The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Offensive cyber operations OCOP

(new)

Plans, executes and manages offensive cybersecurity operations, including target selection, electronic target folders and post-operation analysis.

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024.
  • The content of this skill may change before publication.

Guidance notes

(new)

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • developing and executing strategies for offensive cyber operations
  • selecting and profiling targets using intelligence and operational objectives
  • creating and maintaining electronic target folders to organise target information
  • coordinating and managing cyber operations, ensuring operational security
  • evaluating intelligence cost versus operational benefit
  • assessing potential collateral damage, including second and third-order effects
  • conducting post-operation assessments and impact analysis.
  • collaborating with intelligence and security teams to integrate operations with broader objectives.

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.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

2 3 4 5 6

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Offensive cyber 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.

(new)

Supports offensive cyber operations under supervision.

Assists in creating electronic target folders based on provided intelligence.

Participates in basic operational tasks, ensuring adherence to security protocols.

Assists in documenting operations and outcomes, contributing to post-operation reviews.

Offensive cyber 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.

(new)

Carries out specific tasks within offensive cyber operations, ensuring operational tasks align with broader objectives.

Supports the creation and maintenance of electronic target folders, gathering and verifying target information.

Assists in the execution of operations, maintaining operational security.

Prepares detailed reports and participates in post-operation analysis.

Offensive cyber 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.

(new)

Responsible for the execution of offensive cyber operations, including detailed planning and target selection.

Manages the development and updating of electronic target folders, ensuring accuracy and comprehensiveness. Coordinates operational teams, adapting actions based on real-time intelligence.

Ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards during operations. Evaluates collateral damage from targeting activities, including potential second and third-order effects.

Conducts post-operation analyses, assessing impact and recommending improvements.

Offensive cyber 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.

(new)

Leads complex and high-risk offensive cyber operations, overseeing planning, execution and analysis.

Integrates intelligence with operational planning, aligning all actions with organisational objectives. Evaluates the intelligence cost against the operational benefit of engaging targets. Assesses potential collateral damage, including second and third-order effects.

Manages the creation and tactical use of electronic target folders, coordinating with external entities as necessary.

Develops policies and standards for offensive operations, ensuring legal and ethical compliance. Provides expert guidance on offensive capabilities and operational tactics.

Offensive cyber 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.

(new)

Sets the strategic direction and policies for offensive cyber operations within the organisation.

Leads the development and deployment of advanced operational techniques and capabilities. Oversees critical and sensitive operations, ensuring alignment with national or organisational security goals.

Collaborates with senior leadership and external entities on offensive operations. Evaluates intelligence cost versus operational benefit at a strategic level. Assesses and mitigates potential collateral damage.

Evaluates and refines the effectiveness of offensive operations, providing recommendations for future initiatives.

Keywords
New skill Beta 2