Introduction

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, organizations are increasingly adopting virtualization technologies to enhance efficiency, scalability, and cost optimization in data center operations. At the same time, critical infrastructure sectors that rely on ICS/SCADA systems are facing heightened cybersecurity threats, demanding advanced defense strategies to ensure resilience and compliance. This dual-focus training course equips participants with practical expertise in designing and managing virtualized data centers while also providing cutting-edge knowledge to safeguard ICS/SCADA environments against evolving cyber risks.

By combining the latest practices in data center virtualization with advanced ICS/SCADA cybersecurity techniques, this program delivers a unique blend of technical, strategic, and compliance-driven skills. Participants will explore virtualization architecture, resource optimization, and automation alongside security strategies for industrial systems, including threat detection, incident response, and regulatory frameworks. This comprehensive approach empowers professionals to build agile, secure, and future-ready digital and operational technology infrastructures.

Duration:

10 Days

Target Audience

• Data center managers and IT administrators
• Network and systems engineers
• Cybersecurity professionals
• Industrial control systems engineers
• SCADA and automation specialists
• Risk and compliance managers
• IT infrastructure architects
• Operational technology (OT) security teams
• Consultants in IT and cybersecurity
• Regulators and auditors of digital infrastructure

Course Objectives

• Understand data center virtualization concepts and frameworks

• Gain hands-on skills in virtualization technologies and platforms
• Optimize performance, scalability, and efficiency in virtualized systems
• Explore security challenges in virtualized infrastructures
• Learn ICS/SCADA architecture and vulnerabilities
• Develop practical strategies to mitigate cybersecurity risks in ICS/SCADA
• Enhance monitoring, detection, and response to cyber incidents
• Strengthen compliance with global cybersecurity standards
• Design integrated approaches to IT and OT security
• Apply real-world case studies and simulations in critical environments

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Data Center Virtualization

• Fundamentals of virtualization technologies
• Benefits of virtualized infrastructures
• Data center transformation strategies
• Core components of virtualization
• Virtualization lifecycle management

Module 2: Virtualization Platforms and Tools

• VMware, Hyper-V, and open-source solutions
• Platform selection criteria
• Installation and configuration basics
• Integration with existing IT infrastructure
• Licensing and cost considerations

Module 3: Virtual Machine Management

• VM deployment and configuration
• Resource allocation and balancing
• VM monitoring tools
• Cloning and snapshots
• Lifecycle management best practices

Module 4: Storage Virtualization

• Concepts of virtualized storage systems
• SAN, NAS, and SDS integration
• Storage provisioning and management
• Data redundancy and replication
• Performance optimization

Module 5: Network Virtualization

• Virtual switches and routers
• VLANs and segmentation in virtualized systems
• Network overlays and SDN integration
• Traffic management and monitoring
• Security in virtualized networks

Module 6: Automation and Orchestration

• Role of automation in virtualization
• Orchestration tools and platforms
• Automated deployment and scaling
• Policy-driven management
• Cost optimization with automation

Module 7: Security in Virtualized Data Centers

• Virtual environment vulnerabilities
• Security controls for hypervisors and VMs
• Identity and access management
• Threat monitoring and incident response
• Compliance in virtualized systems

Module 8: Case Studies in Data Center Virtualization

• Successful data center transformation projects
• Lessons learned from industry adoption
• Common challenges and mitigation strategies
• ROI and performance analysis
• Future trends in virtualization

Module 9: ICS/SCADA Systems Overview

• Fundamentals of ICS/SCADA architecture
• Key components and functions
• Industry use cases
• Communication protocols in ICS
• Security challenges in ICS/SCADA

Module 10: Threat Landscape in ICS/SCADA Environments

• Common attack vectors in OT systems
• Insider threats and human error
• Nation-state and advanced persistent threats
• Real-world ICS cyber incidents
• Risk profiling and assessment

Module 11: ICS/SCADA Vulnerability Management

• Identifying and classifying vulnerabilities
• Patch and update management

• Access control strategies
• Security audits for ICS systems
• Vulnerability testing methods

Module 12: Network Security for ICS/SCADA

• Segmentation and zoning strategies
• Secure remote access techniques
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
• Encryption in industrial networks
• Monitoring industrial traffic patterns

Module 13: Incident Detection and Response in ICS/SCADA

• Intrusion detection methodologies
• Incident response planning
• Forensics in industrial control systems
• Crisis management and communication
• Recovery and continuity planning

Module 14: Compliance and Regulatory Standards

• Global cybersecurity regulations for ICS/SCADA
• ISO, IEC, and NIST frameworks
• Sector-specific compliance requirements
• Audit and certification processes
• Role of governance in cybersecurity

Module 15: Integration of IT and OT Security

• Challenges in IT/OT convergence
• Coordinated defense strategies
• Unified monitoring systems
• Risk management frameworks
• Building resilience across IT and OT

Module 16: Case Studies and Simulations

• High-profile ICS/SCADA cyberattacks
• Lessons from incident response failures
• Industry best practices in cybersecurity
• Simulated attack and defense exercise
• Future outlook for ICS/SCADA security

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 7 working days before commencement of the training.