Vulnerability research VURE

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Conducting applied research to discover, evaluate and mitigate new or unknown security vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

SFIA 9 is in development

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

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Moving to SFIA 9

There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.

An addition to the guidance notes - 'researching new or emerging cryptographic vulnerabilities'
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles
SFIA 8 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use
Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change

Guidance notes

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A security vulnerability is a weakness, flaw or error found within a security system that has the potential to be leveraged by an external agent to compromise a secure system.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

researching new threats, attack vectors, risks and potential solutions
researching new or emerging cryptographic vulnerabilities
reverse engineering hardware or software
applying tools such as disassemblers, debuggers and fuzzers
analysing embedded devices
developing techniques and tools to analyse and expose vulnerabilities
designing new vulnerability discovery techniques
sharing mitigation techniques with relevant stakeholders.

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:

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

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 research: 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)

Assists with vulnerability research tasks under routine supervision.

Helps document and report findings from vulnerability research activities.

Vulnerability research: 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.

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Applies standard techniques and tools for vulnerability research.

Uses available resources to update knowledge of relevant specialism.

Participates in research communities.

Analyses and reports on activities and results.

Vulnerability research: 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.

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Designs and executes complex vulnerability research activities.

Specifies requirements for environment, data, resources and tools to perform assessments.

Reviews test results and modifies tests if necessary. Creates reports to communicate methodology, findings and conclusions. Advises on deception methods by exploiting identified patterns.

Makes an active contribution to research communities.

Vulnerability research: 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

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Plans and manages vulnerability research activities.

Maintains a strong external network in the area of vulnerability research. Gathers information on new and emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Assesses and documents the impacts and threats to the organisation. Creates reports and shares knowledge and insights with stakeholders.

Providing expert advice and guidance to support the adoption of tools and techniques for vulnerability research. Contributes to the development of organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for vulnerability research and assessment.

Vulnerability research: 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.

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Plans and leads the organisation’s approach to vulnerability research.

Identifies new and emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Maintains a strong external network. Takes a leading part in external-facing professional activities to facilitate information gathering and set the scope of research work.

Engages with, and influences, relevant stakeholders to communicate results of research and the required response.

Develops organisational policies and guidelines for monitoring emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

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

Small change Guidance notes only New level