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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. 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
2. Secure edge devices (routers)
   • Secure network routers using software tools
   • Secure administration access to routers using the router operating system (OS)
   • Secure router OS and its configuration file(s)
3. Implement authentication, authorisation and accounting (AAA) and secure access control system (ACS)
   • Evaluate and implement the functions and importance of authentication, authorisation and accounting
   • Configure the router using AAA
   • Analyse and compare the features of Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus(TACACS+) and Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) AAA protocols for securing the network
4. 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 internet protocol (IP) address spoofing using tools
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. Implement the intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) feature set in the router OS using secure device manager (SDM)
   • Evaluate and compare network based versus host based IDPS to identify malicious activity, log information, attempt to block/stop activity, and report activity
   • Determine IDPS technologies, attack responses and monitoring options
   • Configure the router OS IDPS operations using secure device manager to monitor network and system activities for malicious activity
9. Implement site-to-site virtual private networks (VPNs) using SDM
   • Assess the different methods used in cryptography
   • Evaluate internet key exchange (IKE) protocol functionality and phases to support authentication and define the binding blocks of IPSec and the security functions it provides
   • Configure and verify an IPSec site-to-site VPN with pre-shared key (PSK) authentication to provide a secure channel between the two parties

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

evaluate network security system threats and requirements

mitigate attacks and configure firewalls

design and implement network security systems

implement a virtual private network (VPN) using security device management tool.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

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Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

summarise access control lists, configuration and troubleshooting

outline authentication protocols

explain encryption techniques

explain intrusion detection system (IDS) and intrusion prevention system (IPS)

clarify internet protocol (IP) and networking models

explain current wireless regulations, standards and certifications

describe local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) implementations

summarise malicious attacks and prevention techniques

outline network management tools

explain network security prevention methods

explain procedures to configure, verify and troubleshoot:

switch with virtual local area networks (VLANs) and inter-switching communications

router

outline procedures to set up virtual private networks (VPNs)

explain routing protocols

explain threat and attack mitigation techniques

outline the use of command line interface to configure and test network elements

describe the common features of Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus(TACACS+) and Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) authentication, authorisation and accounting (AAA) protocols.

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