The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Vulnerability assessment VUAS

(unchanged)

Identifying and classifying security vulnerabilities in networks, systems and applications and mitigating or eliminating their impact.

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

Guidance notes

(new)

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • cataloguing and classifying information and technology resources (assets and capabilities) to support vulnerability assessment
  • assigning quantifiable value, rank order and importance to information and technology resources
  • identifying and analysing the vulnerabilities of each resource, manually or using automated tools and information sources
  • prioritising, scoring and ranking the risk associated with vulnerabilities
  • business impact assessment
  • mitigating or eliminating the vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability assessment tools include web application scanners, protocol scanners and network scanners.

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 reponsibilities.

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 with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

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

Levels

Defined at these levels: 2 3 4 5

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

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.

Vulnerability assessment: 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)

Undertakes low-complexity routine vulnerability assessments using automated and semi-automated tools.

Escalates issues where appropriate.

Contributes to documenting the scope and evaluating the results of vulnerability assessments.

Vulnerability assessment: 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)

Follows standard approaches to perform basic vulnerability assessments for small information systems.

Supports creation of catalogues of information and technology assets for vulnerability assessment.

Vulnerability assessment: Level 4

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

(new)

Collates and analyses catalogues of information and technology assets for vulnerability assessment.

Performs vulnerability assessments and business impact analysis for medium complexity information systems.

Contributes to selection and deployment of vulnerability assessment tools and techniques.

Vulnerability assessment: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

(new)

Plans and manages vulnerability assessment activities within the organisation.

Evaluates, selects, and reviews vulnerability assessment tools and techniques.

Provides expert advice and guidance to support the adoption of agreed approaches.

Obtains and acts on vulnerability information and conducts security risk assessments, business impact analysis and accreditation on complex information systems.

Level 6

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

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.