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Process Control Cybersecurity
A course on securing industrial and process control systems, focusing on protecting operational technology from cyber threats and attacks.
course :
Cybersecurity Training Courses
Course Overview
Process control environments are increasingly becoming targets for cyber threats, particularly as industrial systems converge with modern IT networks. Unlike traditional IT assets, Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) play a direct role in monitoring and controlling physical processes, making their protection critical to operational safety and business continuity.
Recent studies highlight the severity of these challenges. For example, research by Siemens and the Ponemon Institute revealed that three out of four oil and gas organizations in the Middle East have faced a cybersecurity compromise resulting in either data loss or operational disruption. Furthermore, nearly half of cyberattacks against Operational Technology (OT) environments are believed to go undetected. Given the oil and gas sector’s strategic role in regional economies, the risks associated with IT/OT convergence are both significant and urgent.
The Process Control Cybersecurity Training Course provides participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to secure IACS and OT environments. The course addresses global cybersecurity standards, risk management practices, and effective countermeasures, while also equipping participants with diagnostic and incident response capabilities.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the process control assets that require protection.
- Understand the current industrial security environment and its unique challenges.
- Explain the core principles of the IEC 62443 industrial security standard.
- Conduct risk assessments and apply appropriate cybersecurity countermeasures.
- Perform application diagnostics, troubleshooting, and incident response in OT environments.
Course Audience
This course is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in industrial operations, cybersecurity, and process control, including:
- Operations and Maintenance Personnel
- Process Control Operators and Engineers
- Plant and Project Managers
- Instrumentation Technicians and Engineers
- System Integrators
- IT/OT Engineers and Managers in Industrial Facilities
- Security, Safety, and Risk Management Professionals
- Any professional addressing cybersecurity in industrial environments
Course Methodology
The course employs proven adult learning techniques designed to maximize comprehension and retention. Methods include:
- Structured presentations and expert-led discussions.
- Group exercises and simulations.
- Case studies and scenario-based learning.
- Practical paper exercises and evaluations at the end of each module.
- Continuous engagement through Q&A and interactive sessions.
Course Outline
Day One – Introduction and Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Overview of process control cybersecurity
- The current industrial security environment
- IT vs. OT: similarities and differences
- Fundamentals of process control and communication networks
- Threats, vulnerabilities, and attack pathways
- Asset identification and impact assessment
Day Two – IACS Cybersecurity Lifecycle and IEC 62443
- Phases of the IACS cybersecurity lifecycle (identification, design, operations)
- Limitations of conventional IT approaches
- IEC 62443 security standards and framework
- Cybersecurity assurance levels (CAL)
- Functional requirements and implementation strategies
Day Three – Addressing Security Risks and Countermeasures
- Endpoint security: antivirus and anti-spyware
- Firewalls, intrusion detection, and traffic analysis
- Encryption and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
- Authentication systems and password management
- Access control and network segmentation
Day Four – Application Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
- Interpreting device alarms and event logs
- Identifying early warning indicators
- Network intrusion detection systems (NIDS)
- Network management and monitoring tools
- Application alarms, whitelisting, and endpoint protection
- Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) tools
Day Five – Operating Procedures, Tools, and Incident Response
- Management of change procedures in IACS environments
- Configuration and patch management tools
- Cybersecurity audits and compliance monitoring
- Antivirus and whitelisting implementation
- Developing and executing an incident response plan
- Incident investigation, system recovery, and lessons learned
Certificates
Participants who attend and successfully complete the training course will be awarded a HighPoint Center Certificate of Completion.
Training Schedule and Fees
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