Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to reduce the risk of a computer's operation being affected by spam or destructive software.
It applies to technical support individuals who, while working under a level of supervision, have responsibility to exercise the discretion required to protect and secure equipment and software in a small or large office environment.
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. Detect and remove destructive software | 1.1 Identify common types of destructive software 1.2 Select and install virus protection compatible with the operating system in use 1.3 Investigate other advanced systems of protection for further options 1.4 Install software updates on a regular basis 1.5 Configure software security settings to prevent destructive software from infecting computer 1.6 Run or schedule to run virus protection software on a regular basis 1.7 Report detected destructive software to appropriate person and remove the destructive software |
2. Identify and take action to stop spam | 2.1 Identify common types of spam 2.2 Take appropriate action in regard to spam 2.3 Configure and use a spam filter 2.4 Report spam to appropriate person |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
install virus protection software and updates
schedule virus protection software to run on a regular basis
remove common destructive software
identify common spam types and take appropriate action.
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:
describe spam and virus intrusions and identify appropriate remedial actions
identify the types of protective applications used against viruses and spam
identify the operating systems supported by the organisation
identify the common components of computer hardware that may be affected by spam.
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 systems administration and support field of work and include access to:
sites with a representative range of computer hardware, application software and operating systems
current antivirus and anti-spam software
technical records, vendor documentation, enterprise procedures and guidelines.
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 | 1.1-1.5, 2.1-2.3 | Researches and interprets information to identify misleading information and compare technical specifications, and identify solutions to new and emerging issues to maintain system |
Writing | 1.7, 2.4 | Uses simple vocabulary to report information in a familiar sequential manner to the appropriate personnel |
Oral Communication | 1.7 | Presents factual information in a clear manner, using specific and appropriate language |
Interact with others | 1.7 | Identifies and takes steps to follow accepted communication practices and protocols |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.7, 2.1-2.4 | Plans and implements routine tasks, aiming to achieve them efficiently Initiates standard diagnostic procedures when responding to familiar and unfamiliar problems within immediate context, and seeks input from others when problems remain unresolved Understands the purposes, specific functions and key features of common digital systems and tools, and operates them effectively to complete routine tasks |
Sectors
Systems administration and support