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 
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. baseni 
    24. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    25. Bells Technical College 
    26. Birnam Business College (Pty) 
    27. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    28. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    29. BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Business Optimization Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    32. Careers IT 
    33. CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 
    34. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    35. Claas Illustration 
    36. Clean Heat Academy 
    37. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    38. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    39. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    40. CompEd IT Training 
    41. COMPUSTEPS COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    42. CSL Accountants 
    43. CTU Training Solutions 
    44. CYBAX SYSTEMS 
    45. CYBER-CITY IT SOLUTIONS 
    46. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    47. Decade Pulse (Pty) Ltd 
    48. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    49. Delight Computer Training 
    50. Eagle Computer Training 
    51. Eagle High IT Training 
    52. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    53. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    54. ED-U Options Academy 
    55. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    56. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    57. Elangeni Training Institute 
    58. Elchees Software Solutions 
    59. Emalahleni Institute of Techno 
    60. Enter on Stilts 
    61. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    62. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    63. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    64. FACULTY TRAINING INSTITUTE PTY LTD 
    65. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    66. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Four Stars Communication 
    68. Fourways Private College 
    69. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    70. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    71. Gert Sibande FET College 
    72. Gigimo Tourism Academy 
    73. Global Institute for Capacity 
    74. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    75. Growth Management Consulting cc 
    76. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    77. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    78. Hazyview Computer College 
    79. Hectic Productions cc 
    80. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    81. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    82. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    83. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    84. iCollege College 
    85. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    86. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    87. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    88. Imbizo Training and Development Consultants Cc 
    89. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    90. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    91. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    92. IT Academy 
    93. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    94. Iyam Training Services 
    95. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    96. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    97. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    98. Keep The Dream 285 
    99. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    100. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    101. KN Training Specialist 
    102. KT Mobile Services 
    103. Kundani Trading 
    104. L and P Computer Academy Pty Ltd 
    105. Learnfast Training Solutions ( 
    106. Leseding Computer Systems 
    107. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    108. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    109. LINDAMAHLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD 
    110. Loomee Group 
    111. LYFE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD 
    112. Makhophila Training 
    113. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    114. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    115. Mash Computer Training 
    116. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    117. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    118. MINDWORX CONSULTING GAUTENG PTY LTD 
    119. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    120. MND Training and Projects 
    121. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    122. Moripe Business Training and C 
    123. MORTERBOARD TRAINING SOLUTIONS 
    124. Motlhamme Executive Management 
    125. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    126. MP Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    127. Mpande Technologies cc 
    128. Mthonyama Technologies cc 
    129. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    130. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    131. Nape Angwato Trading 
    132. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    133. NBC Technologies 
    134. NCC - Vereeniging 
    135. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    136. Ndulita Solutions 
    137. New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC) 
    138. New Link Computer Skills 
    139. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    140. Ntamunde Investment 
    141. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    142. NW Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    143. Nyankwavi Inverstment 
    144. Nyathela Business College 
    145. Nyelati Trading Enterprise 
    146. Olrich Home of Technology 
    147. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    148. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    149. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    150. Parkton College of Catering & Tourism Studies 
    151. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    152. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    153. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    154. Pretoria Technical College 
    155. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    156. Progressive School of Business 
    157. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    158. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    159. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    160. Ramotec Business College 
    161. Rand Training College 
    162. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    163. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    164. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    165. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    166. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    167. SED Computer Academy 
    168. Sesk Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    169. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    170. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    171. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    172. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    173. Skills Unlimited 
    174. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    175. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    176. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    177. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    178. Success Christian Training Cen 
    179. Succinct Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    180. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    181. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    182. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    183. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    184. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    185. Terrawood 
    186. Terry Computer Services cc 
    187. Thalita Koume Directions (Pty) Ltd 
    188. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    189. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    190. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    191. Tinotel Communications 
    192. Titan Trade Technologies 
    193. Tlou Foundation College 
    194. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    195. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
    196. Tsima Consulting Development S 
    197. TSP COLLEGE 
    198. TURFLOOP TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    199. Ubuhlanti Sances Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    200. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    201. Umbrella Training and Development 
    202. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    203. UTHINGO BRITE SERVICES 
    204. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    205. Visionary Skill Academy 
    206. Vukani Solutions 
    207. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    208. Waterberg TVET College 
    209. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    210. Whitestone College 
    211. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    212. Working Solution International 
    213. WW.IT-IQ Training & Solutions 
    214. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    215. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    216. Yonet Training Academy 
    217. Youth Media Movement 
    218. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    219. Zealot Business College 
    220. Zikode Development Trust 
    221. 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.