SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Identify and explain ICT risks and recommend security solutions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117926  Identify and explain ICT risks and recommend security solutions 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain and differentiate between Information Technology and Communication Technology.
  • Explain what is risk.
  • Describe information security problems and recommend simple solutions.
  • Describe computer viruses and virus attacks.
  • Describe the management of computer viruses using anti-virus software.

    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value of this unit standard is calculated assuming a person is competent in:
  • Mathematical literacy and communication skills at least at NQF Level 3.
  • Describe the application and effect of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on society (ID 117928 - NQF Level 4). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain and differentiate between Information Technology and Communication Technology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information Technology and Communication Technologies (ICT) is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Differentiate between Information Technology and Communications Technology.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Explain how information and communication technologies have converged. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any three of: Cable Internet, Web TV, Gaming consoles, WAP, GPRS.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Explain the benefits of converging technology. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain what is Risk. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Explain what are risks/threats (general definition). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Identify and explain what risks are associated with ICT. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data loss/theft, hardware and software loss/theft, unauthorized access, espionage, piracy, breach of copyright, viruses.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Explain what effects these threats have on organizations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Loss of revenue, business slows down, competitors gain advantage, face legal action, high cost of replacement, poor public image.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe information security problems and recommend simple solutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Explain what is information security. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Describe the main information security control areas. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The system, the environment, policies/procedures.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Describe and recommend system controls. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any three of: Passwords, access rights, UPS, drive locks, warning alarms (hardware and software anti virus software.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Describe and recommend environment controls. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any three of: Access control, guards, locks fencing, air conditioners, cleanliness, anti static.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Explain what are policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Explain what is acceptable and unacceptable usage of ICT's. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Explain the implications for unacceptable use of ICT's. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe Computer Viruses and Virus Attacks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of computer viruses are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any two of: Trojans, worms, time bombs, logic bombs, macro viruses.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of spreading viruses are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any three of: copying disks, hacking, e-mail attachments.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods of protecting against viruses are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any two of: Userid, passwords, emails, email attachments, internet downloads, anti-virus software, piracy.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Computer viruses are explained in term of the threats it poses to computer environments. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe the management of computer viruses using anti-virus software. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Computer viruses are defined in terms of their construct and effect. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Classes of computer viruses are defined in terms of their impact. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    File-infectors, Systems or boot-record infectors, Macro viruses.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods of disinfecting files are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Automatic scanning, file scan.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons for keeping anti-virus software updated and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Examples of current anti-virus software are given. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Minimum of 3 examples.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programmes of education and training assessed against unit standards.

    Moderation Process:
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organization standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behavior.
  • Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
  • All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organizations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
  • Performance of all elements is to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (e.g. in a commercial or government organization). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by understanding security aspects of using computers in modern society. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by effectively using a variety of safeguards to maintain security of a computer environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organize, and critically evaluate information by remaining alert to new viruses that could effect the computer. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when engaging with the subject. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by acting responsibly when using a computer. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Assessor Notes:
  • Possible laws applicable to this standard could include acts like Access to Information Acts; Copyright Acts, Constitution of the Country being assessed in.

    Abbreviations:
  • PC - Personal computer.
  • CD - Compact disk.
  • GUI - Graphical User Interface. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2021-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  83026   National Certificate: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Software Testing  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Abetech 
    2. Academy of Training and Development 
    3. AccTech Systems (PTY)LTD 
    4. Acol Computer Training PTY LTD 
    5. Act of Grace 97 
    6. Added Advantage Academy (Durban) 
    7. Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Affirmations Training 
    9. All Connections cc 
    10. Amitek Business College 
    11. Anderson College (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Ankalite (Pty) Limited 
    13. Arise Business Centre 
    14. Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    16. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    17. AUM IT Solutions 
    18. Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies 
    19. Best Information Solutions 
    20. Beth Horner & Associates 
    21. Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited 
    22. Bonalesedi Computer Training 
    23. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    24. Broadband College of Technology 
    25. BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    26. Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd 
    27. Calandra Trading 523(PTY) 
    28. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    29. Cape Town Society for the Blind 
    30. Certified Workforce Trainers cc. 
    31. Claas Illustration 
    32. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    34. CompEd IT Training 
    35. Competence computer and business management 
    36. CTU Training Solutions 
    37. CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED 
    38. Daily Training Cc 
    39. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd 
    40. Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc 
    41. DVG Property (Pty)Ltd 
    42. Eagle Computer Training 
    43. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    44. Egsibit Training and Development 
    45. Ekasi IT Solutions CC 
    46. Ekurhuleni Computer College 
    47. Elangeni Training Institute 
    48. Fakazani Management Services 
    49. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    50. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc 
    51. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    52. Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD 
    53. Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre 
    54. Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD 
    55. Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc 
    56. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    57. Goldfields TVET College 
    58. Goodwill Institute Of Technology 
    59. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    60. Hazyview Computer College 
    61. Hectic Productions cc 
    62. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    63. Indonsa Consulting and Training cc 
    64. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    65. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    66. ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE 
    67. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    68. Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies 
    69. Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology 
    70. John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust 
    71. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    72. Kezla Investments 
    73. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    74. Kondi Computer Training 
    75. Kumani Computer College 
    76. Leading Edge Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    77. Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    78. Lesedi Consulting 
    79. Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    80. LGIT Smart Solutions 
    81. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    82. Loja Trading cc 
    83. Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd 
    84. Malope IT Solutions 
    85. Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc 
    86. Mash Computer Training 
    87. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    88. MasterGrade IT 
    89. Mokk Consultants Cc 
    90. Mosadikago Trading Cc 
    91. Mourema Computer Training Centre 
    92. Mpisholo Training Solutions 
    93. Mthonyama Technologies cc 
    94. National Computer College Carletonville 
    95. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    96. Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute 
    97. NetCampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    98. New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC) 
    99. Ngubeni Corporation 
    100. Ntamunde Investment 
    101. Ocule IT cc 
    102. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    103. Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    104. Pillays Computer and Careers 
    105. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    106. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    107. Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd. 
    108. Qhakaza Management Services 
    109. Rand Training College 
    110. Reaithuta Computer Academy 
    111. Regent-Comp 
    112. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    113. Ron and Becky Trading 
    114. Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd 
    115. Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd 
    116. Sas Institute Pty Ltd 
    117. Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Limited 
    118. SEDIBENG 
    119. Setlagole Telecentre 
    120. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    121. Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre 
    122. Siyafunda Community Technology Centre 
    123. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    124. Southern Africa Youth Project NPC 
    125. Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty) 
    126. Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd 
    127. Star Light Consulting 
    128. Success Christian Training Centre 
    129. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    130. Terry Computer Services cc 
    131. The Graduate Institute of South Africa 
    132. The Ulwazi Computer Training Center 
    133. Tira Telecoms 
    134. Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    135. Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd 
    136. Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer 
    137. Tumelo Education and Training 
    138. Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd 
    139. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd. 
    140. Vukani Solutions 
    141. Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD 
    142. Waterberg TVET College 
    143. Whitestone College 
    144. WW.IT-IQ Training & Solutions 
    145. Y2K COLLEGE 
    146. Zealot Business College cc 
    147. ZJ Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.