Course Details

Cybersecurity for Government and Critical Infrastructure Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for mastering Cybersecurity for Government and Critical Infrastructure. Government agencies and critical infrastructure sectors (like energy, water, transportation, and healthcare) are indispensable to national security, economic stability, and public safety, making them prime targets for sophisticated cyberattacks from nation-states, organized crime, and terrorists. This program equips participants with a systematic understanding of the unique threat landscape, specialized regulatory frameworks (e.g., NIST, CISA, NERC CIP), and advanced security strategies tailored to protect these vital national assets. Participants will gain deep insights into defending against advanced persistent threats (APTs), securing operational technology (OT/ICS), managing supply chain risks, ensuring resilience, and complying with stringent mandates, all crucial for maintaining national defense, delivering essential services, and safeguarding public trust.

This course is designed for cybersecurity professionals, IT specialists, operational technology engineers, risk managers, and leadership within government entities, defense organizations, and critical infrastructure operators. It delves into the specific complexities and high-stakes nature of securing public sector and essential services, empowering participants to implement robust, resilient, and compliant cybersecurity programs. By fostering a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and advanced defensive strategies, this course enables organizations to effectively counter the most formidable cyber adversaries and protect the foundational elements of a nation.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals working within or interacting with government entities and critical infrastructure sectors, including:

• Government Cybersecurity Analysts and Engineers.
• Critical Infrastructure Security Professionals (Energy, Water, Transportation, Healthcare).
• IT/OT Convergence Teams in Public Sector.
• Compliance and Risk Management Professionals in Government.
• Defense and National Security Cybersecurity Personnel.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the unique cybersecurity threats and adversaries targeting government and critical infrastructure.
• Identify and apply key regulatory frameworks and directives (e.g., NIST CSF, CISA guidelines, NERC CIP).
• Implement strategies for securing operational technology (OT/ICS) environments.
• Manage supply chain cybersecurity risks in government and critical infrastructure contexts.
• Develop and execute resilient incident response and continuity plans for high-impact events.

MODULES

Module 1: The Unique Threat Landscape for Government and Critical Infrastructure

• Define critical infrastructure sectors and their societal importance.
• Understand the motivations and capabilities of nation-state actors and sophisticated cybercriminal groups targeting these sectors.
• Discuss common attack vectors used against government and critical infrastructure (e.g., APTs, supply chain attacks, zero-days).
• Explore the potential physical and economic consequences of successful cyberattacks on these targets.
• Examine real-world historical cyber incidents and their impact (e.g., Stuxnet, Colonial Pipeline).

Module 2: Key Cybersecurity Frameworks and Directives

• Understand the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and its application in government and critical infrastructure.
• Discuss directives and guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
• Explore the NIST Special Publications (SPs) relevant to federal agencies (e.g., SP 800-53, SP 800-171).
• Examine sector-specific regulations, such as NERC CIP for the electric power industry.
• Learn about implementing and demonstrating compliance with these frameworks.

Module 3: Securing Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)

• Understand the convergence of IT and OT and its security implications.
• Discuss the unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of ICS/SCADA systems.
• Explore network segmentation and isolation strategies for OT environments (e.g., Purdue Model).
• Examine securing PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and other industrial components.
• Learn about specialized tools and techniques for ICS/OT security.

Module 4: Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and Countermeasures

• Define Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and their lifecycle.
• Understand the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by APT groups.
• Discuss strategies for detecting and defending against APTs (e.g., advanced threat hunting, behavioral analytics).
• Explore the importance of threat intelligence sharing for APT defense.
• Examine methods for improving visibility and understanding of sophisticated attacks.

Module 5: Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) for Critical Sectors

• Understand the criticality of supply chain cybersecurity risk in government and critical infrastructure.
• Discuss methodologies for identifying and assessing risks from third-party vendors and suppliers.
• Explore secure procurement processes and contractual requirements.
• Examine the impact of software supply chain attacks (e.g., SolarWinds) and mitigation strategies.
• Learn about validating the security posture of components and services.

Module 6: Resilience, Redundancy, and Continuity of Operations (COOP)

• Understand the concepts of cyber resilience and redundancy for critical systems.
• Discuss the development and implementation of Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP).
• Explore strategies for disaster recovery and high availability for essential services.
• Examine techniques for hardening critical infrastructure components against cyber-physical attacks.
• Learn about ensuring public safety and maintaining service delivery during and after a cyber incident.

Module 7: Insider Threat Programs and Personnel Security

• Understand the unique risks posed by insider threats in government and critical infrastructure.
• Discuss strategies for identifying, deterring, and mitigating insider threats.
• Explore the importance of personnel security programs and vetting processes.
• Examine behavioral analytics and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity.
• Learn about fostering a security-aware culture to counter insider risks.

Module 8: Cyber Incident Response, Information Sharing, and Legal Considerations

• Understand the specific requirements for cyber incident response in government and critical infrastructure.
• Discuss coordination with federal agencies (e.g., CISA, FBI) during incidents.
• Explore mechanisms for information sharing and collaboration across sectors and with government.
• Examine legal and regulatory considerations for incident reporting and evidence handling.
• Learn about post-incident analysis, lessons learned, and continuous improvement for national security.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com