Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected world, electrical infrastructure stands as a critical lifeline, powering economies, essential services, and daily life. However, this vital sector faces an escalating threat landscape from sophisticated cyberattacks, capable of causing widespread blackouts, equipment damage, and significant economic disruption. The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems within the grid, alongside the proliferation of smart devices and distributed energy resources, has expanded the attack surface, making robust Cybersecurity for Electrical Infrastructure no longer just an IT concern but a fundamental operational imperative. A successful cyber breach can compromise not only data integrity but also the physical control of power systems, with potentially catastrophic consequences for national security and public safety. Without a comprehensive and proactive approach to Cybersecurity for Electrical Infrastructure, utilities and grid operators are vulnerable to an array of threats that could cripple their ability to deliver reliable power. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Cybersecurity for Electrical Infrastructure.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, industrial control system (ICS) professionals, IT security specialists, power system operators, and critical infrastructure stakeholders with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to identify, assess, mitigate, and respond to cyber threats targeting electrical grids. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the unique vulnerabilities of operational technology environments, explore industry-specific cybersecurity standards and regulations, learn about advanced threat detection and prevention strategies, and acquire hands-on experience with incident response methodologies. The course will delve into topics such as SCADA system security, industrial control network segmentation, secure remote access, supply chain risk management, cyber-physical security integration, and the implementation of cyber threat intelligence for the energy sector. By mastering the principles and practical application of Cybersecurity for Electrical Infrastructure, participants will be prepared to safeguard critical power assets, enhance grid resilience, ensure continuity of operations, and contribute significantly to building a secure and dependable energy future.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers
• Industrial Control System (ICS) Security Professionals
• IT Security Analysts and Architects
• SCADA System Operators and Administrators
• Power System Protection Engineers
• Critical Infrastructure Security Managers
• Compliance Officers (NERC CIP, IEC 62443)
• Incident Response Team Members
• Automation and Control Engineers
• Government Regulators and Policymakers

Objectives

• Understand the unique cybersecurity challenges of electrical infrastructure.
• Learn about the architecture and components of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and OT networks.
• Acquire skills in identifying common cyber threats and attack vectors targeting power systems.
• Comprehend techniques for conducting risk assessments specific to critical electrical infrastructure.
• Explore strategies for implementing robust security controls across IT and OT domains.
• Understand the importance of network segmentation and secure remote access in ICS environments.
• Gain insights into relevant cybersecurity standards and regulations (e.g., NERC CIP, IEC 62443).
• Develop a practical understanding of incident response and recovery planning for cyberattacks.
• Learn about threat intelligence methodologies for the energy sector.
• Master the principles of secure system design and configuration for electrical assets.
• Acquire skills in securing SCADA and Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
• Understand the cybersecurity implications of IoT and smart grid technologies.
• Explore digital forensics in industrial environments.
• Develop proficiency in supply chain risk management for critical components.
• Prepare to build and maintain a resilient cybersecurity posture for electrical infrastructure.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity for Electrical Infrastructure

• The importance of electrical infrastructure as critical national infrastructure.
• Overview of the cyber threat landscape for power systems.
• Historical cyberattacks on electrical grids and their impacts (e.g., Ukraine power grid).
• IT/OT convergence and the expanded attack surface.
• Regulatory and compliance drivers for cybersecurity in the energy sector.

Module 2: Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) Basics

• Introduction to SCADA, DCS, PLCs, RTUs, and IEDs.
• Unique characteristics of OT networks: real-time operations, legacy systems, safety criticality.
• Differences between IT and OT security objectives and practices.
• Common vulnerabilities in ICS components and architectures.
• Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture for ICS security.

Module 3: Cyber Threat Landscape for Electrical Grids

• Types of cyber threats: malware (ransomware, worms), phishing, DDoS, APTs.
• Common attack vectors targeting electrical infrastructure.
• Insider threats: malicious and unintentional.
• Supply chain attacks and their potential impact on grid components.
• State-sponsored attacks and cyber warfare in the energy sector.

Module 4: Risk Management and Assessment for Critical Infrastructure

• Cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies (e.g., NIST RMF, ISO 27005).
• Identifying critical assets and determining their impact level (e.g., NERC CIP categorization).
• Threat modeling for ICS environments.
• Vulnerability assessment techniques specific to OT.
• Developing a risk treatment plan and mitigation strategies.

Module 5: Security Controls for IT/OT Convergence

• Network segmentation and zoning for industrial networks (e.g., DMZs, firewalls).
• Secure remote access solutions (VPN, jump servers, multi-factor authentication).
• Patch management strategies for OT systems and legacy equipment.
• Hardening operating systems and applications in control environments.
• Endpoint security for industrial workstations and servers.

Module 6: Access Control and Identity Management

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in ICS environments.
• User authentication mechanisms: strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Managing privileged access in OT networks.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM) best practices for grid operators.
• Physical security integration with cyber access controls.

Module 7: Cybersecurity Standards and Regulations (NERC CIP & IEC 62443)

• Overview of NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards: purpose, requirements, compliance.
• Deep dive into key CIP standards (e.g., CIP-003, CIP-005, CIP-007, CIP-013).
• Introduction to the IEC 62443 series of standards for Industrial Automation and Control Systems security.
• Applying IEC 62443 principles for secure development, integration, and maintenance.
• Other relevant global and regional cybersecurity regulations for critical infrastructure.

Module 8: Security Monitoring and Incident Detection

• Logging and auditing in ICS environments.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems for OT data.
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) for industrial networks.
• Anomaly detection techniques using behavioral analytics.
• Centralized monitoring and security operations centers (SOC) for utilities.

Module 9: Incident Response and Recovery Planning

• Developing a comprehensive cybersecurity incident response plan (IRP) for electrical grids.
• Key phases of incident response: preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery, post-incident analysis.
• Roles and responsibilities of the incident response team.
• Communication strategies during a cyber incident.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning for power systems.

Module 10: Cyber Threat Intelligence for the Energy Sector

• Principles of cyber threat intelligence (CTI): collection, analysis, dissemination.
• Sources of CTI for critical infrastructure: government agencies, ISACs, commercial feeds.
• Applying CTI to proactive defense and risk mitigation.
• Indicator of Compromise (IOC) analysis and sharing.
• Building a threat-informed defense strategy.

Module 11: Secure System Development and Configuration

• Security-by-design principles for new electrical infrastructure projects.
• Secure configuration management for devices and software.
• Vulnerability management and patching processes.
• Software and firmware integrity verification (supply chain security).
• Secure coding practices for custom control applications.

Module 12: Cybersecurity for Smart Grids and IoT

• Cybersecurity challenges introduced by smart meters, IoT devices, and distributed energy resources (DERs).
• Securing the smart grid communication infrastructure.
• Device authentication and authorization for IoT endpoints.
• Data privacy and integrity for consumer energy data.
• Applying blockchain and other emerging technologies for enhanced smart grid security.

Module 13: Digital Forensics in Industrial Control Systems (ICS)

• Principles of digital forensics for OT environments.
• Challenges of forensics in ICS: volatile data, proprietary systems, real-time constraints.
• Data acquisition and preservation techniques for ICS devices.
• Analyzing forensic artifacts from control systems.
• Reporting and evidence handling for legal and internal purposes.

Module 14: Cyber-Physical Security Integration

• Understanding the convergence of cyber and physical security.
• Integrating physical access control with logical access management.
• Protecting critical infrastructure from both cyber and physical threats.
• Insider threat mitigation strategies (combining cyber and physical).
• Designing security zones for critical facilities.

Module 15: Governance, Awareness, and Future Trends

• Establishing a strong cybersecurity governance framework.
• Developing a security-conscious culture through training and awareness programs.
• Third-party risk management and vendor security assessments.
• Emerging threats: AI-powered attacks, quantum computing impact.
• Future of cybersecurity for electrical infrastructure: autonomous systems, resilience engineering.

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.