operations and develops effects-based collection requirements strategies using available sources and methods to improve collection. Develops, processes, validates, and coordinates submission of collection requirements. Evaluates performance of collection assets and collection operations.CO-CLO-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks312
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Cyber Operational Planning (OPL)Performs in-depth joint targeting and cybersecurity planning process. Gathers information and develops detailed Operational Plans and Orders supporting requirements. Conducts strategic and operational-level planning across the full range of operations for integrated information and cyberspace operations.Cyber Intel PlannerDevelops detailed intelligence plans to satisfy cyber operations requirements. Collaborates with cyber operations planners to identify, validate, and levy requirements for collection and analysis. Participates in targeting selection, validation, synchronization, and execution of cyber actions. Synchronizes intelligence activities to support organization objectives in cyberspace.CO-OPL-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks331
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Cyber Ops PlannerDevelops detailed plans for the conduct or support of the applicable range of cyber operations through collaboration with other planners, operators and/or analysts. Participates in targeting selection, validation, synchronization, and enables integration during the execution of cyber actions.CO-OPL-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks332
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Partner Integration PlannerWorks to advance cooperation across organizational or national borders between cyber operations partners. Aids the integration of partner cyber teams by providing guidance, resources, and collaboration to develop best practices and facilitate organizational support for achieving objectives in integrated cyber actions.CO-OPL-003Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks333
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Cyber Operations (OPS)Performs activities to gather evidence on criminal or foreign intelligence entities to mitigate possible or real-time threats, protect against espionage or insider threats, foreign sabotage, international terrorist activities, or to support other intelligence activities.Cyber OperatorConducts collection, processing, and/or geolocation of systems to exploit, locate, and/or track targets of interest. Performs network navigation, tactical forensic analysis, and, when directed, executes on-net operations.CO-OPS-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks321
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INVESTIGATE (IN) - Investigates cybersecurity events or crimes related to information technology (IT) systems, networks, and digital evidence
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Cyber Investigation (INV)Applies tactics, techniques, and procedures for a full range of investigative tools and processes to include, but not limited to, interview and interrogation techniques, surveillance, counter surveillance, and surveillance detection, and appropriately balances the benefits of prosecution versus intelligence gathering.Cyber Crime InvestigatorIdentifies, collects, examines, and preserves evidence using controlled and documented analytical and investigative techniques.IN-INV-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks221
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Digital Forensics (FOR)Collects, processes, preserves, analyzes, and presents computer-related evidence in support of network vulnerability mitigation and/or criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.Law Enforcement /CounterIntelligence Forensics AnalystConducts detailed investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, to include digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents.IN-FOR-001Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks211
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Cyber Defense Forensics AnalystAnalyzes digital evidence and investigates computer security incidents to derive useful information in support of system/network vulnerability mitigation.IN-FOR-002Click to view KSAsClick to view Tasks212
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