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Elements and Performance Criteria

Assess the security threats facing network Infrastructure
- Evaluate mitigation methods for network attacks and different types of malware
- Propose a methodical concept of defending network architecture
Secure edge devices (routers)
Implement authentication, authorisation and accounting (AAA) and secure access control system (ACS)
Mitigate threats to routers and networks using access control lists (ACLs)
- Assess the functionality of access control lists and document the caveats to be considered when building them
- Configure and verify IP ACLs to mitigate threats and to prevent IP address spoofing using tools
Implement secure network management and reporting
- Configure secure shell (SSH) on routers to enable secure management
- Configure routers to send log messages to a log server with tools
Mitigate common layer 2 attacks
- Document how to prevent layer 2 attacks by configuring basic switch security and features
- Configure switch to prevent layer 2 attacks
Implement the router OS firewall-feature set
- Evaluate and compare the operational strategies and weaknesses of the different firewall technologies
- Implement zone-based firewall to strategically secure group of interfaces
Implement the intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) feature set in the router OS using secure device manager (SDM)
Implement site-to-site virtual private networks (VPNs) using SDM

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with internal and external personnel on technical operational and businessrelated matters

literacy skills to

interpret technical documentation

write reports as required

numeracy skills to

take test measurements

interpret results

evaluate performance and interoperability of network

planning and organisational skills to

coordinate the process in liaison with others

plan prioritise and monitor own work

problemsolving and contingencymanagement skills to

adapt configuration procedures to network requirements

reconfigure depending on differing operational contingencies risk situations and environments

problemsolving skills to troubleshoot

research skills to investigate appropriate hardware to meet requirements

technical skills to

select and configure networking devices

assess and implement security requirements

Required knowledge

access control lists configuration and troubleshooting

authentication protocols

encryption techniques

IOS and IP networking models and protocols

current wireless regulations standards and certifications

local area network LAN or wide area network WAN implementations

malicious attacks and prevention techniques

network management tools

network security prevention methods

procedures to configure verify and troubleshoot

switch with VLANs and interswitching communications

procedures to set up VPNs

routing protocols

threat and attack mitigation techniques

use of command line interface to configure and test network elements

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 ability to

evaluate network security system threats and requirements

mitigate attacks and configure firewalls

design and implement network security systems

implement VPN using SDM

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to

site where network security may be evaluated and tightened

hardware and software

organisational guidelines procedures and policies

LAN or WLAN internet work technologies hardware and software

security technologies hardware and software

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 of the candidate installing configuring and testing a new or updated network

evaluation of documentation outlining testing procedures test results recommendation to network changes and completion records

verbal or written questioning of required knowledge

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 nonEnglish speaking background may need additional support

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge

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:	data internet protocol large and small LANs virtual LAN (VLAN) WANs.
Tools may include:	Cisco security device manager (SDM) command line interface (CLI) web interface.
Administration access may include:	multiple privilege levels role-based CLI strong-encrypted passwords.
Features of TACACS+ and RADIUS AAA protocols may include:	remote authentication dial-in user service (RADIUS): combines authentication and authorisation does not allow users to control which commands can be executed on a router does not support ARA access, NetBIOS Frame Protocol Control Protocol, NASI, and X.25 PAD connections encrypts only the password in the access-request packet uses industry standard uses UDP TACACS+: encrypts the entire body of the packet is Cisco proprietary offers multiprotocol support provides two ways to control the authorisation of router commands on a per-user or per-group basis uses transmission control protocol (TCP) uses the AAA architecture, which separates authentication, authorisation and accounting.
Access control lists may include:	extended named standard.