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.

May include but is not limited to large and small LANs, VPNs, WANs, the internet, the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only, private lines, data and voice

May include a computer or small sub-network that sits between a trusted internal
Typically, the DMZ contains devices accessible to Internet traffic, such as Web (

May include a person within a department, a department within the organisation or a third party

May include eavesdropping, manipulation, and impersonation, penetration, denial of service and by-pass, hackers, viruses using logging, intruder detection and other tools

May include but is not limited to workstations, personal computers, modems or other connectivity devices, printers, hard drives, DSL modems, monitors, switches, hubs, personal digital assistant (PDA) and other peripheral devices

May be part of router configuration or proxy server. Products include:
Cisco Centri
Smoothwall
IPcop
Check Point FireWall-1
CyberwallPLUS
Linux - IPtables firewall
OpenBSD 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.
Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment must confirm knowledge of emerging security issues, security features of hardware and software, limitations in vendor solutions, operating systems and software.
Assessment must confirm the ability to implement and manage security functions on a network.

Knowledge and skills
Network management and security process controls
Specific and detailed knowledge of the organisation's network infrastructure
Security technologies and capabilities of software and hardware solutions, with substantial depth in some areas
Logging analysis techniques, with broad knowledge of general features, with depth in security procedures
Broad knowledge related to emerging security issues, with substantial depth in related weaknesses of installed network infrastructure
Investigation skills for identifying, analysing and evaluating security systems logs for weaknesses, invalid users and intruders
Application of best practice in systems security methodologies and technologies
Problem solving skills for complex networks, including systems processes
Rapid deployment of solutions to problems involving failure
Ability to analyse network information and determine actions
Report writing skills
Questioning and active listening skills

Assessment guidance
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. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Resources
Live system
Network support tools

Role context
Managing network security is a complex process involving internal and external threats and choices between a range of potential solutions. With many small to medium enterprises joining larger organisations in providing both domestic and global e-commerce facilities, it is increasingly important to provide secure networks. This can only be done with a comprehensive plan that takes into account the whole organisation system as well as the network.
Analysis involves participation in development of network security planning and implementation.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of security in relation to network solutions
Describe in detail issues related to security in some key areas
Analyse and plan to solve compromised networks
Determine network security requirements
Apply theoretical scenarios in line with security and technical issues
Demonstrate skills in a range of complex security situations
Evaluate security information and use it for planning purposes
Take responsibility for the achievement of security outcomes
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
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.
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.

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