Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:33 PM AWST
22/07/2026 7:33 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Detect and protect from spam and destructive software
Detect and protect from spam and destructive software
Unit of competency
National Code
ICAS2243B
ICAS2243B
State Code
D0184
D0184
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/11/2007
Field of Education
029901 - Security Science
Original Release Date
29/11/2007
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit defines the competency required to reduce the risk of a computer's operation being affected by spam or destructive software.The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:ICAU2005B Operate computer hardwareICAU2006B Operate computing packagesICAU2231B Use a computer operating systemNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Detect and remove destructive software
- 1.1. Define and identify common types of destructivesoftware
- 1.2. Select and install virus protection compatible with the operating system in use
- 1.3. Describe other advanced systems of protection, in order to understand further options
- 1.4. Install software updates on a regular basis
- 1.5. Configure software security settings to prevent destructivesoftware from infecting computer
- 1.6. Run and/or schedule to run virus protection software on a regular basis
- 1.7. Report detected destructive software to appropriate person and remove the destructive software
2. Identify and take action to stop spam
- 2.1. Define and identify common types of spam
- 2.2. Take appropriateaction in regard to spam
- 2.3. Configure and use a spamfilter
- 2.4. Report spam to appropriate organisation
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.
Delete the spam
Block the sender by configuring spam filter.
Unsubscribe from mailing list, if company is reputable
Company that originated the spam message.
Australian Communications Authority (www.aca.gov.au)
Australian Broadcasting Authority (www.aba.gov.au/internet)
Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)
supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client
Linux 7.0 or above
Windows 2000 or above
Apple OS X or above
There are various antivirus software applications available. Some include: McAfee, Panda AntiVirus, Protector Plus Antivirus, Symantec's Norton Antivirus, Command Antivirus, Vet. AMIvirus
Viruses
File viruses
System sector viruses
Macro viruses
Worms
Trojans
Logic bombs
Spyware
Service packs and service releases
Security patches
Automatic online updates
Virus scanning engine updates
Virus definition updates
unsolicited commercial electronic messaging, where electronic messaging covers emails, instant messaging, SMS and other mobile phone messaging, but does not cover normal voice-to-voice communication by telephone.
A formal definition is included in the Spam Act 2003.
Email client filters or rules
Email server filters
Third party filter programs such as:
MailWasher Pro
Spamassassin
Norton Internet Security
Internet browser security settings
Virus protection security settings
Firewall security settings
Operating system security settings
Hardware firewall
Software firewall
Delete the spam
Block the sender by configuring spam filter.
Unsubscribe from mailing list, if company is reputable
Company that originated the spam message.
Australian Communications Authority (www.aca.gov.au)
Australian Broadcasting Authority (www.aba.gov.au/internet)
Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)
supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client
Linux 7.0 or above
Windows 2000 or above
Apple OS X or above
There are various antivirus software applications available. Some include: McAfee, Panda AntiVirus, Protector Plus Antivirus, Symantec's Norton Antivirus, Command Antivirus, Vet. AMIvirus
Viruses
File viruses
System sector viruses
Macro viruses
Worms
Trojans
Logic bombs
Spyware
Service packs and service releases
Security patches
Automatic online updates
Virus scanning engine updates
Virus definition updates
unsolicited commercial electronic messaging, where electronic messaging covers emails, instant messaging, SMS and other mobile phone messaging, but does not cover normal voice-to-voice communication by telephone.
A formal definition is included in the Spam Act 2003.
Email client filters or rules
Email server filters
Third party filter programs such as:
MailWasher Pro
Spamassassin
Norton Internet Security
Internet browser security settings
Virus protection security settings
Firewall security settings
Operating system security settings
Hardware firewall
Software firewall
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 following is essential:
Assessment must confirm the ability to identify, isolate and protect a system from destructive software by installing virus protection and software updates and to identify and take counter-action against SPAM.
To demonstrate this unit of Competency the learner will require access to:
the organisation's applications needs
appropriate software
computer hardware
Context of and specific resources for assessment
The spread of junk email or spam over the internet has the potential to threaten the viability and efficiency of electronic messaging. Together with the circulation of destructive software in the form of viruses and the like, spam damages consumer confidence, obstructs legitimate business activities and imposes costs on users.
This competency is one of a suite of foundation skills necessary for all users of email and internet services.
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge applications where there is a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear. There would generally be limited complexity in the range of operations to be applied.
Assessment must ensure:
Performance of a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes would be characteristic.
Applications may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others as part of a group or team.
Method of assessment
The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.
Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.
Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICAU2005B Operate computer hardware
ICAU2006B Operate computing packages
ICAU2231B Use a computer operating system
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas
apply a defined range of skills
apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems
perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required
assess and record information from varied sources
take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
Assessment must confirm the ability to identify, isolate and protect a system from destructive software by installing virus protection and software updates and to identify and take counter-action against SPAM.
To demonstrate this unit of Competency the learner will require access to:
the organisation's applications needs
appropriate software
computer hardware
Context of and specific resources for assessment
The spread of junk email or spam over the internet has the potential to threaten the viability and efficiency of electronic messaging. Together with the circulation of destructive software in the form of viruses and the like, spam damages consumer confidence, obstructs legitimate business activities and imposes costs on users.
This competency is one of a suite of foundation skills necessary for all users of email and internet services.
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge applications where there is a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear. There would generally be limited complexity in the range of operations to be applied.
Assessment must ensure:
Performance of a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes would be characteristic.
Applications may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others as part of a group or team.
Method of assessment
The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.
Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.
Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICAU2005B Operate computer hardware
ICAU2006B Operate computing packages
ICAU2231B Use a computer operating system
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas
apply a defined range of skills
apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems
perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required
assess and record information from varied sources
take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C8785 | ICAS2243A | Detect and protect from spam and destructive software | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8053 | ICASAS206A | Detect and protect from spam and destructive software | Unit of competency |