Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

databases
applications
servers
operating systems
gateways
application service provider
ISP

Eavesdropping
manipulation
impersonation
penetration
denial of service and by-pass
hackers
viruses

IPSec
SSL
PKM
LEAP
WEP
WPA
AAA
Diameter
tokens
smart cards

theft
viruses
standards (including archival, back-up, network)
privacy
audits
alerts and usually relates directly to the security objectives of the organisation

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 risks and options available in the operating environment.
Assessment must confirm the ability to implement and manage security functions on a system.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the following resources will be needed:

Live system
Utility tools

Context of and specific resources for assessment
System security is an increasingly important preoccupation for both ICT and business professionals.
As more organisations expand their operations using the internet and linking their infrastructure to mass communications media, managing systems effectively becomes paramount. Understanding systems is key to managing risk in a cost-effective and secure manner and effective system security is important not only for improving business operations, but in some cases preventing business loss by avoiding security breaches and threats.
Analysis involves participation in development of strategic reviews, determining security outcomes, as well as dependence on organisational information in a complex mixture of people and processes.
The breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination would be characteristic.
The demonstration of competency may also require self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.

Assessment must ensure:

Applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. It may include participation in teams including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.

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 to 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.

Guidance information for assessment
The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario. Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of security in relation to processes and people
Develop plans and policies and theoretical issues in security, with substantial depth in some key areas
Analyse and plan to solve technical problems
Determine management requirements
Apply theoretical concepts to technical issues
Demonstrate creative skills in a range of complex situations
Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning purposes
Take key responsibility for the achievement of security outcomes
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas
Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements
Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations
Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters
Take some responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes