Industrial Control Systems (ICS) have been in existence for decades in the United States. These systems are relatively unknown to the general public and were designed to control our critical infrastructure such as utilities (electricity, nuclear power, and water treatment plant). Until recently, these systems were connected to company networks by privately owned IT networks based on private line technology. Public utility companies have begun to connect ICS networks to public networks such as the Internet as they transition to TCP/IP based networks. This trend is accomplishing the much needed modernization of the nation’s IT networks supporting the critical infrastructure and setting the groundwork for developing the federally mandated Smart Grid. The ICS network transition to public networks has many benefits and risks. SCADA software runs chemical plants and factories, transmission systems and electric power plants.
Learning Objectives
- The importance of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) as Critical Infrastructure
- Explain how ICS will converge with IT systems
- Identify ICS Architecture Components
- Identify threats to ICS
- Evaluate the role of NIST and DHS in developing and protecting ICS
- Understand ICS Identity, Credentialing and Access Management
- Evaluate threats to Industrial Control Systems
- Understand the role of FISMA compliance in protecting ICS
- Understand ICS Implementation Maturity Modelling