Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:35 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:35 AM 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.
Monitor and administer system security
Monitor and administer system security
Unit of competency
National Code
ICAS4119B
ICAS4119B
State Code
D0204
D0204
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
20
Description
This unit defines the competency required to monitor and administer security functions of a system.The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:ICAS4124B Monitor and administer network securityICAT4194B Ensure basic website securityICAT4195B Ensure dynamic website securityNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Ensure user accounts are controlled
- 1.1. Modify default user settings to ensure that they conform to securitypolicy
- 1.2. Modify previously created user settings to ensure they conform to updated security policy
- 1.3. Ensure legal notices displayed at logon are appropriate
- 1.4. Use the appropriate utilities to check strength of passwords and consider tightening rules for password complexity
- 1.5. Take action to ensure password procedures are reviewed with appropriate other internal departments
- 1.6. Monitor email to uncover breaches in compliance with legislation
- 1.7. Access information services to identify security gaps and take appropriate action using hardware and software or patches
2. Secure file and resource access
- 2.1. Review inbuilt security and access features of the operatingsystem and consider need for further action
- 2.2. Develop or review the file security categorisation scheme, and develop an understanding of the role of users in setting security
- 2.3. Monitor and record securitythreats to the system
- 2.4. Implement a virus checking process and schedule for the server, computer and other system components
- 2.5. Investigate and implement inbuilt or additional encryption facilities
3. Monitor threats to the network
- 3.1. Use third-party software or utilities to evaluate and report on system security
- 3.2. Review logs and audit reports to identify security threats
- 3.3. Carry out spot checks and other securitystrategies to ensure that procedures are being followed
- 3.4. Prepare and present an audit report and recommendations to appropriate person
- 3.5. Obtain approval for recommended changes to be made
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
User may include:
a person within a department
a department within the organisation
a third party
Security policy may be in relation to:
theft
viruses
standards (including archival, back-up, network)
privacy
audits and alerts, usually relates directly to the security objectives of the organisation
Legislation may include:
privacy legislation
copyright
liability statements
Hardware may include but is not limited to:
workstations
personal computers
modems or other connectivity devices
networks
DSL modems
remote sites
servers
Software may include but is not limited to:
commercial, in-house, packaged or customised software
Appropriateperson may include:
supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client
Operating system may include but is not limited to:
Linux 6.0 or above
Windows 98 or above
Apple OS 8 or above
Server may include:
Application/web servers
BEA Weblogic servers
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Novell NDS servers
Email servers
File and print servers
FTP servers
Firewall servers
Proxy/cache servers
System may include but is not limited to:
hardware and software components that run a computer
Computer may include:
laptops
workstations
servers
other devices
Encryption may include:
features or protocols such as RSA public key
PGP (pretty good privacy)
symmetric ciphers
asymmetric public-key ciphers
sniffers
PKI
SSH
Deslogin
PKZIP
secure socket layer (SSL)
digital signatures
Security threats may include:
eavesdropping
manipulation
impersonation
penetration
denial of service
by-pass
hacking
viruses
Securitystrategies may include:
privacy
authentication
authorisation and integrity
usually relates directly to the security objectives of the 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.
User may include:
a person within a department
a department within the organisation
a third party
Security policy may be in relation to:
theft
viruses
standards (including archival, back-up, network)
privacy
audits and alerts, usually relates directly to the security objectives of the organisation
Legislation may include:
privacy legislation
copyright
liability statements
Hardware may include but is not limited to:
workstations
personal computers
modems or other connectivity devices
networks
DSL modems
remote sites
servers
Software may include but is not limited to:
commercial, in-house, packaged or customised software
Appropriateperson may include:
supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client
Operating system may include but is not limited to:
Linux 6.0 or above
Windows 98 or above
Apple OS 8 or above
Server may include:
Application/web servers
BEA Weblogic servers
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Novell NDS servers
Email servers
File and print servers
FTP servers
Firewall servers
Proxy/cache servers
System may include but is not limited to:
hardware and software components that run a computer
Computer may include:
laptops
workstations
servers
other devices
Encryption may include:
features or protocols such as RSA public key
PGP (pretty good privacy)
symmetric ciphers
asymmetric public-key ciphers
sniffers
PKI
SSH
Deslogin
PKZIP
secure socket layer (SSL)
digital signatures
Security threats may include:
eavesdropping
manipulation
impersonation
penetration
denial of service
by-pass
hacking
viruses
Securitystrategies may include:
privacy
authentication
authorisation and integrity
usually relates directly to the security objectives of the organisation
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 knowledge of security features available in the operating environment.
Assessment must confirm the ability to monitor and administer security functions on the system. This may include use of third-party diagnostic tools.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:
Security policy
Standards
Live system
Context of and specific resources for assessment
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.
Assessment must ensure:
Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.
Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.
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:
ICAS4124B Monitor and administer network security
ICAT4194B Ensure basic website security
ICAT4195B Ensure dynamic website security
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas
Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
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 knowledge of security features available in the operating environment.
Assessment must confirm the ability to monitor and administer security functions on the system. This may include use of third-party diagnostic tools.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:
Security policy
Standards
Live system
Context of and specific resources for assessment
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.
Assessment must ensure:
Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.
Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.
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:
ICAS4124B Monitor and administer network security
ICAT4194B Ensure basic website security
ICAT4195B Ensure dynamic website security
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas
Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C8805 | ICAS4119A | Monitor and administer system security | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8080 | ICASAS418A | Monitor and administer security of an IT system | Unit of competency |
