Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:23 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:23 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 security of an IT system
Monitor and administer security of an IT system
Unit of competency
National Code
ICASAS418A
ICASAS418A
State Code
D8080
D8080
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/11/2011
Field of Education
029901 - Security Science
Original Release Date
04/11/2011
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to monitor and administer security functions of an IT system.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Ensure user accounts are controlled
- 1.1 Modify default user settings to ensure that they conform to security policy
- 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 Check strength of passwords using the appropriate utilities 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 operating system 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 security threats 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 security strategies 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
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:
department within the organisation
person within a department
third party.
Security policy may relate to:
audits and alerts
file access levels
privacy
security objectives of the organisation
standards:
archival
backup
network
theft
viruses.
Legislation may include:
copyright
liability statements
privacy legislation.
Hardware may include:
modems or other connectivity devices
networks
personal computers
remote sites
servers
workstations.
Software may include:
application:
spreadsheet
database
word-processing
internet browser
commercial
customised
in-house
programming:
assembler
compiler
development tools
system:
computer security software
device drivers
operating system.
Operating system may include:
Linux
GNU and Linux
Mac OS X
Microsoft Windows
Unix-like operating systems:
HP-UX
IBM AIX
Silicon Graphics IRIX
Sun Solaris.
Security threats may include:
by-pass
denial of service
eavesdropping
hacking
impersonation
manipulation
penetration
viruses.
Server may include:
application or web servers
BEA Weblogic servers
email servers
file and print servers
firewall servers
FTP servers
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Novell Directory Services (NDS) servers
proxy or cache servers
voice servers.
Computer may include:
laptops
other devices:
hand-held and mobile devices
personal digital assistant (PDA)
servers
workstations.
Encryption may include:
asymmetric public-key ciphers
Deslogin
digital signatures
public key infrastructure (PKI)
PKZIP
pretty good privacy (PGP)
RSA public key
secure socket layer (SSL)
sniffers
SSH
symmetric ciphers.
Security strategies may include:
authentication
authorisation and integrity
privacy
security objectives of the organisation.
Appropriate person may include:
authorised business representative
client
project manager
security consultant
supervisor.
User may include:
department within the organisation
person within a department
third party.
Security policy may relate to:
audits and alerts
file access levels
privacy
security objectives of the organisation
standards:
archival
backup
network
theft
viruses.
Legislation may include:
copyright
liability statements
privacy legislation.
Hardware may include:
modems or other connectivity devices
networks
personal computers
remote sites
servers
workstations.
Software may include:
application:
spreadsheet
database
word-processing
internet browser
commercial
customised
in-house
programming:
assembler
compiler
development tools
system:
computer security software
device drivers
operating system.
Operating system may include:
Linux
GNU and Linux
Mac OS X
Microsoft Windows
Unix-like operating systems:
HP-UX
IBM AIX
Silicon Graphics IRIX
Sun Solaris.
Security threats may include:
by-pass
denial of service
eavesdropping
hacking
impersonation
manipulation
penetration
viruses.
Server may include:
application or web servers
BEA Weblogic servers
email servers
file and print servers
firewall servers
FTP servers
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Novell Directory Services (NDS) servers
proxy or cache servers
voice servers.
Computer may include:
laptops
other devices:
hand-held and mobile devices
personal digital assistant (PDA)
servers
workstations.
Encryption may include:
asymmetric public-key ciphers
Deslogin
digital signatures
public key infrastructure (PKI)
PKZIP
pretty good privacy (PGP)
RSA public key
secure socket layer (SSL)
sniffers
SSH
symmetric ciphers.
Security strategies may include:
authentication
authorisation and integrity
privacy
security objectives of the organisation.
Appropriate person may include:
authorised business representative
client
project manager
security consultant
supervisor.
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:
monitor and administer security functions on the system, which may include use of third-party diagnostic tools
confirm knowledge of security features available in the operating environment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
security policy
industry and organisational standards
live system
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:
direct observation:
ensuring security policy compliance
using security strategies to evaluate and report on system security and threats
review of:
audit report and recommendations prepared
virus checking process and schedule implemented
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of security features within the operating environment.
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
monitor and administer security functions on the system, which may include use of third-party diagnostic tools
confirm knowledge of security features available in the operating environment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
security policy
industry and organisational standards
live system
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:
direct observation:
ensuring security policy compliance
using security strategies to evaluate and report on system security and threats
review of:
audit report and recommendations prepared
virus checking process and schedule implemented
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of security features within the operating environment.
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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D0204 | ICAS4119B | Monitor and administer system security | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUW40 | ICTSAS418 | Monitor and administer security of an ICT system | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D557 | ICA40111 | Certificate IV in Information Technology | Qualification |