Program 1: OT Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist

Overall Objectives

1. Build a strong foundational understanding of OT cybersecurity principles.
2. Introduce participants to the unique challenges and risks in OT environments versus IT.
3. Provide knowledge of OT-specific cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and best practices.
4. Equip participants with skills to identify and mitigate basic vulnerabilities in OT systems.

Program 2: OT Cybersecurity Architecture Design & Implementation Specialist

Overall Objectives

1. Train participants to design secure, scalable OT architectures aligned with organizational needs.
2. Equip them with the skills to implement security controls while maintaining operational integrity.
3. Ensure participants can balance IT/OT convergence without compromising security.
4. Provide expertise in secure design principles, system hardening, and advanced OT cybersecurity tools.

Program 1: OT Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist

Learning Methods

1. Interactive Lectures: Cover foundational topics like ICS protocols, OT security principles, and common attack scenarios.
2. Hands-On Activities: Simulate OT vulnerabilities and implement basic security controls in lab environments.
3. Case Studies: Analyze real-world OT cybersecurity incidents to highlight lessons learned.
4. Quizzes and Assessments: Reinforce understanding through regular knowledge checks.

Program 2: OT Cybersecurity Architecture Design & Implementation Specialist

Learning Methods

1. Advanced Lectures: Cover topics like defense-in-depth, secure zoning, and IT/OT integration.
2. Lab Simulations: Participants will design and implement OT architectures, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and remote access solutions.
3. Design Reviews: Collaborate in teams to review and refine OT architecture designs.
4. Practical Projects: Develop end-to-end architecture plans and implement them in controlled environments.

Program 1: OT Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist

Key Outcomes

1. Participants will understand the differences between IT and OT cybersecurity.
2. They will gain familiarity with key OT systems (SCADA, DCS, PLCs) and protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3).
3. They will know how to apply basic security principles like least privilege, network segmentation, and secure configurations.
4. Participants will become familiar with foundational frameworks like IEC 62443 and NIST CSF.
5. Develop strategies for handling obsolete systems and integrating security into projects

Program 2: OT Cybersecurity Architecture Design & Implementation Specialist

Key Outcomes

1. Participants will learn to design robust OT architectures with secure network zoning and segmentation.
2. They will gain hands-on experience in configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure remote access.
3. They will understand system hardening techniques to reduce attack surfaces in OT devices and networks.
4. Participants will be able to align architecture designs with standards like IEC 62443-3-3 and regulatory requirements.

• Addressing a Growing Threat Landscape:
  • OT systems are increasingly targeted by ransomware, supply chain attacks, and nation-state actors.
• Bridging the IT-OT Gap:
  • Many professionals lack foundational knowledge about securing OT environments, which differ from IT.
• Operational Resilience:
  • Building a foundation in OT cybersecurity ensures better protection of critical infrastructure.
• Advanced Threats Require Advanced Solutions:
  • Designing secure OT architectures is critical to mitigating sophisticated cyber threats.
• Protecting Critical Infrastructure:
  • Proper architecture design minimizes the impact of cyberattacks on critical operations.
• Compliance and Standardization:
  • Regulatory bodies demand secure architecture design to protect sensitive systems.
• Enabling IT/OT Convergence:
  • Helps organizations navigate the complexities of hybrid environments.

• OT Professionals:

  • Control system engineers, operators, and technicians responsible for managing ICS environments.

• Cybersecurity Specialists:

  • IT/OT security teams focusing on securing critical infrastructure and industrial environments.

• Risk Management Personnel:

  • Risk analysts and compliance officers involved in regulatory adherence and risk mitigation planning.

• Supervisors and Managers:

  • Plant managers and operational leaders overseeing OT cybersecurity and resilience programs

1. INTRODUCTION TO OT CYBERSECURITY 

Why Essential:

• Establishes a baseline understanding of OT cybersecurity concepts and challenges
• OT environments face unique challenges compared to IT, such as real-time processing, legacy systems, and safety-critical operations
• Awareness of the differences between OT and IT cybersecurity is crucial for tailoring defense strategies

Topics Covered:

• What is OT cybersecurity?
• Key differences between OT and IT
• Key terms: ICS, SCADA, PLC, DCS, HMI
• Importance of OT cybersecurity for operational resilience and safety

2. UNDERSTANDING INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS (ICS)

Why Essential:

• ICS systems are the backbone of industrial operations; understanding them is critical for identifying vulnerabilities and securing processes.

Topics Covered:

• Overview of SCADA, DCS, PLC, and HMI systems
• OT-specific communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3)
• Typical ICS architecture and key components

3. CORE OT SECURITY PRINCIPLES 

Why Essential:

• OT environments prioritize availability and safety over confidentiality, requiring a unique approach to cybersecurity.

Topics Covered:

• CIA Triad in OT: Availability, Integrity, and Confidentiality
• Balancing operational safety and security
• Importance of network segmentation and zoning

4. OT CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS 

Why Essential:

• Ensures compliance with industry standards and enhances security measures

Topics Covered:

• Key standards: IEC 62443, NIST CSF, NERC CIP
• Industry-specific compliance requirements
• Building a governance framework

5. OT ASSET MANAGEMENT

Why Essential:

• Effective asset management is the foundation for identifying vulnerabilities, applying patches, and ensuring system visibility.

Topics Covered:

• Inventory management of OT assets
• Monitoring and maintaining critical infrastructure
• Role of asset visibility in incident response

6. HOW TO CLASSIFY ICS BASED ON CRITICALITY 

Why Essential:

• Prioritizing systems by criticality ensures resources are focused on the most impactful assets.

Topics Covered:

• Classification criteria for ICS modules, servers, engineering stations (ES), and operating systems (OS)
• Identifying high-risk components and developing mitigation plans
• Criticality mapping for effective risk management

7. AUTOMATION PROJECTS REQUIREMENTS

Why Essential:

• Cybersecurity must be integrated into every phase of automation projects to prevent vulnerabilities during deployment

Topics Covered:

• Cybersecurity in the system development lifecycle
• Best practices for designing secure automation systems
• Conducting security validation during project phases
• Key essentials topics to covered upfront, FDS, URS, HDS, EDS, SDS, Project agreements software access, Remote access etc.

8. SPARE PARTS MANAGEMENT

Why Essential:

• Spare parts can introduce vulnerabilities if not properly managed, such as outdated firmware or unauthorized hardware

Topics Covered:

• Maintaining an inventory of secure spare parts
• Best practices for updating and testing spare components
• Avoiding risks from counterfeit or outdated spare parts

9. VENDORS AND SUPPLIERS MANAGEMENT 

Why Essential:

• Third-party vendors often have access to OT environments, making them a potential vector for cyber threats

Topics Covered:

• Establishing vendor cybersecurity requirements
• Secure remote access for vendors
• Conducting vendor risk assessments and audits

10. SECURE BACKUP & CONFIGURATIONS 

Why Essential:

• Backups and configurations are essential for quick recovery during incidents, reducing downtime and ensuring operational continuity.

Topics Covered:

• Backup best practices for ICS configurations.
• Testing and validating recovery processes.
• Securing backup systems against unauthorized access.

11. HOW TO MANAGE OBSOLETE DCS VENDOR SYSTEMS 

Why Essential:

• Obsolete systems pose significant security challenges due to lack of vendor support

Topics Covered:

• Definition of Obsolete
• Identifying risks associated with obsolete systems
• Implementing compensating controls (e.g., network isolation)
• Developing a roadmap for system upgrades or replacements

1. DESIGNING SECURE OT NETWORK ARCHITECTURES 

Why Essential:

• Provides the foundation for a secure OT environment
• Ensures logical and physical network layout supports both operational efficiency and cybersecurity

Key Topics:

• Zoning and Segmentation: Concepts of industrial demilitarized zones (IDMZ) and critical zone protection.
• Defense-in-Depth Strategies: Layering security measures across the architecture.
• Secure Data Flow: Designing paths for safe and efficient data movement between OT and IT networks.

2. SECURING OT COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS 

Why Essential:

• Many ICS protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3) lack native security features, making them vulnerable to attacks.
• Protecting communication ensures data integrity and operational reliability.

Key Topics:

• Protocol-Specific Vulnerabilities: Identifying risks in OT protocols.
• Encryption and Authentication: Applying technologies like TLS or IPsec to secure communication.
• Protocol Filtering: Using firewalls and IDS to allow only authorized traffic.

3. INTEGRATING OT SECURITY INTO IT/OT CONVERGENCE INFRASTRUCTURE 

Why Essential:

• The convergence of IT and OT increases the attack surface, requiring secure integration to mitigate risks.

Key Topics:

• Secure Data Exchanges: Best practices for safely transferring data between IT and OT systems.
• Shared Responsibility Models: Balancing roles and responsibilities across IT and OT teams.
• Hybrid Security Solutions: Combining OT-specific tools with IT-standard cybersecurity measures.

4. HARDENING OT SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

Why Essential:

• Reduces the attack surface by minimizing vulnerabilities in devices and systems.

Key Topics:

• System Configuration: Disabling unused ports, services, and features.
• Patch Management: Addressing vulnerabilities in legacy systems with minimal disruption.
• Vendor Guidelines: Implementing manufacturer-recommended security practices or Internal IT/OT protection?

5. NETWORK SEGMENTATION AND ISOLATION 

Why Essential:

• Prevents lateral movement of attackers across the OT environment.
• Limits the impact of breaches to isolated segments.

Key Topics:

• Logical vs. Physical Segmentation: Techniques to isolate sensitive systems.
• Implementing VLANs: Structuring virtual local area networks to restrict unauthorized access.
• Air-Gapping Critical Assets: Ensuring complete isolation for high-security environments.

6. SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Why Essential:

• Centralized management ensures consistent enforcement of security policies and rapid response to threats.

Key Topics:

• Access Control: Role-based access control (RBAC) and least privilege principles.
• Monitoring and Alerting: Implementing tools like SIEM for real-time monitoring and incident management.
• Policy Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with industry standards and organizational policies.

7. PHYSICAL SECURITY 

Why Essential:

• Protecting physical access to OT assets prevents tampering, theft, or sabotage.

Key Topics:

• Perimeter Defense: Implementing barriers, locks, and surveillance.
• Access Control Systems: Using key cards, biometric scanners, and visitor logs.
• Environmental Controls: Preventing environmental hazards (e.g., temperature, humidity) that could disrupt OT operations.

8. NETWORK SECURITY

Why Essential:

• Ensures secure communication channels and protection from external threats.

Key Topics:

• Firewalls and IDS/IPS: Configuring tools to monitor and filter network traffic.
• Secure Remote Access: Implementing VPNs, jump servers, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Network Monitoring: Using tools to detect anomalies and unauthorized activities.

9. HARDWARE SECURITY

Why Essential:

• Secures the physical components of the OT environment against tampering and unauthorized access.

Key Topics:

• Hardware Tamper Detection: Tools and techniques for identifying physical intrusions.
• Secure Hardware Design: Ensuring that devices are resilient to tampering or physical attacks.
• Supply Chain Security: Verifying the integrity of hardware from manufacturers.

10. SOFTWARE SECURITY

Why Essential:

• Mitigates vulnerabilities in software applications that control OT systems.

Key Topics:

• Secure Development Practices: Following secure coding guidelines and testing for vulnerabilities.
• Patch and Update Strategies: Ensuring timely updates to protect against emerging threats.
• Application Whitelisting: Allowing only authorized applications to run on OT systems or PLC program projects