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COMSEC E-learning
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COMSEC
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Overview
The Communications Security (COMSEC) curriculum offers Government of Canada (GC) and private sector company’s personnel an introduction to this subset of Information Technology Security (ITS). The protection of information transmitted by electrical means, and of certain electronic emissions associated with sensitive (classified or protected) information, involves the use of specialized technical, operational, and physical security measures. The courses offered will allow the participant to gain a thorough understanding of COMSEC fundamentals, policies, equipment and software. This training will also articulate the requirement for employing appropriate COMSEC management practices and the need for exercising vigilance when processing sensitive GC information.
Requirements
Only personnel who work within an approved COMSEC account or require access to Accountable COMSEC Material to perform their duties are eligible to attend (except for courses 235 – COMSEC in the GC, and 410 – Cryptographic Security in the GC, which are open to everyone).
Security Clearance Requirements
A valid security clearance and validation of your Canadian citizenship may be required prior to attend some COMSEC related courses. If this is the case, our Personnel Security office will be in touch with your corresponding departmental office.
Mandatory Training for COMSEC Custodians and Alternate COMSEC Custodians
COMSEC Custodians and Alternate COMSEC Custodians must attend formal COMSEC Account Management training (Course 230 or 229) within 6 months of appointment.
In addition to course 230 or 229, COMSEC Custodians and Alternate COMSEC Custodians must also attend training related to their account’s accounting systems (EKMS or DIAS).
COMSEC Custodians and Alternate COMSEC Custodians should also attend formal cryptographic equipment courses before using cryptographic equipment.
For more information, please consult the table below:
| Course Number and Title | Notes |
|---|---|
| 230 |COMSEC Account Management | Mandatory – must be taken within 6 months of appointment |
| 229 |COMSEC Account Management for Private Sector Companies | Mandatory – must be taken within 6 months of appointment |
| 205 |GC Electronic Key Management System (EKMS) | Mandatory – if your account uses EKMS |
| 206 |Distributed INFOSEC Accounting System (DIAS) | Mandatory – if your account uses DIAS |
| 233 |Cryptographic Key Management and Ordering | Recommended |
| 240 |Data Transfer Device (DTD) 245 |Secure DTD 2000 System (SDS) 275 |Simple Key Loader (SKL) 276 |Really Simple Key Loader (RASKL) |
Recommended – if your account uses a T3MD |
| 250 |Secure Terminal Equipment (STE) 270 |vIPer |
Recommended – if your account uses a SCIP device |
| 281 |TACLANE Network Encryptor | Recommended – if your account uses TACLANEs |
| 210 |Eclypt Encryption Drives |
Recommended – if your account uses Eclypt |
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is an integral part of the LH’s approach in identifying, assessing, and recognizing knowledge and skills that have been acquired through training and work experience. To properly assess your request towards the desired COMSEC formal training, please contact us to apply for a PLAR.
Knowledge Checks / Tests
While most courses administer knowledge checks and quizzes throughout the lesson, only courses 229, 230 and 281 have final ‘exams’ to ensure knowledge retention. A passing mark is required to be qualified as COMSEC custodian and/or TACLANE administrator.
Additional Courses to Consider
The LH offers several additional courses that may benefit COMSEC custodians in the performance of their duties. These courses can be considered electives, or contextual:
- 410 – Cryptographic Security in the GC
- 215 – EMSEC Fundamentals
- 235 – COMSEC in the GC
COMSEC Training for DND/CAF COMSEC Custodians
All DND/CAF COMSEC custodians are required to communicate with 766 Comms Squadron for their COMSEC account management training. For all other COMSEC related courses (e.g., SKL, TACLANE), all DND/CAF COMSEC staff are eligible to take training with the Cyber Centre Learning Hub.