Security operations SCAD

Manages and administers security measures, using tools and intelligence to protect assets, ensuring compliance and operational integrity.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Support for cyber security working practices (both specialised and general), Include cryptography, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (updates to skill name/skill description).
Skill split into two skills: Security operations and Identity and access management
Content and/or readability changes have been made to levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping may be impacted by this change. e.g. for Identity and access management

Guidance notes

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

providing advice and guidance on the implementation and enforcement of security controls across all technological environments, including on-premise, cloud-based and automated systems
using security tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) and firewalls, alongside the use of automation to streamline security operations
acting on threat intelligence to proactively address potential security threats
conducting routine vulnerability assessments, monitoring and analysing relevant logs, alerts and events, and responding to incidents submitted via tickets or phone
performing rapid analysis and remediation of security issues
ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, adherence to security policies and maintaining standard security operating procedures
keeping accurate security records and documentation
implementing, managing and monitoring cryptographic and certificate management activities to protect data, ensure compliance and manage cryptographic keys securely
using advanced reporting techniques for comprehensive security oversight and informed decision-making.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Security operations: Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Performs simple security administration tasks.

Maintains relevant records and documentation, contributing to overall data integrity.

Security operations: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Receives and responds to routine requests for security support. Maintains records and effectively communicates actions taken.

Assists in the investigation and resolution of issues relating to security systems using basic diagnostic tools and techniques.

Documents incident and event information and generates reports on exceptions and security events. Contributes to management reporting processes.

Security operations: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Investigates minor security breaches using established procedures, incorporating analytical tools and techniques.

Performs non-standard operational security tasks adapting to evolving technologies and threat landscapes.

Addresses and resolves a variety of security events to maintain system integrity and operational continuity.

Security operations: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Maintains and optimises operational security processes. Checks that all requests for support are dealt with according to established protocols, including for cloud-based and automated systems.

Provides advice on implementing and managing physical, procedural and technical security encompassing both physical and digital assets.

Investigates security breaches in accordance with established procedures using advanced tools and techniques and recommends necessary corrective actions.

Enables effective implementation of recommended security measures and monitors their performance.

Security operations: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Oversees security operations procedures, ensuring adherence and effectiveness, including cloud security practices and automated threat responses.

Reviews actual or potential security breaches and vulnerabilities and ensures they are promptly and thoroughly investigated. Recommends actions and appropriate control improvements.

Ensures the integrity and completeness of security records, ensuring timely support and adherence to established procedures.

Contributes to the creation and maintenance of security policies, standards and procedures integrating new compliance requirements and technology advances.

Security operations: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Develops comprehensive policies, standards, processes and guidelines for organisational security across the entire digital landscape.

Ensures the ongoing relevance and effective implementation of security policies and standards, adapting to emerging technologies and threats.

Reviews and advises on security aspects of new business initiatives considering implications in the evolving digital landscape.

Leads strategic planning for security operations, integrating advanced threat intelligence and automation to enhance organisational resilience.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Large change Split