Cyber Training: Developing the Next Generation of Cyber Analysts

Cyber Training
Developing the Next Generation of Cyber Analysts

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Table of Contents

The Crisis Moment .............................................................1

The Cyber Skills Gap ..........................................................1

Developing a World-Class Cyber Workforce .........................2

Emulating the Medical Model........................................2

Aligning Training with Mission Goals ..............................2

Keeping Pace in the Tech Race ......................................5

Connecting the Dots in Cyber Space..............................6

Conclusion.........................................................................8

About Booz Allen ................................................................9

Principal Offices ................................................ Back Cover

Cyber Training:
Developing the Next Generation of Cyber Analysts
The Crisis Moment More sophisticated, complex, and powerful than any
piece of malware to date, Stuxnet is essentially a “cyber
You’re a government technology leader responsible for missile” and a chilling reminder of the digital threats
protecting the systems that power critical infrastructure that nations face in the information age. Our enemies
across your entire jurisdiction—but you’ve never seen are less hindered by borders, cost, and availability
anything like this. of weapons than at any point in our history. Previous
methods of attack—like bombs or missiles—could only
A piece of malware has infected a power plant that
be executed by a select few. By contrast, cyber attacks
delivers electricity to millions of citizens, and it’s not
only require a certain amount of expertise and access to
interested in stealing information or spying—it’s built
a computer, and the anonymity of the cyber environment
to inflict physical damage. This super worm has taken
lowers the risk of retaliation. Our national security
control of the plant’s automated factory control system
experts used to worry about rogue individual hackers,
and is now calling the shots. Service interruptions have
but now they are facing threats from malware developers
already begun, but you’re more worried about the safety
who are supported by governments and other political
of your citizens. If it’s capable of crossing the digital
organizations capable of devoting significant resources
divide and manipulating actual plant processes, what
to the creation of more intricate cyber weaponry.
else is it capable of?
The bad news is that as the threat evolves, the stakes
The malware has infected the plant’s IT infrastructure
get higher. The world’s citizens are increasingly reliant
without any action by internal personnel—nobody
on IT systems to deliver essential services like energy,
downloaded a rogue link. You’ve got your best
communications, and healthcare. Critical infrastructure
cybersecurity experts conducting analysis, but time is
networks are more connected than ever before, and we
running short. Do they possess the necessary cyber
share vast amounts of information online. As our society
skills required for an effective response?
becomes more dependent on information technology,
cybersecurity becomes absolutely essential, and the
The Cyber Skills Gap United States needs more cybersecurity professionals
It would be comforting if the example above was with the skills required to defend our citizens against
hypothetical, but the description mirrors the Stuxnet these emerging threats.
computer super worm that was discovered in 2010.
Part of the solution involves identifying and recruiting
Stuxnet marks a transformative leap in cyber warfare,
top thinkers into the field of cybersecurity, but the
as a weapon capable of destroying physical assets. It is
more immediate challenge is ensuring that cyber
known to have infected tens of thousands of computers
professionals have access to the training and
across the globe, seeking out targeted industrial
information they need to keep their cyber intelligence
systems. In November of that same year, Iran’s
analysis skills relevant and effective. Due to the rapidly
president confirmed that the worm halted activities
evolving nature of the threat, education and training
critical to the country’s uranium enrichment program.1
must be continuous, and this document focuses on

1
Ashford, Warwick, “Iran confirms Stuxnet hit uranium enrichment
centrifuges.” ComputerWeekly.com, November 30, 2010,
www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/11/30/244264/Iran-confirms-
Stuxnet-hit-uranium-enrichment-centrifuges.htm (accessed 11 Feb. 2011)

1

strategies and best practices for developing a cyber enemy, and understand the cyber tactics that an enemy
force that maintains America’s position as a global may employ to achieve its ends.
leader in the information age.
Emulating the Medical Model
The medical profession can serve as a helpful guide
Developing a World-Class Cyber Workforce in building a comprehensive, well-rounded cyber force.
The United States must begin developing a different Medicine, like cybersecurity, is a rapidly changing,
kind of cyber analyst. Current cyber training is typically complex field. Every day, new viruses are discovered,
focused on the technical skills required to identify new treatments are developed, and practitioners must
and respond to cyber threats. While those skills are consistently incorporate the latest thinking into patient
essential, they are only effective when implemented care. The medical profession also strives to be proactive
within the broader context of intelligence analysis. It’s rather than reactive, focusing research on prevention as
not enough to know how to take down a network, or well as prescription.
prevent an intrusion. Today’s cyber analyst must be able The world of cyber is very similar, as analysts are
to “connect the dots”—anticipating where threats could constantly challenged by new technology, (e.g.,
potentially originate from and understanding the broader, worms), new vulnerabilities, and emerging enemies.
strategic implications of a cyber response. While It’s unreasonable to expect a single cyber analyst
necessary, technical skills alone are insufficient without to be trained to respond to the incredible variety of
the analytical skills required to develop a holistic threat threats that exist, but at the same time, there are
picture and a proactive cyber strategy. some foundational skills that all cyber pros should
It really comes down to understanding what our enemies possess. The goal is a cyber force comprised of general
want, and how they think. The United States needs practitioners, specialists, and emergency responders.
cyber professionals capable of anticipating attacks The medical model shows that creating an effective
based on the attacker’s motivation and culture. So force in a constantly evolving field requires continuous
what do our enemies want? Ideas are a highly sought training. Doctors, surgeons, and nurses are required
after commodity in the digital age. Some attackers to stay up to date on current treatment methods, and
are attempting to steal trade secrets for economic much of this is done through rigorous qualifications,
gain. Others want to gain access to national security accreditations, and certifications that have been
information. Still others are looking to bring down established within the profession. The cyber community
networks and halt critical infrastructure processes can achieve the same results using a similar model, but
as a show of intimidation or terrorism. Defending our the challenge lies in identifying the skills analysts must
country’s most critical assets requires a force of possess to ensure training initiatives align with current
all-source intelligence analysts that also possess the mission goals.
skills and competencies to operate within modern cyber
warfare. We need professionals who can recognize why Aligning Training with Mission Goals
an agency, network, or data set would be a target to an Too often, our top cyber certifications focus solely on
technical competencies, and don’t incorporate the

2
Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS Commission on
Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency, A Human Capital Crisis in Cybersecurity,
November 2010, http://csis.org/files/publication/101111_Evans_
HumanCapital_Web.pdf

2

“There are about 1,000 security people
in the US who have the specialized
security skills to operate effectively in
cyberspace. We need 10,000 to 30,000.”

– Jim Gosler,
Sandia Fellow,
NSA Visiting Scientist5

3

structured analytical training techniques that produce structured analytical techniques designed to develop
cyber analysts capable of “big picture” thinking. We necessary critical thinking skills. We understand that
need to reexamine the processes we use to teach our government needs a new type of cyber analyst—one
cyber professionals how to think. capable of taking technical intelligence and merging it
with traditional intelligence to produce a holistic threat
There have been many independent attempts by
picture. Booz Allen is currently guiding several federal
well-meaning organizations within the government to
agencies through this process—building critical thinking
establish training standards, position descriptions, and
skills through 23 distinct analytical techniques that
certifications around cyber, but these disparate attempts
incorporate immersive, active learning exercises. During
lack uniformity and have led to confusion. In fact, the
the process of building both technical and analytical
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
general practitioner skills, we also offer specialist
Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency
courses focused on developing regional expertise.
found that not only is the current system inadequate, it’s
Analysts use these courses to develop an understanding
also dangerous.3 Organizations are spending resources
of the historical, cultural, and religious influences that
on training initiatives that aren’t improving analysts’
impact the way our enemies think, what they value, and
abilities to address threats, and these credentials are
how they might engage in cyber warfare.
creating a false sense of security within the industry.
In support of these efforts, Booz Allen is using its
These are extremely distressing findings for the cyber
Cyber University to increase the cyber talent pool
community and a clear indication that analysts need
for government agencies. The Cyber University has
access to more effective training methods that leverage
evolved into boot camps, advanced training and
best practices based on current industry research.
mentoring programs, and technical certifications where
That’s where Booz Allen Hamilton comes in. cyber professionals can acquire new competencies.
Booz Allen’s own consultants have the opportunity to
For decades, Booz Allen has engaged in defining cyber
learn about new tools and strategies, allowing them
roles and competencies with government agencies
to stay ahead of emerging cyber trends, threats, and
like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Office
innovations and to better serve clients. Our training,
of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and
education and performance support (TEPS) community
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We know the
of practice includes over 1,400 learning professionals,
challenges that our cyber clients are facing, we know the
providing learning and education support services
competency gaps, and we know how to conduct cyber
worldwide. We leverage their knowledge of the latest
training that gets results.
tools, technologies, and skills to meet current and future
To guide organizations through the process of government mission requirements.
becoming “cyber ready” we’ve developed the Cyber
Keeping Pace in the Tech Race
People Readiness Suite, which is a modular approach
The cybersecurity landscape has changed rapidly
for building a next-generation cyber workforce. Our
over the past decade, and the obsolescence curve is
methodology combines the latest technical training with

3
Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS Commission
on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency, A Human Capital Crisis in
Cybersecurity, November 2010, http://csis.org/files/publication/101111_
Evans_HumanCapital_Web.pdf

5

unrelenting. Threats have evolved through technology assurance roles within the defense industry. Today’s
innovation, and cyber professionals are being challenged COTS solutions are scalable, customizable, focused on
to keep pace. Security experts used to worry about cutting-edge cyber topics, and offer great value when
viruses taking down systems or monitoring networks to training large teams. They are particularly effective for
obtain valuable information. Now cyber analysts must developing those foundational, general practitioner
prepare for the next generation of super worms like technical skills that all analysts need to have. COTS
Stuxnet, capable of controlling and manipulating physical solutions work on the technical front because technical
technology processes. skills are more cut and dry, and easier to test. The real
challenge lies in developing highly-complex problem
When new threats like Stuxnet emerge, the cyber
solving abilities and threat detection techniques,
community will be forced to act quickly. “Just-in-time”
because the United States needs cyber analysts, not
training will be replaced by “just-invented” training
just technical security experts.
created in response to a specific emerging threat. To
go back to our medical analogy, teams of emergency Connecting the Dots in Cyber Space
responders will need to be created to quickly Our clients are finding that their analysts need a richer
understand these increasingly complex attacks. But, skill set. They need professionals with advanced
there are still general practitioner technical skills and networking skills who can also conduct an all-source
previously identified threat detection techniques in intelligence analysis. They need people capable of
which all analysts will need to be proficient in. building contextual connections within highly complex
Regardless of functional area, mission or title, information environments and making timely, informed
competencies in network architecture, network security, decisions based on that data. They need analysts
information assurance, and Web technology will serve with critical thinking skills who understand the way
as foundational knowledge across cyber roles. our enemies are attacking systems and possess the
Specialists in digital forensics, cloud computing, ability to write credible reports based on those findings.
hacking methodology, and secure coding will also They need people capable of leading interagency
continue to be in high demand. For updating, refreshing, collaboration efforts and facilitating information sharing
and building these technical security skills, existing best practices. We’ve reached a tipping point within the
commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) training offerings can be cyber community—we need a different kind of analyst.
extremely effective.
So how do we create the twenty-first century cyber pro?
The SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security (SANS) Institute, It all starts with learning how to think, and establishing a
a leading provider of information security training, culture that values analytical reasoning and the ability to
certification, and research provides high quality, off-the- see things from alternative perspectives.
shelf technical certification solutions that have proven
It sounds so fundamental, but thinking analytically
successful in the past. And for technical training, why
is a skill that can be taught, learned, and improved
reinvent the wheel? Some of these courses are currently
with practice.4 In the world of intelligence, the key to
being used to satisfy requirements within DoD Directive
success is processing information as accurately as
8570, which identifies key training for information

4
Heuer Jr., Richards, J., The Psychology of Intelligence Analysis, Center for the
Study of Intelligence, Pherson Associates, 1999.

6

possible in order to make informed strategic decisions. Exhibit 1 | Analytical Techniques for Improved
To do this, cyber analysts must understand the science The Science of Decision-Making
Analysis
of analysis, while recognizing the limitations of the Group Exercises

human mind.5 Between past experiences, education, Key
Devil’s Advocacy
Assumptions Check
and cultural values, we all bring certain biases and
List and review the key working Challenging a single strongly held view or
mental constructs to the process of evaluating complex assumptions on which fundamental
judgments rest
consensus by building the best possible
case for an alternative explanation
problems. This becomes a challenge for intelligence
Quality of
analysts when these existing biases lead to premature Information Check
Team A/Team B

or incorrect assumptions. We tend to perceive what we Evaluates the completeness and Use of separate analytic teams that
soundness of information sources
expect to perceive, which can hinder our ability to get at contrast two or more strongly held views

the truth. For analysts, this process is made even more
Deception Detection Red Team Analysis
complicated by the fact that there is often organizational
Systemic use of checklists to determine Models the behavior of an individual
pressure to be “consistent” with interpretations. So when deception actually may be present or group by trying to replicate how an
and how to avoid being deceived adversary would think about an issue
analysts are encouraged, both internally and externally,
to maintain original analyses, even in the face of new
evidence. We know these things about the way the Anticipate Potential Actions

human mind works, and it’s important to teach Source: Booz Allen Hamilton

analytical techniques that counterbalance these
inherent weaknesses.6 truly understand motivation, analysts must thoroughly
understand the cultures that shape enemy thinking.
Unfortunately, this is where COTS offerings fall short.
Analytical skills are best developed through interactive, To help build regional cyber specialists, Booz Allen has
immersive training experiences. In other words, you created customized training courses that examine the
can’t learn this stuff from a book. At Booz Allen, we’ve history, government, education, geography, religion, and
found success in a number of group exercises and “war existing military theories that shape thinking in strategic
games” that force analysts to question the fundamental regions across the globe. To understand Pakistan,
basis of their interpretations. Some examples are listed analysts need more than information on Pakistan, they
in Exhibit 1. need to understand the mental models, mind-sets,
biases, and analytical assumptions that Pakistani
The Red Team Analysis and Deception Detection
citizens bring to complex global issues. An analyst can
exercises bring up another key challenge that cyber
only anticipate potential actions when he or she is able
analysts face—understanding the motivations of our
to view the world as a potential enemy does.
enemies. It’s common for all people to project their
own cultural values onto other societies in order to These complex analytical skills can’t be measured
make sense of them. Unfortunately, in the intelligence through a multiple choice test. Critical thinking is
gathering world, this can result in misperceptions and enhanced by placing analysts in real-world scenarios
misunderstandings. Foreign behaviors can often appear involving rapidly changing threat data that demands a
irrational through an American lens, and in order to

5,6
Heuer Jr., Richards, J., The Psychology of Intelligence Analysis, Center for the
Study of Intelligence, Pherson Associates, 1999.

7

nuanced response. There are many emerging tactics All training tactics must be constantly evaluated for
that have been proven to achieve significant results, effectiveness and their ability to demonstrably improve
including simulations, war games, social media skills that support mission goals, but it’s clear that
tools, collaboration, case study reenactments, and the cyber community must place more emphasis on
board games. But, threat analysis is only one part analytical skills such as critical thinking, problem
of the process. These exercises must also simulate solving, stakeholder management, and communications.
the management and strategic implementation As analytical training evolves and matures, meaningful
of communications strategies between relevant certifications and more relevant university degree
stakeholders. Today’s cyber leaders not only have to programs must be developed to reinforce best practices.
be capable of identifying threats, but also leading and
orchestrating coordinated responses to cyber events.
Exhibit 2 | Developing a Next Generation Cyber Analyst
Our clients are looking for customized analytical training Cyber Technical
IMPROVED SKILLS
Training
exercises that prepare cyber personnel to deal with Support Mission Goals

Regional Expertise
practical, current, real-world situations. Booz Allen works Training/Studies

closely with agency training departments to create All Source Analytic and
Critical Thinking Training

exercises that prepare analysts for today’s security
threats, but academia plays a strong role here, as well. University Education

One example comes from the Center for Information
Systems Security Studies and Research (CISR) at the
TRAINING
Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). NPS has developed Tactics

“CyberCIEGE,”7 a cutting-edge 3D video game in which
players construct a networked computing system and Source: Booz Allen Hamilton

defend it against a variety of attacks.

Simulations like CyberCIEGE are part of the next wave Conclusion
of learning solutions in the cyber community, and the The information age has redefined the way we think
emergence of social media has a role to play, as well. about warfare. In this new cyber environment, the
Analysts need to communicate with other analysts that United States requires leaders that possess both the
have experienced complex cyber threat situations and analytical skills of a traditional intelligence analyst, and
exchange valuable intelligence on best practices. Chat the technical skills of a cybersecurity expert. Building
rooms, forums, and Wikis are all tools that can rapidly a cyber force with this unique skill set will require an
expand the collective knowledge base of the entire cyber evolution in training methodology, and the creation of
community. There is no replacement for experience, a culture that values critical thinking. The challenge is
which is why Booz Allen training consultants base great and the stakes have never been higher, so let us
exercises on real-world events and map decisions to work with you to build your team of next-generation
actual consequences. cyber analysts.

8

About Booz Allen Hamilton
Booz Allen Hamilton has been at the forefront of Booz Allen is headquartered in McLean, Virginia,
strategy and technology consulting for nearly a century. employs more than 25,000 people, and has annual
Today, the firm is a major provider of professional revenues of over $5 billion. Fortune has named
services primarily to US government agencies in Booz Allen one of its “100 Best Companies to Work For”
the defense, intelligence, and civil sectors, as well for six consecutive years. Working Mother has ranked
as to corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit the firm among its “100 Best Companies for Working
organizations. Booz Allen offers clients deep Mothers” annually since 1999. More information is
functional knowledge spanning strategy and available at www.boozallen.com.
organization, technology, engineering and operations,
To see how Booz Allen can help your cybersecurity
and analytics—which it combines with specialized
workforce effort, please contact one of our consultants:
expertise in clients’ mission and domain areas to help
solve their toughest problems. Michael Parmentier
Principal
The firm’s management consulting heritage is the
parmentier_michael@bah.com
basis for its unique collaborative culture and operating
703/984-0081
model, enabling Booz Allen to anticipate needs and
opportunities, rapidly deploy talent and resources, and Lee Ann Timreck
deliver enduring results. By combining a consultant’s Principal
problem-solving orientation with deep technical timreck_lee_ann@bah.com
knowledge and strong execution, Booz Allen helps 703/984-0096
clients achieve success in their most critical missions— Grey Burkhart
as evidenced by the firm’s many client relationships that Senior Associate
span decades. Booz Allen helps shape thinking and burkhart_grey@bah.com
prepare for future developments in areas of national 703/377-6822
importance, including cybersecurity, homeland security,
healthcare, and information technology.

9

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Huntsville Honolulu Omaha 210/244-4200
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VIRGINIA
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619/725-6500
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415/391-1900
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MARYLAND OHIO
434/973-2722
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Colorado Springs 410/297-2500 937/781-2800 Falls Church
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OKLAHOMA
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850/469-8898 410/684-6500 Norfolk
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The most complete, recent list of offices and their addresses and telephone numbers can be found on
www.boozallen.com.

©2011 Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.

Cyber Training: Developing the Next Generation of Cyber Analysts

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