Course Details

Securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS/SCADA) Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for mastering Securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA environments. Critical infrastructure sectors – including energy, water, manufacturing, and transportation – rely heavily on these operational technology (OT) systems, yet they face unique and rapidly evolving cyber threats with potentially catastrophic physical consequences. Securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS/SCADA) Training Course equips participants with a systematic understanding of ICS/SCADA architectures, common vulnerabilities, specialized threat actors, and robust defense strategies tailored for these sensitive environments. Participants will gain deep insights into implementing network segmentation, secure remote access, anomaly detection, and incident response for OT systems, all crucial for protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring operational continuity, and safeguarding public safety.

This course is designed for cybersecurity professionals, control engineers, IT/OT convergence teams, and critical infrastructure operators who are responsible for securing or managing industrial control systems. It bridges the significant gap between traditional IT security and the specialized demands of OT environments, empowering participants to identify and mitigate unique ICS/SCADA risks, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and apply best practices to build resilient and defensible industrial networks against sophisticated cyber-physical attacks.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in the security, operation, and maintenance of industrial control systems and critical infrastructure, including:

• ICS/SCADA Engineers and Technicians.
• Industrial Cybersecurity Specialists.
• IT/OT Convergence Teams.
• Plant Operations Managers.
• Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Analysts.

OBJECTIVES

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

• Understand the unique characteristics and security challenges of ICS/SCADA systems.
• Identify common vulnerabilities and attack vectors in industrial environments.
• Apply network segmentation and secure communication protocols for OT networks.
• Implement robust access control and identity management for ICS.
• Develop and execute incident response plans tailored for cyber-physical security incidents.

MODULES

Module 1: Introduction to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA Security

• Define Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition).
• Understand the unique characteristics of OT environments (e.g., real-time operations, legacy systems, physical processes).
• Discuss the consequences of ICS cyberattacks (e.g., physical damage, safety hazards, environmental impact).
• Explore the differences between IT and OT security philosophies and priorities.
• Examine the historical landscape of ICS cyber incidents and their lessons learned.

Module 2: ICS/SCADA Architectures and Components

• Understand typical ICS/SCADA architectures (e.g., Purdue Model, ISA-95).
• Discuss key ICS components (e.g., PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, DCS, Historians).
• Explore common communication protocols in OT environments (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, OPC, EtherNet/IP).
• Examine the interdependencies between IT and OT networks.
• Learn about critical assets within an industrial environment.

Module 3: ICS/SCADA Vulnerabilities and Attack Vectors

• Identify common vulnerabilities in ICS/SCADA systems (e.g., legacy systems, insecure configurations, unpatched software).
• Discuss specific attack vectors targeting OT (e.g., zero-day exploits for PLCs, firmware attacks).
• Explore the role of insider threats in industrial environments.
• Examine the impact of physical access vulnerabilities.
• Learn about common malware (e.g., Stuxnet, Triton) designed for ICS.

Module 4: ICS/SCADA Network Security and Segmentation

• Understand the principles of network segmentation for OT environments (e.g., firewalling, VLANs, DMZs).
• Discuss implementing the Purdue Model for secure zone separation.
• Explore secure remote access solutions for ICS (e.g., secure VPNs, jump servers, multi-factor authentication).
• Examine the importance of secure communication protocols and encryption where feasible.
• Learn about intrusion detection and prevention for OT networks.

Module 5: Identity and Access Management (IAM) for ICS

• Understand the unique challenges of IAM in ICS environments (e.g., shared accounts, device authentication).
• Discuss implementing least privilege for OT operators and engineers.
• Explore strategies for authentication and authorization in ICS.
• Examine the management of privileged accounts and service accounts.
• Learn about securing HMI and engineering workstation access.

Module 6: Endpoint and Application Security in OT

• Understand challenges of patch management in ICS (e.g., system criticality, vendor support).
• Discuss strategies for vulnerability management and asset inventory for OT endpoints.
• Explore the use of anti-malware and whitelisting in sensitive OT environments.
• Examine the security of HMI applications and engineering workstations.
• Learn about secure configuration baselines for industrial devices.

Module 7: ICS/SCADA Incident Response and Disaster Recovery

• Understand the unique considerations for incident response in OT environments.
• Discuss developing an ICS-specific incident response plan.
• Explore strategies for containment, eradication, and recovery in cyber-physical incidents.
• Examine the importance of forensic readiness for ICS assets.
• Learn about integrating IT and OT incident response teams.

Module 8: ICS Cybersecurity Standards, Regulations, and Future Trends

• Understand relevant ICS cybersecurity standards and guidelines (e.g., NIST SP 800-82, ISA/IEC 62443, NERC CIP).
• Discuss the importance of risk assessments specific to OT environments.
• Explore future trends in ICS security (e.g., AI/ML for anomaly detection, blockchain for supply chain integrity).
• Examine the impact of IT/OT convergence on security strategies.
• Learn about national and international regulations impacting critical infrastructure protection.

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