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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "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  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  83026   National Certificate: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Software Testing  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "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. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Academy Training Group 
    3. Acorser Corporate & Business Consulting t/a Acorser Academy 
    4. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    5. Action4 
    6. Affirmations Training 
    7. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    9. All Nation Group Five Trading and Projects 
    10. Amadi Institute of Management And Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Amilak Training Center 
    12. Angie Technologies 
    13. Answer The Call Skills and Entrepreneurship 
    14. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    15. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    16. Assured Vocational Skill Institute 
    17. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    18. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    19. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    20. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Balefile Trading and Services 
    22. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    23. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    24. Bells Technical College 
    25. Birnam Business College (Pty) 
    26. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    27. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    28. BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    29. Business Optimization Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Careers IT 
    31. CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 
    32. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    33. Claas Illustration 
    34. Clean Heat Academy 
    35. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    36. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    37. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    38. COMPUSTEPS COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    39. CSL Accountants 
    40. CTU Training Solutions 
    41. CYBAX SYSTEMS 
    42. CYBER-CITY IT SOLUTIONS 
    43. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    44. Decade Pulse (Pty) Ltd 
    45. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    46. Delight Computer Training 
    47. Eagle Computer Training 
    48. Eagle High IT Training 
    49. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    50. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    51. ED-U Options Academy 
    52. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    53. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    54. Elangeni Training Institute 
    55. Elchees Software Solutions 
    56. Emalahleni Institute of Techno 
    57. Enter on Stilts 
    58. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    59. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    60. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    61. FACULTY TRAINING INSTITUTE PTY LTD 
    62. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    63. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    64. Fourways Private College 
    65. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    66. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    67. Gert Sibande FET College 
    68. Gigimo Tourism Academy 
    69. Global Institute for Capacity 
    70. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    71. Growth Management Consulting cc 
    72. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    73. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    74. Hazyview Computer College 
    75. Hectic Productions cc 
    76. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    77. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    78. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    79. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    80. iCollege College 
    81. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    82. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    83. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    84. Imbizo Training and Development Consultants Cc 
    85. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    86. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    87. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    88. IT Academy 
    89. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    90. Iyam Training Services 
    91. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    92. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    93. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    94. Keep The Dream 285 
    95. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    96. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    97. KN Training Specialist 
    98. KT Mobile Services 
    99. Kundani Trading 
    100. L and P Computer Academy Pty Ltd 
    101. Leseding Computer Systems 
    102. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    103. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    104. LINDAMAHLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD 
    105. Loomee Group 
    106. LYFE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD 
    107. Makhophila Training 
    108. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    109. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    110. Mash Computer Training 
    111. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    112. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    113. MINDWORX CONSULTING GAUTENG PTY LTD 
    114. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    115. MND Training and Projects 
    116. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    117. Moripe Business Training and C 
    118. MORTERBOARD TRAINING SOLUTIONS 
    119. Motlhamme Executive Management 
    120. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    121. MP Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    122. Mpande Technologies cc 
    123. Mthonyama Technologies cc 
    124. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    125. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    126. Nape Angwato Trading 
    127. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    128. NBC Technologies 
    129. NCC - Vereeniging 
    130. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    131. Ndulita Solutions 
    132. New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC) 
    133. New Link Computer Skills 
    134. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    135. Ntamunde Investment 
    136. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    137. NW Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    138. Nyankwavi Inverstment 
    139. Nyathela Business College 
    140. Nyelati Trading Enterprise 
    141. Olrich Home of Technology 
    142. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    143. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    144. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    145. Parkton College of Catering & Tourism Studies 
    146. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    147. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    148. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    149. Pretoria Technical College 
    150. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    151. Progressive School of Business 
    152. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    153. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    154. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    155. Ramotec Business College 
    156. Rand Training College 
    157. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    158. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    159. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    160. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    161. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    162. SED Computer Academy 
    163. Sesk Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    164. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    165. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    166. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    167. Skills Unlimited 
    168. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    169. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    170. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    171. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    172. Success Christian Training Cen 
    173. Succinct Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    174. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    175. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    176. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    177. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    178. Terrawood 
    179. Terry Computer Services cc 
    180. Thalita Koume Directions (Pty) Ltd 
    181. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    182. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    183. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    184. Titan Trade Technologies 
    185. Tlou Foundation College 
    186. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    187. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
    188. Tsima Consulting Development S 
    189. TSP COLLEGE 
    190. TURFLOOP TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    191. Ubuhlanti Sances Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    192. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    193. Umbrella Training and Development 
    194. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    195. UTHINGO BRITE SERVICES 
    196. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    197. Visionary Skill Academy 
    198. Vukani Solutions 
    199. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    200. Waterberg TVET College 
    201. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    202. Whitestone College 
    203. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    204. Working Solution International 
    205. WW.IT-IQ Training & Solutions 
    206. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    207. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    208. Yonet Training Academy 
    209. Youth Media Movement 
    210. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    211. Zealot Business College 
    212. Zikode Development Trust 
    213. ZIPHELELE RURAL DEVELOPMENT AC 


    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.