ICANWK416A
Build security into virtual private networks

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to build security into a virtual private network (VPN).

Application

This unit applies to networking staff who are required to ensure that VPNs contain required security.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Configure router to provide for network security monitoring and management

1.1 Create and apply audit rules consistent with policies, standards, protocols and management systems

1.2 Configure router to provide appropriate level of asset security and monitoring of security consistent with commercial and business requirements

1.3 Monitor and manage system to assess the level of security and attempts to breach security of framework components

1.4 Employ appropriate hardware and software to monitor and address security issues and provide VPN solutions

2. Secure a site-to-site VPN

2.1 Configure internet key exchange (IKE) and internet protocol security (IPSec)

2.2 Configure site-to-site IPSec VPN using pre-shared keys

2.3 Configure site-to-site IPSec VPN using digital certificates

3. Secure a remote access VPN

3.1 Configure a VPN server

3.2 Install and administer a router-management console

3.3 Develop documentation on current system settings and framework components and file securely for future reference

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to undertake a network security risk assessment

initiative and enterprise skills to develop enterprise policies, strategies and procedures

literacy skills to:

interpret audit rules

produce security documentation

numeracy skills to undertake a cost-benefit comparison

technical skills to:

implement LAN, WLAN, VPN and WAN solutions

implement security strategies and configure network security software and hardware.

Required knowledge

characteristics of:

auditing and penetration testing techniques

configuration of routers and switches

security protocols, standards and data encryption

detailed knowledge of:

authentication issues

network protocols and operating systems

processes and techniques related to security perimeters and their functions

security threats, including eavesdropping, data interception, data corruption and data falsification

transmission control protocol or internet protocol (TCP/IP) protocols and applications

VPNs features, issues and functions

overview knowledge of:

audit and intrusion detection systems

LAN, WLAN and WAN

organisational issues surrounding security cryptography

screened subnets

virus detection software.

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:

develop basic security functionality for either VPN, LANs, WANs or WLANs

implement such security

maintain such security

document the security implemented and its maintenance.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

network technical requirements

network infrastructure, including servers and security 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:

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:

VPNs

WANs

security protocols

review of candidate’s documentation of installed security and its maintenance

evaluation of candidate’s security implementation on a VPN.

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 non-English 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.

Policies may include:

audit systems

incident response procedures

network intrusion detection systems.

Standards, protocols and management systems may include:

AAA security

access control lists, context-based control lists

data over cable service interface specification

domain name system security extensions

generic routing encapsulation

IEEE 802.11 Protocol standard for secure wireless local area network products

internet group management protocol

IP security protocol

network port addresses translation (NAT or PAT)

point-to-point network tunnelling protocol

secure:

electronic transactions

multi-purpose internet mail extensions

shell

socket layer and transport layer security.

Commercial and business requirements may include:

availability

backup

confidentiality

firewalls

hacking prevention

integrity

password logons.

Framework components may include:

deployment of public key infrastructure (PKI), CA and key management services

firewall technologies

multi-platform directory services supporting relevant standards

operating system capable of providing access control, audit services

support for generalised security services interfaces, personnel security

trusted hardware and operating system at selective desktops, servers, network points and mainframes.

Hardware may include:

desktop and laptop computers, networked and stand-alone

firewall devices

network-monitoring appliances

routers

switches

wired and wireless networks.

Software may include:

audit

encryption modules

operating system

packaged software but can be supplied from many varying vendors and can include security

virus checking.

System may include:

applications

databases

external service providers, such as internet service providers (ISPs) and digital certification suppliers

gateways

operating system

servers.


Sectors

Networking


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.