Note: This course is presently in a beta version. As experienced COMSEC Custodians, the feedback you provide after completing this course will help us improve the content and confirm if we have met the expectations for this refresher course.
Course description
This course will provide you with an overview of key concepts associated with COMSEC, pertinent COMSEC Custodian functions and the most common COMSEC incidents reported to, and evaluated by, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). As a Custodian, you already have the knowledge and professional experience by performing the duties expected of this role, and as such we will focus your attention to the current policies and procedures associated to these concepts. Additionally, you will be provided with solutions and/or mitigation measures designed to limit the impacts of these incidents through specific examples and realistic scenarios that you may encounter.
Course objectives
The objective of this course is to ensure that upon successful completion, you will be able to identify foundational COMSEC concepts reinforce key policies, and procedures that are related to the most common COMSEC incidents and reduce the associated errors. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to reduce or eliminate potential vulnerabilities when using Government of Canada (GC) classified systems and Accountable COMSEC Material (ACM).
Course outline
This online course is composed of 7 modules. The course modules are as follows:
- Module 1 – COMSEC fundamentals
- Module 2 – Unauthorized extension of a cryptoperiod
- Module 3 – Permanent loss, temporary loss, and found ACM
- Module 4 – Late and improper destruction of key
- Module 5 – Malfunctioning and damaged/tampered ACM
- Module 6 – Packing and shipping errors
- Module 7 – Unauthorized/inappropriate use of ACM
- Final exam
Target audience
GC COMSEC Custodians. All Custodians are highly encouraged to revalidate their formal training requirement every 5 years by successfully completing this course and exam. Newly appointed Custodians are still required to take the 230 COMSEC Account Management in the GC instructor-led course. Individuals who likely need or should seek out this training may include personnel who have worked for many years in COMSEC, likely within a departmental silo, and who require an update on the latest COMSEC policy and doctrine releases and current best operational practices.
Course duration
It is estimated that the completion of all the modules will take approximately 3 hours to complete. Please note that you can pause and resume this course at any module and at any time.
Course pre-requisite
Completion of the 230 COMSEC Account Management for the GC instructor-led course, or an equivalent as defined by a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), is a prerequisite. It contains invaluable information and remains mandatory for all new Custodians. This refresher is not intended to replace it.
