Applied research

Skill definition

Applied research is the understanding and application of research methods to assure and maintain best practice within an organisation. The principles of applied research are vulnerability research and discovery. They lead to the development of exploits; reverse engineering and researching mitigation bypasses; cryptographic research leading to the assessment of existing algorithms; and the use of existing knowledge in experimental development to produce new or substantially improved devices, products and processes.

Awareness

Describes the basic principles of applied research and how it applies to security
Conducts basic applied research under supervision
Understands the principles of applied research in information security and may have undertaken some directed practical examples in a training environment

Working

Explains the principal requirements of applied research and applies methods correctly
Conducts basic applied research without supervision, e.g. leading to the development of simple exploits or an assessment of an existing cryptographic algorithm

Practitioner

Explains the principal requirements of applied research and applies methods correctly
Conducts basic applied research without supervision, e.g. leading to the development of simple exploits or an assessment of an existing cryptographic algorithm

Expert

Leads applied research activities for an organisation
Undertakes advanced research
Helps an organisation adopt a wide range of research methods
Leads a community of practice to help an organisation continually assure, improve and innovate their research