ICTNWK503
Install and maintain valid authentication processes


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design, develop, install and maintain authentication processes to reduce the vulnerability of the system.

It applies to individuals working as middle managers such as information security managers, network engineers or security analysts, who are responsible for implementing and monitoring the organisational security management system.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1. Determine authentication requirements

1.1 Determine user and enterprise security requirements with reference to enterprise security plan

1.2 Identify and analyse authentication options according to user and enterprise requirements

1.3 Select the most appropriate authentication and authorisation processes

2. Configure authentication software or tools

2.1 Create an authentication realm and reuse as required to protect different areas of server

2.2 Add users and authorisation rules to new realm according to business needs

2.3 Describe user attributes and user attribute set-up

2.4 Set up an authentication filter and authorisation parameters on the appropriate server according to business requirements

3. Apply authentication methods

3.1 Develop or obtain authentication protocols as required

3.2 Develop and distribute related methods to users according to business need

3.3 Brief user on authentication system and their responsibilities according to enterprise security plan

3.4 Apply authentication system to network and user according to system product requirements

3.5 Record and store permission and configuration information in a secure central location

4. Monitor authentication system

4.1 Review the authentication system according to user and enterprise security and quality of service requirements

4.2 Ensure ongoing security monitoring, using incident management and reporting processes, according to enterprise security plan

4.3 Adjust authentication system if required

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

design and deploy authentications solutions to the business technology environment and business needs

configure authentication software or tools

monitor and test authentication process after implementation

ensure authentication solutions are current.

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


Evidence of Knowledge

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

summarise the problems and challenges dealing with organisational authentication issues, including resource accounting through authentication

discuss common virtual private network (VPN) issues, including:

quality of service (QoS) considerations

bandwidth

dynamic security environment

function and operation of VPN concepts

outline authentication adaptors

summarise biometric authentication adaptors

summarise digital certificates, such as VeriSign, X.509, and SSL

explain the function and operation of authentication controls including:

passwords

personal identification numbers (PINs)

smart cards

biometric devices

other authentication protocols

outline network authentication services, such as Kerberos and NT LAN Manager (NTLM)

summarise the features of common password protocols, such as:

challenge handshake authentication protocol (CHAP)

challenge phrases

password authentication protocol (PAP)

remote authentication dial-in user service (RADIUS) authentication

describe the principles of security tokens.


Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the network industry, and include access to:

a site or prototype where network authentication may be implemented and managed

network support tools currently used in industry

organisational security policies related to authentication

manufacturers recommendations

current authentication standards, including biometric authentication adaptors.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 1.2, 3.3, 4.2

Gathers, interprets and analyses technical data to determine requirements according to user and enterprise plans

Writing

2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5

Prepares workplace documentation that incorporates an evaluation of technical information and specialised and cohesive language in a format and style appropriate for a specific audience

Oral Communication

1.2, 3.1-3.3, 4.2

Uses active listening, observational and questioning techniques in order to identify information and confirm, clarify or revise understanding

Initiates and contributes to a range of formal and informal conversations relevant to role, responding, clarifying, explaining and expanding on information as required

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 3.3

Recognises and follows explicit and implicit protocols, and meets expectations associated with own role

Get the work done

1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1-4.3

Reflects on the ways in which digital systems and tools are used or could be used to achieve work goals and begins to recognise strategic and operational applications

Uses digital technologies and systems safely and securely when implementing and monitoring a system with a growing awareness of the permanence and transparency of all activities

Uses a combination of formal, logical planning processes and an increasingly intuitive understanding of context to plan control methods and systems processes

When dealing with complex issues such as authentication failure and security incidents may use intuition to identify the general problem area, switching to analytical processes to clarify goals and key issues and using lateral thinking processes to generate possible solutions

Makes decisions in relatively complex situations, taking a range of factors into consideration


Sectors

Networking