Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:14 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:14 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 network security
Monitor and administer network security
Unit of competency
National Code
ICAS4124B
ICAS4124B
State Code
D0205
D0205
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 on a network and wireless access according to organisational policies.The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:ICAD4043B Develop and present a feasibility reportICAS4119B Monitor and administer systems securityICAS5202B Ensure privacy for usersNo 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. Review organisation's network and security policy to ensure up-to-date knowledge and understanding of policies
- 1.2. Modify default and previously created user settings to ensure that they conform with organisational securitypolicy
- 1.3. Investigate log-on procedures for security and appropriateness and modify log-on requirements, using relevant utilities, where applicable
- 1.4. Review and monitor user wireless access of mobile equipment to the network where applicable
- 1.5. Ensure that appropriate procedures are put in place to deal with user accounts that are no longer required
- 1.6. Access information resources to identify and understand current, documented security gaps and their associated repair procedure
- 1.7. Ascertain the security repairs applicable to the current network and discuss with appropriateperson to gain approval for repair implementation
- 1.8. Obtain and implement the appropriate hardware and software necessary for network security repair
2. Secure file and resource access
- 2.1. Review inbuilt security and access features of the operating system and document areas for concern
- 2.2. Analyse the file security categorisation scheme and the role of users in setting file security, in relation to organisational securitypolicy and recommend revision, if necessary
- 2.3. Implement, if necessary, a process for ongoing updates of virus checking software, at server and workstation levels
- 2.4. Investigate and implement inbuilt or additional encryption facilities, as appropriate, to meet organisational security needs
3. Monitor threats to the system
- 3.1. Investigate the current security of the network, including physical aspects, utilising appropriate third-party testing software where applicable
- 3.2. Review logs and audit reports to identify and record securitythreats, intrusions or attempts
- 3.3. Carry out spot checks and other activities to ensure that procedures are not being bypassed
- 3.4. Evaluate the findings of the state of security and prepare recommendations for improvement
- 3.5. Prepare documentation in a report for presentation to appropriate person to gain approval for 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.
Network may include:
large and small LANs
WLANs
VPNs
Intranets
the internet
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 and file access levels
Appropriate person may include:
supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client
Hardware may include but is not limited to:
mobile equipment
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
Operatingsystem may include but is not limited to:
Linux 6.0 or above
Windows 98 or above
Apple OS 8 or above
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
audit trails
naming standards
version control
project management templates
report writing principles
Server may include:
Application/web servers
BEA Weblogic servers
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Novell NDS servers
Email servers
Voice servers
File and print servers
FTP servers
Firewall servers
Proxy/cache servers
Requirements may be in reference to:
business
system
application
network
people in the organisation
Security threats may include:
eavesdropping
manipulation
impersonation
penetration
denial of service
by-pass
hacking
viruses
spoofing
associations
Encryption may include features or protocols such as:
RSA public key
PGP (pretty good privacy)
connection orientation
WEP
WPA
AAA
symmetric ciphers
asymmetric public-key ciphers
sniffers
PKI
SSH
Deslogin
PKZIP
secure socket layer (SSL)
digital signatures
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.
Network may include:
large and small LANs
WLANs
VPNs
Intranets
the internet
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 and file access levels
Appropriate person may include:
supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client
Hardware may include but is not limited to:
mobile equipment
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
Operatingsystem may include but is not limited to:
Linux 6.0 or above
Windows 98 or above
Apple OS 8 or above
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
audit trails
naming standards
version control
project management templates
report writing principles
Server may include:
Application/web servers
BEA Weblogic servers
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Novell NDS servers
Email servers
Voice servers
File and print servers
FTP servers
Firewall servers
Proxy/cache servers
Requirements may be in reference to:
business
system
application
network
people in the organisation
Security threats may include:
eavesdropping
manipulation
impersonation
penetration
denial of service
by-pass
hacking
viruses
spoofing
associations
Encryption may include features or protocols such as:
RSA public key
PGP (pretty good privacy)
connection orientation
WEP
WPA
AAA
symmetric ciphers
asymmetric public-key ciphers
sniffers
PKI
SSH
Deslogin
PKZIP
secure socket layer (SSL)
digital signatures
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 an understanding of the organisation's network security and access policies.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of the security features available in the operating environment and the ability to monitor and administer security functions on the network. This may include use of third-party diagnostic tools.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the following resources will be needed:
A live network with security restrictions
Security and access policies
Security information resources
Hardware and software that will improve security
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Security planning and monitoring aids in preventing intrusion into a network. With computers containing and manipulating significant data about our finances, purchasing habits and other private information, monitoring and administering network security is an ongoing challenge for organisations which collect and use such information.
This unit provides a starting point for monitoring and administering network security. Activities undertaken in this unit should be done in a closed-off LAN/WAN/WLAN and the skills developed not used on live open networks.
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 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.
Due to the inherent risks involved in activities such as dealing with the security of potentially sensitive information, it is strongly recommend that work and assessment be carried out on a system separate from the organisation's main field of network activity or in a simulated environment. Where a workplace context is used, specific control for security must be adhered to in all circumstances.
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, for example:
ICAD4043B Develop and present a feasibility report
ICAS4119B Monitor and administer systems security
ICAS5202B Ensure privacy for users
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Use detection tools to detect intrusion
Monitor and administer activities of users
Apply emergency solutions to a variety security problems
Interpret available information and request clarification where needed
Additionally, 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 an understanding of the organisation's network security and access policies.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of the security features available in the operating environment and the ability to monitor and administer security functions on the network. This may include use of third-party diagnostic tools.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the following resources will be needed:
A live network with security restrictions
Security and access policies
Security information resources
Hardware and software that will improve security
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Security planning and monitoring aids in preventing intrusion into a network. With computers containing and manipulating significant data about our finances, purchasing habits and other private information, monitoring and administering network security is an ongoing challenge for organisations which collect and use such information.
This unit provides a starting point for monitoring and administering network security. Activities undertaken in this unit should be done in a closed-off LAN/WAN/WLAN and the skills developed not used on live open networks.
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 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.
Due to the inherent risks involved in activities such as dealing with the security of potentially sensitive information, it is strongly recommend that work and assessment be carried out on a system separate from the organisation's main field of network activity or in a simulated environment. Where a workplace context is used, specific control for security must be adhered to in all circumstances.
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, for example:
ICAD4043B Develop and present a feasibility report
ICAS4119B Monitor and administer systems security
ICAS5202B Ensure privacy for users
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Use detection tools to detect intrusion
Monitor and administer activities of users
Apply emergency solutions to a variety security problems
Interpret available information and request clarification where needed
Additionally, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C8806 | ICAS4124A | Monitor and administer network security | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7941 | ICANWK406A | Install, configure and test network security | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C862 | ICA40405 | Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking) | Qualification |