In an era of accelerating digitalization, effectively navigating Cyber Security Risk Management in Digital PPPs has emerged as a paramount concern for governments and private sector partners, as critical infrastructure and public services increasingly rely on interconnected digital systems, making them prime targets for sophisticated cyber threats. From ransomware attacks that cripple essential services to data breaches compromising sensitive information, cybersecurity incidents can incur immense financial costs, erode public trust, and even endanger national security, posing unique challenges within the shared responsibility model of PPPs. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public sector officials, IT specialists, project developers, and legal professionals with the advanced knowledge and practical strategies required to identify, assess, allocate, mitigate, and respond to cyber security risks across the entire lifecycle of digital PPP projects, ensuring the resilience, integrity, and confidentiality of vital public infrastructure. Without robust expertise in Cyber Security Risk Management in Digital PPPs, stakeholders risk devastating operational disruptions, significant financial liabilities, and a failure to protect citizens' data, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Public Sector IT and Cybersecurity Professionals
• PPP Unit Members and Project Managers overseeing digital infrastructure
• Private Sector Technology and Cybersecurity Officers
• Legal Professionals specializing in technology and contract law for PPPs
• Risk Managers focusing on digital transformation
• Procurement Specialists involved in ICT PPPs
• Data Protection Officers and Compliance Managers
• Critical Infrastructure Operators (public and private)
• Policy Makers involved in digital governance
• Anyone responsible for the security and resilience of digital public services and infrastructure.

Objectives

• Understand the evolving landscape of cyber threats facing digital PPPs.
• Learn about the unique cybersecurity risks inherent in interconnected digital infrastructure.
• Acquire skills in identifying and assessing cyber vulnerabilities within PPP projects.
• Comprehend techniques for optimally allocating cybersecurity risks between public and private parties.
• Explore strategies for implementing robust cyber security controls and mitigation measures.
• Understand the importance of contractual provisions for cybersecurity responsibilities.
• Gain insights into incident response and recovery planning for cyber attacks.
• Develop a practical understanding of cybersecurity due diligence in PPP procurement.
• Master compliance with national and international cybersecurity frameworks and regulations.
• Acquire skills in integrating cybersecurity throughout the PPP project lifecycle.
• Learn to apply international best practices and standards for critical infrastructure security.
• Comprehend techniques for leveraging cyber insurance as a risk transfer tool.
• Explore strategies for fostering public-private collaboration and information sharing in cybersecurity.
• Understand the importance of continuous monitoring and threat intelligence.
• Develop the ability to lead and implement comprehensive cybersecurity risk management frameworks for digital PPPs.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Cyber Security in Digital PPPs

• The convergence of physical and digital infrastructure in modern PPPs.
• Why cybersecurity is a critical success factor for digital PPPs.
• Consequences of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure (e.g., operational disruption, data breaches, financial loss).
• Overview of the current cyber threat landscape.
• The shared responsibility model for cybersecurity in PPPs.

Module 2: Key Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities for Digital Infrastructure

• Common cyberattack vectors: ransomware, phishing, DDoS, insider threats, supply chain attacks.
• Vulnerabilities in operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS).
• Risks associated with cloud computing and IoT in PPPs.
• Data privacy and integrity threats to public services.
• Emerging threats: AI-powered attacks, quantum computing risks.

Module 3: Cyber Security Risk Identification and Assessment

• Methodologies for identifying cyber risks (e.g., threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing).
• Qualitative and quantitative assessment of cyber risks (likelihood and impact).
• Risk registers specific to cybersecurity in PPPs.
• Due diligence for cyber security capabilities of potential private partners.
• Assessing the cyber resilience of legacy systems.

Module 4: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Cybersecurity

• Overview of national cybersecurity laws and critical infrastructure protection acts.
• International cybersecurity standards and frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001).
• Data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR principles, national data privacy laws).
• Sector-specific regulations for utilities, transport, health.
• Compliance requirements and reporting obligations for digital PPPs.

Module 5: Cyber Security Risk Allocation in PPP Contracts

• Principles of cyber risk allocation: who is best placed to manage the risk.
• Contractual provisions for cybersecurity responsibilities and obligations.
• Defining "cyber incidents," "material breaches," and "force majeure" events related to cyber.
• Liquidated damages and performance penalties for cybersecurity failures.
• Mechanisms for renegotiating cybersecurity responsibilities due to evolving threats.

Module 6: Essential Cyber Security Controls and Safeguards

• Implementing a layered security approach (defense in depth).
• Access control, authentication (MFA), and identity management.
• Network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS, segmentation).
• Endpoint security and patch management.
• Secure coding practices and software development lifecycle (SDLC).

Module 7: Data Security and Privacy in Digital PPPs

• Data classification and encryption techniques.
• Secure data transmission and storage.
• Data anonymization and pseudonymization.
• Compliance with data residency and sovereignty requirements.
• Managing privacy by design in PPP projects.

Module 8: Incident Response and Business Continuity Planning

• Developing a comprehensive cyber incident response plan.
• Roles and responsibilities in the event of a cyber attack.
• Communication protocols during an incident (internal and external).
• Data backup and recovery strategies.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning for cyber resilience.

Module 9: Supply Chain Cyber Risk Management

• Identifying and assessing cybersecurity risks from third-party vendors and suppliers.
• Due diligence for supply chain security.
• Contractual clauses for supply chain cybersecurity requirements.
• Monitoring and auditing third-party security posture.
• Managing software bill of materials (SBOMs) for transparency.

Module 10: Cyber Security Monitoring, Auditing, and Testing

• Continuous security monitoring and Security Operations Centers (SOCs).
• Regular security audits and compliance checks.
• Penetration testing and red teaming exercises.
• Vulnerability management programs.
• Performance indicators for cybersecurity effectiveness.

Module 11: Cyber Insurance for Digital PPPs

• Overview of cyber insurance policies and coverage.
• Types of losses covered (e.g., business interruption, data breach response, ransom payments).
• Underwriting requirements and policy exclusions.
• Integrating cyber insurance with other risk mitigation strategies.
• Claims process for cyber incidents.

Module 12: Public-Private Collaboration and Information Sharing

• Importance of threat intelligence sharing platforms.
• Establishing trusted channels for cyber incident communication.
• Joint exercises and drills between public and private sectors.
• Developing common standards and best practices.
• Legal and ethical considerations in information sharing.

Module 13: Building Cyber Security Capacity and Awareness

• Training and awareness programs for all personnel (public and private).
• Developing specialized cybersecurity skills within PPP teams.
• Fostering a culture of cybersecurity vigilance.
• Human factors in cybersecurity risk.
• Certifications and professional development for cyber professionals.

Module 14: Emerging Technologies and Future Cyber Risks

• Cybersecurity implications of AI, blockchain, and quantum computing in infrastructure.
• Risks from 5G deployment and smart city initiatives.
• Preparing for future threats and unknown vulnerabilities.
• Research and development in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
• The evolving role of the CISO in digital PPPs.

Module 15: Case Studies and Practical Cyber Risk Management Workshop

• Analysis of major cyber incidents in critical infrastructure and their lessons learned.
• Discussion of successful cybersecurity strategies in digital PPPs from around the world.
• Practical exercise: Developing a cyber risk management plan for a hypothetical digital PPP.
• Workshop: Scenario-based incident response simulation.
• Group discussions on challenges and opportunities in securing digital PPPs.

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.