Introduction

In the increasingly interconnected world, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems form the backbone of critical infrastructure, managing everything from power grids and water treatment plants to oil pipelines and manufacturing facilities. For Control Room Operators, these systems are the primary interface for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing vast networks of industrial processes in real-time. However, with connectivity comes vulnerability. The growing threat landscape of cyberattacks—ranging from nation-state actors to cybercriminals—targets SCADA systems to disrupt operations, steal data, or even cause physical damage, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences for public safety, economic stability, and national security. A breach in SCADA security can result in widespread power outages, contamination of water supplies, or industrial accidents. Without specialized knowledge in SCADA System Security, control room operators, who are the first line of defense, may inadvertently expose critical infrastructure to cyber threats, underscoring the vital need for comprehensive training in this evolving domain. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master SCADA System Security for Control Room Operators.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower Control Room Operators, dispatchers, system administrators, IT/OT security personnel, and supervisory staff with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to enhance SCADA System Security and respond effectively to cyber threats. Participants will gain a deep understanding of SCADA architecture and common attack vectors, explore various cybersecurity principles applicable to industrial control systems (ICS), learn about incident detection and response protocols, and acquire hands-on experience in implementing best practices for secure operation. The course will delve into topics such as network segmentation, secure remote access, patch management, threat intelligence, anomaly detection, secure configuration of SCADA components, and the crucial role of human factors in maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture. By mastering the principles and practical application of SCADA System Security for Control Room Operators, participants will be prepared to identify and mitigate cyber risks, ensure operational continuity, protect critical infrastructure from malicious attacks, and contribute significantly to building a resilient and secure control environment.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Control Room Operators
• Power System Dispatchers
• SCADA System Administrators
• IT/OT Security Personnel
• Industrial Control System (ICS) Engineers
• Cyber Security Analysts (focused on OT)
• Network Administrators (supporting OT networks)
• Critical Infrastructure Operators
• Plant Operators and Supervisors
• Incident Response Team Members

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental architecture and components of SCADA systems.
• Learn about the common cyber threats and vulnerabilities targeting SCADA environments.
• Acquire skills in identifying anomalous behavior and potential cyber intrusions.
• Comprehend techniques for implementing basic cybersecurity best practices in a control room.
• Explore strategies for secure remote access and data handling within SCADA.
• Understand the importance of network segmentation and firewalls in OT environments.
• Gain insights into incident detection, response, and reporting for SCADA security breaches.
• Develop a practical understanding of human factors and security awareness in the control room.
• Learn about patch management and vulnerability assessment for SCADA components.
• Master secure configuration principles for SCADA hardware and software.
• Acquire skills in interpreting security logs and alerts.
• Understand the role of regulatory compliance and industry standards in SCADA security.
• Explore threat intelligence and information sharing for industrial control systems.
• Develop proficiency in contributing to a strong cybersecurity culture in the control center.
• Prepare to safeguard critical infrastructure from escalating cyber threats.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to SCADA Systems and Critical Infrastructure

• Overview of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Components of a typical SCADA system: RTUs, PLCs, HMI, communication networks.
• Importance of SCADA in critical infrastructure (power, water, oil/gas).
• Role of the Control Room Operator in managing SCADA systems.
• Consequences of SCADA system compromise.

Module 2: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security

• Basic cybersecurity concepts: confidentiality, integrity, availability.
• Distinguishing between IT and OT (Operational Technology) cybersecurity.
• Common cyberattack types: malware, phishing, ransomware, denial-of-service.
• Introduction to ICS cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST, IEC 62443).
• The unique challenges of securing legacy SCADA systems.

Module 3: SCADA System Architecture and Attack Vectors

• Detailed breakdown of SCADA network architecture (control layer, data historian, enterprise network).
• Common vulnerabilities in SCADA components (RTUs, PLCs, HMIs).
• Understanding attack vectors: remote access, supply chain, insider threats, physical access.
• Case studies of historical SCADA cyberattacks (e.g., Stuxnet, Ukraine power grid).
• Identifying potential points of entry for attackers.

Module 4: Network Security for SCADA Environments

• Principles of network segmentation and zoning (DMZ, Purdue Model).
• Role of firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Secure remote access methods (VPN, multi-factor authentication).
• Secure communication protocols for SCADA (e.g., DNP3, Modbus TCP).
• Wireless security considerations for SCADA devices.

Module 5: Secure Configuration and Hardening of SCADA Components

• Best practices for securing Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Hardening PLCs and RTUs: disabling unnecessary services, strong authentication.
• Secure configuration of SCADA servers and workstations.
• Password policies and privileged access management.
• Default configurations and vendor security guidelines.

Module 6: Access Control and Authentication

• Implementing robust access control models (Role-Based Access Control).
• User authentication mechanisms: strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Managing user accounts and permissions.
• Regular review of access logs and user privileges.
• Segregation of duties for critical SCADA functions.

Module 7: Threat Intelligence and Vulnerability Management

• Sources of cyber threat intelligence relevant to ICS/SCADA.
• Understanding common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) in ICS.
• The importance of patch management for SCADA systems.
• Managing software updates and firmware upgrades securely.
• Strategies for addressing vulnerabilities in legacy systems.

Module 8: Incident Detection and Anomaly Detection

• Recognizing signs of a cyber intrusion in SCADA systems.
• Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity.
• Analyzing SCADA system logs and audit trails.
• Anomaly detection techniques: baselining normal behavior.
• Utilizing specialized ICS/SCADA security monitoring tools.

Module 9: Incident Response and Recovery for SCADA Systems

• Developing a SCADA incident response plan.
• Steps in incident response: preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery, lessons learned.
• Role of Control Room Operators in initial incident response.
• Communication protocols during a cyber incident.
• Data backup and disaster recovery strategies for SCADA.

Module 10: Human Factors in SCADA Cybersecurity

• Social engineering tactics targeting operators.
• Importance of cybersecurity awareness training for all personnel.
• Phishing detection and reporting.
• Insider threat awareness and mitigation.
• Creating a security-conscious culture in the control room.

Module 11: Data Security and Integrity in SCADA

• Protecting SCADA data in transit and at rest.
• Data integrity checks and validation.
• Secure storage of historical data and operational logs.
• Preventing unauthorized modification of control commands.
• Data privacy considerations for operational data.

Module 12: Compliance and Regulatory Landscape for SCADA Security

• Overview of relevant cybersecurity regulations for critical infrastructure (e.g., NERC CIP for power).
• Understanding audit requirements and compliance frameworks.
• Best practices for maintaining continuous compliance.
• Reporting requirements for cyber incidents.
• The role of industry specific guidelines and standards.

Module 13: Supply Chain Security for SCADA

• Understanding supply chain risks in SCADA procurement.
• Best practices for vendor assessment and management.
• Ensuring security in third-party software and hardware components.
• Secure integration of new devices into the SCADA network.
• Mitigating risks from remote vendor access.

Module 14: Practical Exercises and Case Studies

• Hands-on exercises simulating typical operator interactions with secure SCADA systems.
• Analyzing simulated security alerts and logs.
• Tabletop exercises for incident response scenarios.
• Deep dive into recent real-world SCADA cyber incidents and their lessons learned.
• Developing incident response checklists for operators.

Module 15: Future Trends in SCADA Security

• The impact of IoT and IIoT on SCADA security.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for threat detection.
• Blockchain for secure data integrity in SCADA.
• The evolving threat landscape and emerging attack techniques.
• Strategies for continuous adaptation and resilience in 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 10 working days before commencement of the training.