Power System Resilience & Cybersecurity: Secure Critical Energy Infrastructure

Introduction:

Power System Resilience and Cybersecurity addresses the growing vulnerabilities and cyber threats facing modern power grids. This course equips electrical engineers and cybersecurity professionals with the specialized knowledge and skills to harden critical infrastructure. Participants will learn how to identify grid vulnerabilities, assess cyber risks, and implement robust security strategies to ensure grid resilience and reliability. This course bridges the gap between traditional power system engineering and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, empowering professionals to protect vital energy infrastructure.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for electrical engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and grid operators involved in the development, operation, and security of power systems, including:

• Power System Engineers
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Grid Operators
• SCADA Engineers
• Network Security Specialists
• Energy Policy Analysts
• Utility Engineers

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Power System Resilience and Cybersecurity course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the vulnerabilities of modern power grids to cyber threats.
• Assess cyber risks and develop security strategies for critical infrastructure.
• Implement cybersecurity measures for SCADA systems and communication networks.
• Understand the principles of grid resilience and reliability.
• Develop strategies for mitigating the impact of cyberattacks and natural disasters.
• Implement incident response plans and security protocols.
• Understand the role of regulatory frameworks and standards in grid cybersecurity.
• Utilize cybersecurity tools and techniques for grid vulnerability assessment.
• Implement strategies for hardening grid infrastructure against cyberattacks.
• Understand the role of threat intelligence and information sharing in grid security.
• Evaluate the economic and operational impacts of cyberattacks on power systems.
• Enhance their ability to design and implement secure and resilient power systems.
• Improve their organization's cybersecurity posture and grid reliability.
• Contribute to the protection of critical energy infrastructure.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in power system cybersecurity.
• Become a more knowledgeable and effective power system cybersecurity professional.
• Understand ethical considerations in grid cybersecurity.
• Learn how to use cybersecurity simulation and analysis tools effectively.

Duration

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Power System Vulnerabilities and Cyber Threats

• Overview of modern power grid architecture and vulnerabilities.
• Understanding the evolving landscape of cyber threats to critical infrastructure.
• Introduction to key cybersecurity concepts and terminology.
• Review of historical cyberattacks and their impact on power systems.
• Setting the stage for building resilient and secure power grids.

Module 2: Power System Components and SCADA Security

• Understanding the components of power systems (generation, transmission, distribution).
• Overview of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Identifying vulnerabilities in SCADA systems and protocols.
• Implementing security measures for SCADA devices and networks.
• Understanding the impact of legacy systems on cybersecurity.

Module 3: Communication Networks and Cybersecurity

• Understanding the communication networks used in power systems (fiber optic, wireless, cellular).
• Implementing security measures for communication protocols and network devices.
• Addressing network segmentation and access control.
• Understanding the role of encryption and VPNs.
• Understanding the security of IoT devices within the grid.

Module 4: Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Management

• Understanding risk assessment methodologies and frameworks.
• Identifying and prioritizing cyber risks to power systems.
• Developing risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
• Implementing risk monitoring and reporting systems.
• Understanding the importance of risk registers.

Module 5: Cybersecurity Standards and Regulatory Compliance

• Review of relevant cybersecurity standards and regulations (NERC CIP, NIST).
• Understanding the compliance requirements for power system operators.
• Implementing security policies and procedures.
• Conducting security audits and assessments.
• Understanding the impact of international standards.

Module 6: Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

• Understanding the principles of intrusion detection and prevention.
• Implementing IDPS for network and host security.
• Analyzing security logs and alerts.
• Utilizing security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
• Understanding the use of machine learning in IDPS.

Module 7: Incident Response and Recovery

• Developing incident response plans and procedures.
• Understanding the incident response lifecycle.
• Implementing forensic analysis and investigation techniques.
• Developing disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Conducting incident response exercises and simulations.

Module 8: Threat Intelligence and Information Sharing

• Understanding the role of threat intelligence in grid security.
• Utilizing threat intelligence platforms and feeds.
• Implementing information sharing and collaboration mechanisms.
• Understanding the importance of situational awareness.
• Understanding the role of Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs).

Module 9: Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing

• Understanding vulnerability assessment and penetration testing methodologies.
• Utilizing security scanning and testing tools.
• Analyzing vulnerability reports and developing remediation plans.
• Conducting security audits and assessments.
• Understanding the ethical considerations of penetration testing.

Module 10: Physical Security and Access Control

• Understanding the importance of physical security in grid protection.
• Implementing access control measures for critical facilities.
• Utilizing surveillance systems and intrusion detection systems.
• Addressing the challenges of insider threats.
• Understanding the integration of physical and cyber security.

Module 11: Grid Resilience and Reliability Enhancement

• Understanding the concepts of grid resilience and reliability.
• Implementing strategies for mitigating the impact of cyberattacks and natural disasters.
• Utilizing fault detection, isolation, and restoration (FDIR) techniques.
• Implementing self-healing grid technologies.
• Understanding the role of distributed energy resources in grid resilience.

Module 12: Cybersecurity Training and Awareness

• Developing cybersecurity training programs for power system personnel.
• Implementing security awareness campaigns.
• Understanding the importance of human factors in cybersecurity.
• Conducting security exercises and simulations.
• Understanding the importance of continuous training.

Module 13: Cybersecurity for Emerging Technologies

• Understanding the cybersecurity implications of emerging technologies (AI, IoT, blockchain).
• Implementing security measures for smart grid applications.
• Addressing the challenges of securing renewable energy systems and microgrids.
• Understanding the security of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Understanding the impact of future technologies on grid security.

Module 14: Economic and Operational Impacts of Cyberattacks

• Analyzing the economic costs of cyberattacks on power systems.
• Understanding the operational impacts of grid disruptions.
• Developing cost-benefit analyses for cybersecurity investments.
• Understanding the impact of reputational damage.
• Understanding the importance of insurance.

Module 15: Future Trends and Research Directions

• Exploring emerging trends in power system cybersecurity (quantum computing, AI-driven security).
• Understanding the impact of evolving threats and technologies.
• Discussing research directions and opportunities for innovation.
• Developing a roadmap for continuous improvement in grid cybersecurity.
• Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in cybersecurity.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world.

The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.