Introduction

The convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) has given rise to Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), a sophisticated integration of computing and physical processes that underpins critical infrastructure, industrial control systems, smart grids, and intelligent transportation networks. While CPS offer unprecedented levels of automation and efficiency, they also introduce complex and high-stakes security vulnerabilities where digital attacks can translate directly into physical damage, operational disruption, and even threats to human safety. This essential training course focuses on Cyber-Physical Systems Security Audit, equipping professionals with the critical knowledge and practical methodologies to rigorously assess the cybersecurity posture of these interconnected systems, ensuring their resilience against evolving threats and adherence to industry-specific security standards. You will learn to navigate the unique challenges of securing industrial environments, critical infrastructure, and other highly sensitive CPS deployments.

This intensive training course delves into the intricate architecture of Cyber-Physical Systems, exploring their components, communication protocols, and unique attack surfaces compared to traditional IT systems. We will explore various audit methodologies specifically tailored for CPS security, examining control systems (e.g., SCADA, PLC, DCS), industrial network segmentation, secure remote access, and incident response planning for physical world impacts. Participants will gain hands-on experience in identifying common CPS vulnerabilities, assessing compliance with leading security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISA/IEC 62443), and preparing comprehensive security audit reports that provide actionable insights to enhance the resilience and integrity of these critical systems. By the end of this training course, you will possess the expertise to confidently lead Cyber-Physical Systems security audit engagements, safeguarding operational continuity and protecting national critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

Target Audience

• IT Auditors & Cybersecurity Professionals
• OT Security Specialists
• Industrial Control System (ICS) Engineers
• Critical Infrastructure Security Managers
• Risk Management Professionals
• Compliance Officers (Industrial Sector)
• SCADA System Administrators
• Network Architects (OT/ICS)

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and their components.
• Learn about the unique cybersecurity risks and threat landscape for CPS/OT environments.
• Master methodologies for auditing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA security.
• Develop skills in assessing network segmentation and security controls in OT networks.
• Understand the importance of secure remote access for CPS.
• Learn about techniques for auditing data integrity and availability in CPS.
• Explore best practices for incident response planning in Cyber-Physical Systems.
• Master techniques for assessing physical security controls integrated with cyber defenses.
• Understand the requirements of major CPS/OT security standards (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443, NIST 800-82).
• Learn about preparing comprehensive Cyber-Physical Systems security audit reports.
• Apply practical Cyber-Physical Systems Security Audit strategies to real-world scenarios.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Cyber-Physical Systems Security

• Defining Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and their convergence with IT.
• Exploring the architecture and components of CPS (e.g., ICS, SCADA, IoT).
• Understanding the unique cybersecurity risks and consequences for CPS (physical damage, safety).
• Overview of the threat landscape and common attack vectors against OT environments.
• The critical imperative for robust CPS security.

Module 2: Industrial Control System (ICS) & SCADA Security Audit

• Learning the fundamentals of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA systems.
• Mastering methodologies for auditing ICS components (PLCs, RTUs, HMIs).
• Techniques for assessing configuration management and vulnerability patching in OT devices.
• Understanding the implications of legacy systems in ICS environments.
• Ensuring the security of proprietary protocols in SCADA networks.

Module 3: OT Network Architecture & Segmentation Audit

• Understanding best practices for OT network segmentation and defense-in-depth.
• Learning about firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems in OT networks.
• Mastering techniques for auditing network architecture for secure communication.
• Assessing the isolation of OT networks from IT networks.
• The importance of a unidirectional flow for data from OT to IT.

Module 4: Secure Remote Access & Supply Chain Security Module

• Exploring the risks associated with remote access to CPS/OT systems.
• Understanding secure authentication and authorization for remote connections.
• Mastering techniques for auditing secure remote access solutions.
• Assessing supply chain security risks for CPS components and software.
• Ensuring the integrity of third-party access to OT environments.

Module 5: Data Integrity, Availability & Resilience Audit

• Learning about the criticality of data integrity and availability in CPS operations.
• Mastering techniques for auditing backup and recovery procedures for OT systems.
• Understanding denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and their impact on CPS.
• Assessing the resilience of CPS against cyber-attacks and system failures.
• The role of redundant systems in maintaining operational continuity.

Module 6: CPS Incident Response & Disaster Recovery Audit

• Understanding the unique challenges of incident response in CPS environments.
• Learning about developing and testing incident response plans for physical impacts.
• Mastering techniques for auditing incident detection, containment, and recovery processes.
• Exploring the coordination between IT security and OT operations during an incident.
• Post-incident analysis and lessons learned for CPS security.

Module 7: Standards, Compliance & Future of CPS Security

• Strategies for auditing compliance with major CPS/OT security standards (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443, NIST 800-82).
• Understanding sector-specific regulations for critical infrastructure.
• Learning about emerging threats (e.g., AI-driven attacks, ransomware on OT).
• Exploring future trends in CPS security (e.g., zero trust for OT, machine learning for anomaly detection).
• Continuous improvement for Cyber-Physical Systems security programs.

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 10 working days before commencement of the training.