This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to Maintain security in a Defence communications and information systems environment.

It includes the skills required to maintain personnel, physical, communications and information systems security within the Defence communications and information systems workplace.

This unit applies to communications and information systems operators working within Defence but may be relevant to others who work in this field.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work independently and as part of a team, under direct and/or indirect supervision within specific communications environments. They would use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs while performing specific tasks in a range of sometimes unpredictable contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Maintain physical security

1.1

Maintain physical security to ensure the safeguarding of official matters

1.2

Report breaches of physical security to appropriate personnel

2

Maintain communications security

2.1

Protect classified and sensitive material as it is passed over communications paths

2.2

Handle classified and cryptographic material

2.3

Document and report security violations

3

Maintain information system security

3.1

Protect information systems media, assets and data

3.2

Record and report breaches of security

4

Maintain personnel security

4.1

Apply personnel security principles to protect against the threat of subversion, sabotage and espionage

4.2

Record and report breaches of security

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

applying circuit procedures

handling classified/COMSEC material

opening/closing combination/cipher locks

performing routine/field/emergency destruction procedures

performing publication amendments

maintaining physical security:

handle classified and sensitive material

control access to secure areas

follow checks and muster procedures

maintain logs and registers

follow destruction procedures

report breaches in accordance with approved guidelines and procedures

maintaining communications security:

handle classified and sensitive material

maintain circuit discipline

employ electronic protection methods

maintaining information systems security:

follow information systems security practices

account for media and assets

maintain data integrity

maintaining personnel security:

apply 'need to know' principle

be aware of own responsibilities

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

circuit procedures

combination and cipher lock operation

cryptographic handling requirements

information systems security practices

publication amendment procedures

reporting and recording procedures

roles and responsibilities of team members

routine/field/emergency destruction procedures

rules pertaining to page by page mustering of publications

security requirements for classified material

special handling procedures

techniques for supporting others

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Communications