Process Control Cybersecurity

About the Course

The increasing integration of digital technology within industrial automation has fundamentally transformed the landscape of process control, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and innovation. This shift enables organisations to streamline operations, optimise resource allocation, and enhance decision-making processes through real-time data analytics and connectivity. However, alongside these advancements, the digital evolution introduces new vulnerabilities and threats that can jeopardise the integrity and security of critical infrastructure. Cyber adversaries continuously develop sophisticated techniques to exploit these weaknesses, highlighting the urgent need for a robust approach to cybersecurity. As a result, organisations must prioritise implementing comprehensive security measures to protect their systems, data, and overall operational resilience in this increasingly complex environment.

In today’s interconnected world, cyber-attack risks are more pronounced than ever. Industrial control systems (ICS) are now prime targets for malicious actors seeking to disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, or cause physical damage. With the potential for severe consequences, organisations must adopt a proactive stance on cybersecurity. The Process Control Cybersecurity training course will equip delegates with essential knowledge and practical skills to safeguard their organisations against emerging cyber threats. By understanding the unique challenges faced in industrial environments, professionals will be better prepared to protect critical infrastructure and ensure operational continuity.

Delegates will understand a comprehensive overview of the threats and vulnerabilities inherent in process control systems, emphasizing the importance of a strong security posture to mitigate risks effectively. It will address theoretical concepts and focus on practical applications, ensuring they can translate their knowledge into actionable strategies within their organisations, by nurturing a culture of cybersecurity awareness and providing delegates with the tools and techniques necessary to implement adequate security measures, aiming to empower professionals to take charge of their cybersecurity initiatives. Investing in cybersecurity learning is crucial for organisations looking to thrive in an increasingly complex digital landscape, making it an invaluable resource for enhancing overall resilience against cyber threats.

Core Objectives

By the end of the training course, delegates will be able to:

• Identify and recall key cybersecurity concepts and terminology related to process control systems
• Explain the importance of cybersecurity in industrial automation and the potential impact of cyber threats on operational integrity
• Demonstrate the ability to implement security policies and procedures within process control environments to mitigate risks
• Assess and evaluate security vulnerabilities in industrial control systems, determining potential threats and their implications
• Evaluate existing cybersecurity measures and strategies, providing recommendations for improvement and compliance with industry standards
• Develop a comprehensive incident response plan tailored to the unique needs of an organisation’s process control systems
• Integrate knowledge of cybersecurity principles with practical tools and techniques to formulate effective security solutions for real-world challenges in process control environments

Training Approach

This training course combines interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative group discussions to ensure delegates engage deeply with the material. Delegates can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving skills and real-world application of cybersecurity principles. Case studies and simulations will foster critical thinking and prepare them to address and respond to cybersecurity challenges in their organisations effectively.

The Attendees

This training course represents a diverse group of professionals who play critical roles in ensuring the security and efficiency of process control systems. With engineering, IT security, operations, and compliance backgrounds, they will bring valuable perspectives and expertise to the training, enhancing collaborative learning and practical application of cybersecurity strategies.

Also, it will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following:

• Process Control Engineers
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• IT Security Professionals
• Operations Managers
• System Integrators
• Compliance Officers
• Maintenance Engineers
• Project Managers
• Industrial Automation Specialists
• Risk Management Professionals

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: CYBERSECURITY PRINCIPLES IN INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS

• Overview of Cybersecurity Concepts
• Importance of Cybersecurity in Industrial Environments
• Common Threats and Vulnerabilities in Process Control Systems
• Understanding Cybersecurity Regulations and Standards
• Role of Stakeholders in Cybersecurity
• Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene
• Identifying Insider Threats
• Incident Reporting Mechanisms
• Security Controls for Process Automation Systems
• Cybersecurity Risk Communication Strategies

DAY TWO: IACS SECURITY LIFECYCLE AND ISA99/IEC 62443 FRAMEWORK

• Introduction to IACS Architecture
• Overview of ISA99/IEC 62443 Standards
• Stages of the Cybersecurity Lifecycle
• Risk Assessment in IACS
• Implementing Security Policies and Procedures
• Security Architecture and Design Considerations
• Compliance and Auditing Processes
• Security Metrics and Performance Indicators
• Roles and Responsibilities in Cybersecurity Governance
• Cybersecurity Frameworks and Best Practices

DAY THREE: APPROACHES TO SECURITY RISK MANAGEMENT

• Identifying Security Risks in Process Control Systems
• Security Countermeasures and Controls
• Layered Security Strategies
• Network Segmentation for Enhanced Security
• Secure Remote Access and Monitoring
• Incident Detection and Response Planning
• Security Configuration Management
• Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
• Evaluating and Testing Security Controls
• Developing a Risk Management Plan 

DAY FOUR: APPLICATION PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSTICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING

• Common Application Vulnerabilities
• Tools and Techniques for Diagnostics
• Troubleshooting Methodologies
• Performance Monitoring and Anomaly Detection
• Application Patch Management and Updates
• Root Cause Analysis of Security Incidents
• Secure Application Development Lifecycle
• Incident Response for Application Vulnerabilities
• Integration of Security into DevOps Practices
• Best Practices for Secure Application Architecture

DAY FIVE: IACS CYBERSECURITY PROCEDURES AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

• Developing Cybersecurity Operating Procedures
• Incident Response Planning and Execution
• Role of Cybersecurity Teams in Incident Management
• Tools for Incident Detection and Response
• Reporting and Communication Strategies during Incidents
• Forensics in Cybersecurity Incidents
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
• Threat Intelligence and Sharing in Incident Response
• Cybersecurity Auditing and Compliance Assessments
• Integration of Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity