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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    4. Action4 
    5. Affirmations Training 
    6. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    7. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    8. Amilak Training Center 
    9. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    10. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    11. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    12. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    13. Balefile Trading and Services 
    14. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    15. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    16. Bells Technical College 
    17. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    18. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    19. Business Optimization Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    20. Careers IT 
    21. CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 
    22. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    23. Clean Heat Academy 
    24. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    26. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    27. COMPUSTEPS COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    28. CSL Accountants 
    29. CTU Training Solutions 
    30. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    31. Decade Pulse (Pty) Ltd 
    32. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Delight Computer Training 
    34. Eagle Computer Training 
    35. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    36. ED-U Options Academy 
    37. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    38. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    39. Elangeni Training Institute 
    40. Elchees Software Solutions 
    41. Emalahleni Institute of Techno 
    42. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    43. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    44. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    45. FACULTY TRAINING INSTITUTE PTY LTD 
    46. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    47. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    48. Fourways Private College 
    49. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    50. Gigimo Tourism Academy 
    51. Global Institute for Capacity 
    52. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    53. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    54. Hazyview Computer College 
    55. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    56. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    57. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    58. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    59. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    60. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    61. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    62. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    63. IT Academy 
    64. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    65. Iyam Training Services 
    66. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    67. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    68. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    69. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    70. KN Training Specialist 
    71. KT Mobile Services 
    72. L and P Computer Academy Pty Ltd 
    73. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    74. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    75. LINDAMAHLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD 
    76. Loomee Group 
    77. LYFE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD 
    78. Makhophila Training 
    79. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    80. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    81. Mash Computer Training 
    82. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    83. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    84. MINDWORX CONSULTING GAUTENG PTY LTD 
    85. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    86. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    87. Motlhamme Executive Management 
    88. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    89. Mpande Technologies cc 
    90. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    91. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    92. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    93. NBC Technologies 
    94. NCC - Vereeniging 
    95. Ndulita Solutions 
    96. New Link Computer Skills 
    97. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    98. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    99. NW Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    100. Nyathela Business College 
    101. Olrich Home of Technology 
    102. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    103. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    104. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    105. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    106. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    107. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    108. Pretoria Technical College 
    109. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    110. Progressive School of Business 
    111. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    112. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    113. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    114. Ramotec Business College 
    115. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    116. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    117. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    118. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    119. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    120. SED Computer Academy 
    121. Sesk Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    122. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    123. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    124. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    125. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    126. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    127. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    128. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    129. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    130. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    131. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    132. Terrawood 
    133. Terry Computer Services cc 
    134. Thalita Koume Directions (Pty) Ltd 
    135. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    136. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    137. Titan Trade Technologies 
    138. Tlou Foundation College 
    139. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    140. TSP COLLEGE 
    141. TURFLOOP TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    142. Ubuhlanti Sances Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    143. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    144. Umbrella Training and Development 
    145. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    146. UTHINGO BRITE SERVICES 
    147. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    148. Visionary Skill Academy 
    149. Vukani Solutions 
    150. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    151. Waterberg TVET College 
    152. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    153. Whitestone College 
    154. Working Solution International 
    155. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    156. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    157. Yonet Training Academy 
    158. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    159. Zealot Business College 
    160. Zikode Development Trust 


    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.