INTRODUCTION:
As industries become increasingly reliant on digital systems for process control, the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding these operations cannot be overstated. Process control systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), are critical to the efficient and safe functioning of sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, energy, and water management. However, their integration with modern networks makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity threats to process control systems can disrupt operations, compromise safety, and result in significant financial losses. Attacks targeting these systems may include unauthorized access, malware, ransomware, or even advanced persistent threats (APTs) designed to manipulate processes. This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to identify, mitigate, and respond to such threats, ensuring the resilience and integrity of critical infrastructure.
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of process control systems and their unique cybersecurity requirements. They will learn about vulnerabilities inherent in these systems, best practices for securing networks, and the role of regulations and standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework in shaping a robust cybersecurity strategy.
Beyond theory, this course emphasizes practical approaches, including threat modeling, incident response planning, and the use of advanced tools for monitoring and defending process control networks.
A key focus will be the importance of collaboration among IT and operational technology (OT) teams. As process control environments bridge the gap between these domains, fostering clear communication and joint strategies is essential for effective cybersecurity management.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
· Provide a comprehensive understanding of process control systems and their cybersecurity challenges.
· Identify vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors in industrial control systems (ICS).
· Develop strategies for securing SCADA, DCS, and other process control networks.
· Highlight the role of global standards and regulations in cybersecurity compliance.
· Equip participants with skills to respond effectively to cyber incidents and minimize impact.
· Explore tools and techniques for monitoring and managing process control cybersecurity.
· Promote collaboration between IT and OT teams for holistic security solutions.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Module 1: Introduction to Process Control Systems and Cyber security
· Overview of SCADA, DCS, and industrial control systems
· Key differences between IT and OT environments
· Importance of cyber security in process control systems
· Common vulnerabilities and risks in ICS environments
Module 2: Threat Landscape and Risk Assessment
· Types of cyber threats targeting process control systems
· Real-world examples of ICS cyber attacks and their impact
· Conducting risk assessments for process control environments
· Identifying critical assets and prioritizing security measures
Module 3: Cyber security Standards and Regulations
· Breakdown of IEC 62443, NIST Cyber security Framework, and ISO standards
· Compliance requirements for industrial sectors
· Implementing cyber security policies and procedures
· Role of audits and continuous improvement in cyber security
Module 4: Securing Process Control Systems
· Best practices for network segmentation and access control
· Hardening devices and securing communication protocols
· Managing patches and updates in operational environments
· Protecting against insider threats and third-party risks
Module 5: Monitoring and Incident Response
· Tools for real-time monitoring and anomaly detection
· Building an effective incident response plan for ICS environments
· Conducting forensic investigations and root cause analysis
· Post-incident recovery and system restoration strategies
Module 6: Bridging the IT-OT Divide
· Challenges of integrating IT and OT cyber security practices
· Establishing clear roles and responsibilities across teams
· Communication strategies for cross-domain collaboration
· Leveraging shared tools and frameworks for unified security
TARGET AUDIENCE:
· IT and OT professionals responsible for securing industrial control systems.
· Engineers and managers overseeing process control environments.
· Cyber security specialists seeking to expand their expertise in ICS security.
· Compliance officers and auditors in industries relying on process control systems.
· Risk management professionals focused on critical infrastructure protection.
Venue: Ethiopia
Duration: 1 week
Date: Open
