Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:10 PM AWST

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Implement security for applications

Implement security for applications

Unit of competency
National Code
ICAPRG507A
State Code
D8022
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/07/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/11/2011
Field of Education
020103 - Programming
Original Release Date
04/11/2011
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement security for software applications. It includes code access security, security access control, cryptographic and secure input and output handling.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Implement policy-based code-access security in an application
  • 1.1 Demonstrate understanding of the purpose of application security in software development
  • 1.2 Configure platform security configuration files using security configuration tools
  • 1.3 Define a custom code access permission to restrict access to protected resources or run protected operations
2. Implement security access control in an application
  • 2.1 Plan authentication and authorisation strategy
  • 2.2 Develop an appropriate authentication and authorisation strategy for an application
3. Write code to encrypt and decrypt data for secure communication
  • 3.1 Demonstrate understanding of the standard cryptographic algorithms
  • 3.2 Encrypt and decrypt data using standard cryptographic algorithms
4. Protect an application against injections
  • 4.1 Plan secure input and output handling to prevent vulnerabilities related to code injections
  • 4.2 Use secure input and output handling
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Application security may include:
code protection
cryptography
injections
security access control (SAC):
authentication
authorisation.
Security configuration tools may include:
Java Policy Tool (policytool.exe) for setting code and principal-based security policies
.NET security configuration files:
enterprise
machine
user
.NET security configuration tools:
Caspol.exe
Mscorcfg.msc.
Code access permission may include:
file system rights and authorisation
java.security.Permission or java.security.BasicPermission
NET Code Access Permission class.
Authentication and authorisation strategy may include:
certificate management
login mechanism
membership provider
role-based security
user access control (UAC)
web service rights and authentication.
Cryptographic algorithms may include:
asymmetric
hashes
password-based encryption
signatures
symmetric.
Secure input and output handling may include:
escaping
input encoding
input validation
output encoding
parameterised structured query language (SQL) queries.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
create secure applications
plan security strategies
ensure safe communications
prevent security attacks.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
security configuration tools
software development environment
testing and debugging tools
network resources
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
modified equipment for people with special needs.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:
application security concepts
cryptographic algorithms
application protection against injections
evaluation of candidate’s ability to:
create secure code and perform security configurations
apply secure communications
protect data and code.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.
In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUV80 ICTPRG507 Implement security for applications Unit of competency