Process Control Cyber Security 1st – 5th December 2025 (Weekdays)
- Description
- Reviews
This course typically focuses on securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems that manage and monitor industrial processes. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity practices tailored for industrial and process control systems, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Course Objectives
1. Understand Process Control Systems: Gain a foundational understanding of ICS, SCADA, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and other process control systems used in industries like manufacturing, energy, and water treatment.
2. Identify Cyber Threats: Learn to recognize cyber threats and vulnerabilities that specifically target process control environments, including malware, ransomware, and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
3. Apply Cybersecurity Principles: Apply cybersecurity frameworks, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, to process control systems, focusing on protection, detection, and response strategies.
4. Implement Security Controls: Understand and implement network security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and virtual private networks (VPNs) for secure ICS and SCADA networks.
5. Conduct Risk Assessments: Learn to perform risk assessments and vulnerability assessments specific to process control systems, identifying risks and prioritizing mitigation measures.
6. Incident Response: Develop strategies for incident response and recovery in case of a cyberattack, with an emphasis on maintaining safety, reliability, and availability of process control systems.
7. Hands-on Practice: Engage in practical, hands-on exercises using simulated or real industrial control systems to apply knowledge of cybersecurity controls and best practices.
Course Contents
1. Introduction to Process Control Systems
Overview of ICS, SCADA, DCS, and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
Typical architectures of process control networks
Role of ICS in critical infrastructure industries (e.g., energy, manufacturing, water)
2. Cybersecurity Basics for ICS
Differences between IT and OT (Operational Technology) security
Common threats and vulnerabilities in ICS environments
Cybersecurity principles applied to process control (CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
3. Industrial Networking and Protocols
Overview of common industrial protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, OPC, IEC 60870)
Network architecture and segmentation for ICS networks
Importance of network zoning (e.g., DMZ, firewalls)
4. Threat Landscape for Process Control Systems
Types of cyber threats targeting process control (e.g., malware, ransomware, phishing)
Case studies of notable ICS cyber incidents (e.g., Stuxnet, Triton, Colonial Pipeline)
Insider threats and supply chain vulnerabilities
5. Risk Management and Vulnerability Assessment
Conducting risk assessments for process control environments
Vulnerability scanning tools and techniques specific to ICS
Risk mitigation strategies (e.g., patch management, system hardening)
6. Secure Network Architecture
Designing a secure architecture for ICS networks
Best practices for network segmentation and segmentation gateways
Use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure remote access solutions
7. Access Control and Identity Management
Role-based access control (RBAC) for ICS
Secure authentication mechanisms (e.g., multi-factor authentication)
Identity management challenges in industrial environments
8. Monitoring and Incident Detection
Setting up and using intrusion detection systems (IDS) for ICS
Continuous monitoring and logging for anomaly detection.
Threat intelligence and SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) integration
9. Incident Response and Recovery
Incident response planning for ICS/SCADA
Forensic analysis of cyber incidents in process control
Strategies for business continuity and disaster recovery
10. Regulatory Compliance and Standards
Overview of standards and regulations for ICS cybersecurity (e.g., NERC CIP, ISA/IEC 62443, NIST SP 800-82)
Compliance requirements and audits for critical infrastructure
Best practices for aligning with industry standards
11. Emerging Technologies and Trends
Use of AI and machine learning for ICS cybersecurity
Securing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices
Future trends in process control cybersecurity (e.g., Zero Trust, OT/IT convergence)
12. Practical Labs and Case Studies
Hands-on lab exercises with simulated ICS/SCADA systems
Case study analysis of real-world ICS cybersecurity incidents
Capstone project: Developing a cybersecurity plan for a process control system
