Threat Analysis and Defence

Identifying, analysing, and understanding potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities, and designing, implementing, and managing defensive measures to mitigate risks.

Proficiency Level

Level 1 (Follow)

  • Follows established procedures for reporting suspicious emails, websites, or unusual system behaviour observed.
  • Understands basic types of common cyber threats (e.g., malware, phishing) based on training.
  • Adheres to security policies designed as basic defensive measures.

Level 2 (Assist)

  • Assists security analysts in gathering information about specific known threats or vulnerabilities from predefined sources (e.g., security advisories, vulnerability databases).
  • Helps monitor security tool dashboards (e.g., antivirus console, basic logs) for alerts related to known threats under guidance.
  • Supports the application of predefined patches or basic configuration changes as part of vulnerability remediation.

Level 3 (Apply)

  • Analyses specific threat intelligence reports or vulnerability scan results to understand potential threats relevant to the organisation's environment.
  • Assesses the potential impact and likelihood of specific threats or vulnerabilities within their area of responsibility.
  • Implements standard defensive measures or configurations (e.g., applying security patches, configuring firewall rules based on requests, tuning basic security tool settings).

Level 4 (Ensure)

  • Conducts in-depth analysis of complex threats, attack vectors, and organisational vulnerabilities using various techniques (e.g., threat modelling, detailed vulnerability analysis).
  • Designs, implements, and manages effective defensive strategies and security controls (technical and procedural) to mitigate identified risks.
  • Leads incident response activities related to specific analysed threats, coordinating defensive actions.
  • Continuously evaluates and improves the effectiveness of existing defences against evolving threats.

Level 5 (Strategise)

  • Develops the organisation's overall strategy for proactive threat analysis, vulnerability management, and cyber defence.
  • Establishes threat modelling frameworks and integrates threat analysis into the system development lifecycle and risk management processes.
  • Directs strategic defence initiatives (e.g., implementing advanced security architectures, developing custom detection capabilities) based on analysis of the threat landscape and organisational risk posture.