ICAS2248A
Protect and secure information assets

This unit defines the competency required for ensuring information assets are protected from improper access and appropriate actions are taken to secure assets in the event that they are threatened.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Prerequisites

ICAU2231B

Use a computer operating system


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify assets and threats

1.1. Identify types of information assets in the organisation

1.2. Identify mechanisms by which information assets are accessed, transmitted and stored

1.3. Establish nature of threats to information assets and determine the impact that loss or damage may have to the organisation

2. Secure assets

2.1. Identify the actions, mechanisms and strategies to protect information assets

2.2. Secure assets within scope of authority and report these issues to appropriate person and other issues where it is outside scope of authority

3. Mitigate or prevent damage to assets

3.1. Identify signs and evidence that information assets are threatened or undergoing loss or damage

3.2. Provide first level response to reduce impacts, mitigate damage and protect evidence

3.3. Report incident, effects and actions to appropriate person

Required Skills

Required skills

Basic knowledge of Information assets

Broad general knowledge of operating systems supported by the organisation

Broad general knowledge of computer hardware

Basic knowledge types protective applications used against viruses and spam and other threats

Interaction between relevant hardware and software products and communication devices

Broad knowledge of the client business domain

Required knowledge

Identification of key sources of information assets

Decision making in a limited range of options

Problem solving of known problems in routine procedures

Plain English literacy and communication skills in relation to the presentation of information

Basic skills in computer operation and software application operation

Ability to install and/or activate system filtering and security settings

Evidence Required

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 the ability to conduct research and discuss various security issues relating to Information assets.

Assessment must confirm the ability to examine and discuss examples of different actions using case studies

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Threats to information assets is ever present and an appropriate understanding of how these assets should be protected and the response and actions in the event of an attack, loss or damaging event is important for every individual in the workplace.

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge applications where there is a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear. There would generally be limited complexity in the range of operations to be applied.

Performance of a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes would be characteristic.

Applications may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others as part of a group or team.

To demonstrate this unit of competency the learner will require access to:

The organisation's applications needs and information types

Appropriate software systems

Computer hardware and office environments representative of a range of workplaces

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.

The following assessment method is appropriate for this unit:

Assessment of this unit of Competency will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures, quality projects, questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. This competency can be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated environment. Simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to fully demonstrate Competency.

Competency in this unit needs to be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts.

Guidance information for assessment

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 basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas

Apply a defined range of skills

Apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems

Perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required

Assess and record information from varied sources

Take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services


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.

Information assets may include:

forms

procedures

reports

files

online or printed data and information

passkeys or passwords

programs or information channels

equipment

Organisation may include:

individuals inside and outside the business

departments

the whole business

entities outside the business

government

Impact may include:

financial

personal

reputation

privacy issues

confidentiality

Loss or damage may include:

theft

damage or destruction

unauthorised publication

deletion

alteration

misuse

Secure may include:

protective software installation or operation

appropriate modification of procedures or processes

changing of passwords or work habits

physical exclusion or control, etc.

Appropriate person may include:

supervisor

peers

business owner or authorised business representative

government

client

police as appropriate

First level response may include:

updating software protection

logging off

powering down systems

changing passwords

locking doors

excluding people from access

locking down the workplace


Sectors

Unit sector

Support


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor