Now On-Demand
Module CSFI-01 · ICWOD

Introduction to Cyber Warfare & Operations Design

Learn the core set of skills needed to design and plan for cyberspace operations at all levels of the planning spectrum.

Learn from your computer, phone, or tablet. Anywhere, anytime. Earn your certificate from the leaders in cyberspace operations planning training.

$1,795 / student
· Certificate of Completion · CapTech Endorsed
Military cyber planners designing a cyberspace operation around a planning table
Operations Design Conceptual · Functional · Detailed
Course Overview

Design and Plan Full-Spectrum Cyberspace Operations

This course provides a basic understanding of full-spectrum cyberspace operations; the complexities of the cyberspace environment; and planning, organizing, and integrating cyber ops. The course consists of presentations and exercises that teach students how to design a cyberspace operations plan and bring it to fruition.

Presented with an international conflict scenario, students are guided through a series of cascading exercises for conceptual, functional, and detailed planning. Following the design concept for problem framing, students utilize the commander's intent to plan toward the desired end state. In the course conclusion, students will have an appreciation for the planning process and a fundamental understanding of how to plan for cyberspace operations.

Cyberspace Operations Planning· International Conflict Scenario· Hands-On Exercises
Course at a Glance
Tuition
$1,795 / student
Format
100% On-Demand, self-paced
Access
Computer, phone, or tablet
Credential
ICWOD Certificate of Completion
Labs
6 exercises + ROC Drill + TTX + Capstone
Endorsed By
Capitol Technology University
Register for ICWOD

Special group discounts may apply

Watch the Video

Hear Why ICWOD Sets the Standard

A former Office of Naval Research (ONR) Science Advisor talks about the rigorous CSFI CyberOps training course that will help you succeed in your cyber career.

Dr. Roger W. Kuhn Jr. · CSFI Advisory Director · former ONR Science Advisor

Is This the Right Course?

Built by Cyber Operations Professionals, for Real-World Impact

Developed exclusively for the Cyber Security Forum Initiative (CSFI) by professionals with experience in military cyberspace operations, this course provides an introduction to cyber operations in the context of cyber warfare and the accompanying planning process. While this course includes a military scenario and doctrine, the concepts learned can be applied to virtually any organization with a cyber environment.

CSFI is highly invested in protecting American national security in cyberspace and is proud to provide cyberspace operations training to American entities, as well as foreign allies and partners in support of interoperability.

Prerequisites: While not a prerequisite, students of this course would benefit from a basic understanding of cyber fundamentals.

Who Should Attend

Designed for Leaders, Planners & Practitioners

From commanders and information-operations officers to analysts, engineers, and consultants, ICWOD equips the full spectrum of the cyber workforce.

Anyone interested in cyber warfare / cyber operations
Anyone looking to expand a cyber-security career
Military Commanders
Information-Operations Officers
Information Security / Assurance Professionals
Cyber-Security Consultants
Cyber Planners
Military Members (J2, J3, J5, J6, J9)
Security Analysts
Network-Security Engineers
Penetration Testers
Auditors
Government Officials
Security Engineers
What You Will Learn

Eight Core Competencies

01

Understanding the Cyberspace Environment and Design

Frame the operating environment, the layers of cyberspace, and the OSI model as the foundation for operational design.

02

Cyberspace Strategies

Operate, defend, and secure networks through intelligence-driven, proactive defense and hunting methodologies.

03

Cyberspace Operations Integration

Fuse intelligence and commander's intent to integrate cyber effects into joint operations.

04

Building Cyber Warriors and Cyber Corps

Apply the warrior corps concept to posture, build, and develop the cyber workforce.

05

Designing Cyber-Related Commands

Translate environment understanding into task organizations across every level of planning.

06

Training and Readiness for Cyber Operations

Develop mission-essential tasks and sustain readiness through deliberate exercise planning.

07

Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill

Walk the plan end to end to validate synchronization before execution.

08

Tabletop Exercise (TTX)

Stress-test decisions against a live scenario to refine the operational approach.

Course Outline

A Complete Cyberspace Operations Curriculum

Eight progressive modules carry students from framing the cyberspace environment through integrated, rehearsed, and exercised operational plans. Select a module to expand its topics.

01 Understanding the Cyberspace Environment and Design
  • Defining Cyberspace
  • Design
  • Environmental Frame
  • Layers of Cyberspace
  • OSI Model
  • Cyberspace and the Warfighting Functions and the Elements of Combat Power
  • Problem Framing
  • Operational Approach
  • Planning Power Words
02 Cyberspace Strategies
  • Operating Networks
  • Information Assurance
  • Defending Networks
  • Network Security
  • Proactive Defense / Hunting
  • Intelligence-Driven CND
  • Intelligence-Driven CND Case Study
  • Cyberspace Operational Methodologies
  • Warfighting Domain
  • Enabling Operation
  • Supporting Operation
03 Cyberspace Operations
  • Defining Cyberspace Operations
  • Network Operations (NetOps)
  • Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO)
  • Offensive Cyberspace Operations (OCO)
  • Operations Models
  • Westphalian Model
  • Global Commons Model
  • Tallinn Manual
  • Operational Methodologies
04 Cyberspace Operations Integration
  • Intelligence-Driven Cyberspace Operations
  • Intent Behind Cyberspace Operations
  • Cyberspace Operations Fusion
  • Cyberspace Operations as a Supporting Function
  • Cyber Unity of Effort Example
  • Cyber Integration into Joint Operations (Example Scenario)
05 Building Cyber Warriors and Cyber Corps
  • Warrior and Warrior Corps Concept
  • Cyber Warrior and Cyber Corps Concept
  • Posturing the Cyber Workforce
06 Designing Cyber-Related Commands
  • Understanding the Operating Environment
  • Levels of Planning: Conceptual, Functional, Detailed
  • Tasks to Functions Alignment
  • Building Task Organizations
07 Training and Readiness for Cyberspace Operations
  • Readiness Concept
  • Mission Essential Tasks (METs)
  • Subordinate Tasks / Battle Tasks
  • Training for Unit Operations
  • Exercise Planning
  • Sustaining Readiness
08 Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill and Tabletop Exercise (TTX)
  • Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill
  • Tabletop Exercise (TTX)
Labs Outline

Apply Every Concept Through Cascading Exercises

A series of hands-on exercises builds a complete operational plan, culminating in a rehearsal of concept, a tabletop exercise, and a capstone report.

Exercise 1
Problem Framing and Operational Design
Exercise 2
Strategy Development
Exercise 3
Cyberspace Operations Development
Exercise 4
Cyberspace Operations Integration
Exercise 5
Command Design
Exercise 6
Mission Essential Task Development
ROC Drill
Rehearsal of Concept
TTX
Tabletop Exercise
Capstone
Capstone Report
Testimonials

Endorsed by American National Security Leaders

"ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT COURSE? Check out CSFI's Operations Design course that puts Cyber Operations (DCO, OCO) into a contingency context. Thought-provoking content."

Michael Groen
LtGen. (Ret.), USMC · CSFI Advisory Director

Former Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (DOD) and former Deputy Chief of Computer Network Operations at the National Security Agency (NSA). LtGen. (Ret.) Groen is one of CSFI's training quality assurance reviewers and validators, and a strong supporter of the CSFI cyberspace operations training and education mission.

LtGen. (Ret.) Michael Groen, USMC, speaking at the Pentagon
Accreditation & Certificate

Endorsed by Capitol Technology University

This course is endorsed by Capitol Technology University (CTU), a designated National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Excellence and a National Center of Academic Excellence.

Certificate of Completion. A beautiful ICWOD certificate of completion, with security features, is issued to students upon successful completion of this course.

National Security Agency, Capitol Technology University, and Department of Homeland Security

Capitol Technology University is a National Center of Academic Excellence

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Complete the form below and a member of the CSFI training team will follow up with enrollment details. Tuition is $1,795 per student; special group discounts may apply.

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