This unit was developed for communications and information systems operators working within Defence but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.
The maintenance of personnel, physical, communications and information systems security are a fundamental requirement of communications and information systems operators.
Typically operators work independently and as part of a team under direct and/or indirect supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs. All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.
Not applicable.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Maintain physical security | 1.1 Physical security is maintained to ensure the safeguarding of official matter in accordance with specific workplace and Defence security guidelines. 1.2 Breaches of physical security are reported to appropriate personnel. |
2. Maintain communications security | 2.1 Classified and sensitive material is protected as it is passed over communications paths by the correct use of Defence communications security procedures and guidelines. 2.2 Classified and cryptographic material is handled in accordance with specific workplace and Defence guidelines. 2.3 Security violations are documented and reported to appropriate personnel. |
3. Maintain information system security | 3.1 Information systems media, assets and data are protected in accordance with specific workplace and Defence information systems security guidelines. 3.2 Breaches of security are recorded and reported to appropriate personnel. |
4. Maintain personnel security | 4.1 Personnel security principles are applied to protect against the threat of subversion, sabotage and espionage. 4.2 Breaches of security are recorded and reported to appropriate personnel. |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
apply circuit procedures correctly handle classified/COMSEC material encourage other team members follow directives muster publications page by page open/close combination/cipher locks perform routine/field/emergency destruction procedures participate in a team perform publication amendments provide timely and accurate reports |
Required Knowledge |
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 |
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: Physical security: correctly handle classified and sensitive material control access to secure areas follow checks and muster procedures correctly maintain logs and registers follow destruction procedures report breaches in accordance with approved guidelines and procedures. Communications security: correctly handle classified and sensitive material maintain circuit discipline employ electronic protection methods Information systems security: follow information systems security practices account for media and assets maintain data integrity Personnel security: apply need to know principle be aware of own responsibilities Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the individual is assessed across a wide variety of situations within the workplace. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: security reference material and documentation destruction procedures/orders Standard Operating Procedures |
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Physical security may include: | Checks and musters Controlling of access Destruction procedures Maintenance of logs and registers Reporting of breaches Security of areas and containers Security of documents, classified material and equipment |
Defence security guidelines may include: | Communications publications Communications security publications Defence security publications Information systems publications National and allied publications |
Communications paths may include: | Electronic Radio Verbal Visual |
Procedures may include: | Allied procedures National procedures Service specific procedures Workplace specific procedures |
Protecting information systems may include: | Accountability of computer assets Application of information systems security and practices Control of computer software Integrity of data Security of networks |
Reporting and recording procedures may include: | Accurately reporting any violation of security, by means of: verbal reports written reports combination of verbal and written reports Maintaining logs and registers Reading and interpreting relevant guidelines and procedures |
Personnel security principles may include: | Individual awareness of responsibilities Need to know principle Security clearance requirements |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.