Industrial Cybersecurity: Securing Control and Safety Systems

Industrial environments rely on complex automation where a single security breach can have physical, real-world consequences. Protecting these critical operational technology (OT) systems requires a specialized security mindset distinct from traditional IT. This text-based course guides you from the foundational concepts of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) to implementing modern defensive strategies. You will understand how to assess risks, segment networks, and apply modern cybersecurity frameworks to keep industrial operations safe and resilient. What you'll learn: Understand the foundational architecture of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS); Analyze the modern threat landscape targeting operational technology and critical infrastructure; Apply security segmentation using the Purdue Model to isolate and protect safety-critical assets; Configure basic security controls and monitoring solutions tailored for industrial protocols; Implement zero-trust security concepts within legacy and modern industrial network environments; Develop incident response and risk management strategies specifically for physical process environments. The course begins with essential terminology and the core differences between IT and OT environments. You will then progress through network segmentation, risk assessment methodologies, and modern security protocols designed to safeguard critical processes. Designed for beginners, this course requires no prior experience in industrial automation or cybersecurity, making it ideal for IT professionals transitioning to OT, plant operators, or aspiring security analysts. Start building your foundational knowledge of industrial cyber defense today.