The global shift toward decentralized, digital, and interconnected renewable energy systems has created a vast and complex new attack surface for cyber threats. While this modernization is crucial for sustainability and efficiency, it also introduces significant vulnerabilities that can compromise grid stability, data integrity, and national security. Protecting this critical infrastructure requires a holistic approach that integrates advanced cybersecurity practices across both traditional IT and specialized operational technology (OT) systems. As a result, there is an urgent need for professionals to understand not only the threats but also the innovative defenses, including the transformative potential of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).

This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the unique cybersecurity challenges of the renewable energy sector and the emerging role of DLT. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how to secure a cyber-physical system, from protecting smart inverters and SCADA systems to mitigating supply chain risks. The course will explore how DLT can be leveraged to create tamper-proof data logs, secure peer-to-peer energy trading, and establish trusted identity management for distributed assets. By focusing on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, attendees will be equipped to design, implement, and manage robust cybersecurity strategies that ensure the resilience and reliability of the next-generation energy grid.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Cybersecurity Professionals
• Power Systems Engineers
• IT and OT Managers
• Renewable Energy Project Developers
• Grid Operators and Utility Staff
• Policymakers and Regulators
• Data Scientists and Analysts
• Technology and Innovation Leaders
• Consultants in the Energy Sector
• Students in Engineering and Computer Science

Objectives:

• Master the core principles of cybersecurity in the context of renewable energy systems.
• Learn about the unique threats and vulnerabilities of smart grid and decentralized energy infrastructure.
• Understand the key differences between IT and OT security and how to bridge them.
• Grasp the complexities of securing SCADA and industrial control systems.
• Develop proficiency in using DLT to enhance data integrity and transaction security.
• Explore best practices for supply chain security and risk mitigation.
• Learn about robust approaches to incident response and recovery in a cyber-physical system.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and compliance standards.
• Develop skills in conducting a comprehensive cyber risk assessment.
• Formulate strategies for building a resilient and future-proof energy grid.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Evolving Threat Landscape

• The digitization of the energy sector
• The expanded attack surface of a decentralized grid
• Common cyber threats: ransomware, phishing, and malware
• The motivation of attackers: state actors, criminals, and insiders
• The concept of a cyber-physical attack

Module 2: IT vs. OT Cybersecurity

• The fundamental differences between IT and OT systems
• Why traditional IT security models don't work for OT
• The unique security challenges of operational technology
• The convergence of IT and OT networks
• The importance of a clear and focused research question

Module 3: Securing Renewable Energy Assets

• Cybersecurity for solar PV systems and inverters
• The vulnerabilities of wind turbine control systems
• The security of battery energy storage systems
• Securing EV charging infrastructure
• Best practices for asset hardening and configuration

Module 4: SCADA and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)

• The role of SCADA and ICS in the energy sector
• Common vulnerabilities of legacy systems
• The importance of network segmentation and firewalls
• The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Monitoring and anomaly detection in ICS networks

Module 5: The Role of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)

• Introduction to DLT and blockchain
• The principles of immutability and decentralization
• The use of DLT for data integrity
• The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• DLT as a foundation for a new security paradigm

Module 6: DLT for Data Integrity and Trust

• Creating a tamper-proof record of energy transactions
• Using DLT for verifiable data logging from smart meters
• Ensuring the provenance and origin of renewable energy
• The role of a "data story map"
• Auditing and compliance with a DLT-based system

Module 7: Cybersecurity for Smart Grids

• The vulnerabilities of smart meters and IoT devices
• Securing the communication network
• The role of authentication and access control
• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks on smart grids
• Strategies for enhancing grid resilience

Module 8: Supply Chain Risk Management

• The threat of compromised hardware and software
• Best practices for vetting third-party vendors
• Securing the supply chain from end to end
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• Auditing and compliance for supply chain security

Module 9: Incident Response and Recovery

• Developing a robust incident response plan
• The difference between IT and OT incident response
• Conducting a forensic analysis of a cyber-physical attack
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning

Module 10: Human Factors and Training

• The role of human error in cybersecurity incidents
• Training staff to recognize and report threats
• Creating a culture of security
• The importance of a program's theory of change
• Phishing and social engineering awareness

Module 11: Cryptography and Secure Communication

• The principles of public key infrastructure (PKI)
• The role of a clear and focused research question
• Encrypting data for secure communication
• Secure communication protocols for OT networks
• Quantum computing and future cryptographic threats

Module 12: Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance

• NERC CIP and other industry standards
• Data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR)
• The legal and financial consequences of a breach
• The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Future regulations and their impact on cybersecurity

Module 13: Red Teaming and Threat Hunting

• The value of a red team exercise
• Conducting a penetration test on an energy system
• The basics of threat hunting
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Learning from past attacks and incidents

Module 14: Case Studies

• Case study: The Ukraine power grid attack
• Case study: A ransomware attack on a utility
• Case study: A supply chain attack on a renewable energy company
• Lessons learned from real-world events
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"

Module 15: The Future of Energy Cybersecurity

• The rise of AI-powered threat detection
• The potential of quantum computing
• Securing microgrids and decentralized energy communities
• The importance of a "data story map"
• The evolution of DLT in the energy sector

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.