What is the DoD IAT?

The DoD is a highly structured organization with a distinct hierarchy. The overarching structure for IA at the DoD is called the “Information Assurance Workforce, Workforce Improvement Program” (IA WIP). Within this workforce, umbrella are two separate categories called Information Assurance Technical (IAT) and Information Assurance Management (IAM).

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What are the DoD IAT levels?

There are three category levels within the IAT category:

• Level 1: Computing environment information assurance

• Level 2: Network environment information assurance

• Level 3: Enclave, an advanced network, and computer information assurance

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The category levels reflect the system architecture and not the grade of the individual working in that area. Within each level are sublevels that represent the attainment grade of the individual. These attainment levels are:

• Entry-level

• Intermediate

• Advanced

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Each level has a set of functions within it. For example:

• Level 1 has functions such as installing, l and operating IT systems, applying security procedures, and entering assets into a vulnerability management system

• Level 2 has functions such as providing end-user support, managing user accounts, and analyzing system performance

• Level 3 has functions such as lead teams and support actions to mitigate problems and direct operational structures and processes

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Any persons wishing to work within these IAT levels must be certified to the correct level for the function they perform within a category. The IAT categories are cumulative: if you want to work at Level 2, you need to have mastered Level 1.

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How can I identify who’s in the IAT workforce?

Workers in an IAT role have privileged access to one or more category levels in a DoD environment. They also possess the right level of certification and functional requirements of the position. To identify a member of the IAT workforce, the individual needs to have:

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1. Privileged access to a Level 1-3 system: This is achieved by meeting certain requirements, including having the proper certification for that level

2. A position that practices some of the functions required for the level

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Typical entities covered by the IA WIP include:

• Military

• Civilians

• Local nationals

• Non-appropriated fund (NAF) personnel

• Contractors

What are the DoD IAT certifications?

Certification for an IA position must reflect the functions required for the position. An employee has six months from the first assignment of a position or from their start date for new employees to achieve the required DOD 8570 certification (although waivers are possible under certain circumstances).

If the employee is in a combat situation, the individual has to be fully trained and certified before beginning the assignment. Again, certain circumstances can warrant a time-limited waiver. If an individual fails to attain certification within the six-month period, they will not be allowed privileged access, which is a prerequisite for working in an IA role.

The certifications available for an IAT position are:

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Level 1

• A+ CE:  A+ is a basic exam by CompTIA that demonstrates capability in IT system troubleshooting and problem-solving. The Continuing Education exam (CE) demonstrates knowledge of common cybersecurity threats.

• CCNA-Security: Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA) demonstrates you have the skills needed to develop a secure infrastructure and mitigate cyberthreats.

• CND: EC-Council’s Certified Network Defender (CND). The certificate is used to demonstrate knowledge in defensive cyber operations (Blue-Teaming). The CND certification teaches IT professionals about defense mechanisms when protecting IT systems against cyberattacks.

• Network+ CE: This exam demonstrates the practical skills required by an IT network administrator.

• SSCP: Systems Security Certified Practitioner shows you have the skills needed to manage and monitor IT infrastructures and apply security policies.

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Level 2

• CCNA Security: See Level 1.

• CySA+: This is an intermediate-level exam for security professionals focusing on vulnerability and threat analysis.

• GICSP: The Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional demonstrates your knowledge to secure critical infrastructure assets.

• GSEC: GIAC® Security Essentials is a certification exam that demonstrates hands-on IT security capability.

• Security+ CE: Security+ is a CompTIA exam focusing on cybersecurity issues.

• CND: EC-Council’s Certified Network Defender (CND). The certificate is used to demonstrate knowledge in defensive cyber operations (Blue-Teaming). The CND certification teaches IT professionals about defensive mechanisms when protecting IT Systems against cyberattacks.

• SSCP: See Level 1.

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Level 3

• CASP CE: Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) is a CompTIA exam showing your skills in enterprise security operations.

• CCNP Security: Cisco Certified Network Professional shows your skills in configuration, management and maintenance of Cisco infrastructure.

• CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor is an auditing exam by ISACA.

• CISSP (or Associate): The (ISC)2 exam for the status of Certified Information Systems Security Professional.

• GCED: Defense of network protocols, vulnerability assessment, and pen-testing make up the core of this exam.

• GCIH: GIAC® Certified Incident Handler is a certification exam that demonstrates your skill in handling security incidents and understanding vectors and vulnerabilities.