The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Security operations SCAD

(new)

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

This is a prototype for SFIA 9.

  • Identity and access management has been split from Security operations to become a skill on it's own.
  • For SFIA 9 - Security operations has been edited with additional indicators and updated guidance notes.  

Disclaimer - prototypes/new skills may be substantially modified prior to launch or may never be released.

Guidance notes

(modified)

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

  • providing advice and guidance on the implementation and enforcement of security controls, including proactive cloud security measures.
  • 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. E.g.  automatic patching, vulnerability scanning, and rapid response to common threats.
  • acting on threat intelligence to proactively address potential security threats, and 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.
  • administering cryptographic and certificate management activities.
  • using advanced reporting techniques for comprehensive security oversight and informed decision-making.

Levels

Defined at these levels: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Security operations: Level 1

(modified)

Performs simple security administration tasks. Maintains relevant records and documentation, contributing to overall data integrity

Actively gains understanding of broader security operations by observing and learning from experienced colleagues.

Security operations: Level 2

(modified)

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

Assists in the investigation and resolution of issues relating to security systems using basic diagnostoc 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

(modified)

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 ensure system integrity and operational continuity.

Security operations: Level 4

(modified)

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 digiutal 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

(modified)

Oversees the adherence to and effectiveness of security operations procedures, including cloud security practices and automated threat responses.

Reviews actual or potential security breaches and vulnerabilities and ensures that 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

(modified)

Develops comprehensive policies, standards, processes, guidelines for organisational security, including automated systems and cloud environments.

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.

Security operations: Level 7

This skill is not typically observed when working at this level of responsibility.