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Matthew Lloyd Davies

In this course you’ll explore OT protocols to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities that could be exploited to cause real-world physical impacts, and identify effective controls that will help to reduce the likelihood of a successful attack.

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In this course you’ll explore OT protocols to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities that could be exploited to cause real-world physical impacts, and identify effective controls that will help to reduce the likelihood of a successful attack.

It is pivotal to have a foundational understanding of Operational Technology (OT) protocols, their inherent weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and the challenges of securing them. In this course, Fundamentals of OT Protocols, you’ll explore networking protocols used in industrial processes and other critical infrastructure to understand how they work and how they have been developed to meet high reliability and efficiency needs. First, you’ll explore three of the most common OT protocols: Modbus, DNP3 and Ethernet/IP, and learn how to interpret packet captures of different protocol behaviors. Next, you’ll discover weaknesses and vulnerabilities in OT protocols and learn about the techniques that attackers use to exploit them. Finally, you’ll identify security recommendations based on secure architecture, network detection and perimeter security to help mitigate the threat of attacks against OT protocols. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to apply your understanding to other OT protocols and to implement practical security controls to reduce exposure to threats against operational technology.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Common OT Protocols
OT Protocol Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities
Security Recommendations
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for OT engineers without previous knowledge of security and security professionals interested in OT
Taught by Matthew Lloyd Davies, a recognized expert in OT security
Covers common OT protocols and their security vulnerabilities
Includes practical security recommendations to mitigate threats against OT protocols
Requires prior knowledge of OT protocols

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of OT Protocols with these activities:
Review the fundamentals of networking
Refresh your understanding of networking concepts to strengthen the foundation for OT protocols.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review textbooks, online resources, or video tutorials on networking fundamentals.
  • Go through practice questions and exercises to test your understanding.
  • Participate in discussion forums or online communities to clarify concepts.
Review key concepts and definitions in OT protocols
Review the core concepts of OT protocols to build a solid foundation for the course.
Show steps
  • Define and explain the different OT protocols covered in the course.
  • Identify and describe the key functionalities and features of each protocol.
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of each protocol.
Follow guided tutorials on OT protocol analysis
Gain hands-on experience in analyzing OT protocols using guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Packet Analysis
Show steps
  • Find and select guided tutorials on OT protocol analysis.
  • Follow the tutorials to analyze OT protocols using packet capture tools.
  • Identify and interpret different protocol behaviors and messages.
  • Document and summarize the results of your analysis.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice identifying OT protocol vulnerabilities
Build proficiency in identifying and understanding OT protocol vulnerabilities.
Show steps
  • Research and learn about common OT protocol vulnerabilities.
  • Analyze OT protocol specifications and implementations to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Use vulnerability assessment tools and techniques to scan for OT protocol vulnerabilities.
  • Develop a list of potential OT protocol vulnerabilities and their impact.
Create a presentation on OT security recommendations
Apply your understanding of OT protocol vulnerabilities and security recommendations to develop a presentation.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on OT security recommendations from reputable sources.
  • Organize and structure the information into a coherent presentation.
  • Develop visual aids and examples to illustrate the recommendations.
  • Practice and refine the presentation for clarity and effectiveness.
  • Deliver the presentation to a target audience, seeking feedback and engaging in discussions.
Contribute to open-source projects related to OT security
Engage in real-world OT security projects and gain practical experience.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to OT security, such as vulnerability assessment tools, intrusion detection systems, or security frameworks.
  • Review the project documentation and codebase to understand its functionality and contribution opportunities.
  • Choose a specific area or feature to contribute to, such as adding new vulnerability checks, improving detection capabilities, or enhancing the user interface.
  • Submit your contributions to the project repository, following the project's guidelines and best practices.
  • Collaborate with other contributors and maintainers to ensure the quality and integration of your contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of OT Protocols will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers collaborate with in-house engineers to provide consultation on the system's requirements and oversee its construction. These professionals ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with other systems and processes, improving efficiency and productivity. Fundamentals of OT Protocols can be a valuable addition to your skillset if you're looking to become a Control Systems Engineer. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of industrial networking protocols used in control systems, enabling you to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement effective security measures.
Network Security Analyst
Network Security Analysts monitor and protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They identify vulnerabilities, develop security solutions, and implement measures to prevent cyberattacks. By taking the Fundamentals of OT Protocols course, you'll gain a solid understanding of the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in Operational Technology protocols. This knowledge will empower you to develop robust security strategies and protect networks from malicious actors.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They monitor for malicious activity, investigate security breaches, and implement measures to prevent future attacks. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides valuable insights into the vulnerabilities of industrial networking protocols. By understanding these weaknesses, Cybersecurity Analysts can better protect OT systems from cyberattacks.
Security Architect
Security Architects design, implement, and maintain an organization's security infrastructure. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements, develop security policies, and select and deploy security technologies. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course will help you build a solid foundation in OT security. By understanding the vulnerabilities and weaknesses in OT protocols, you can design more secure systems and protect organizations from cyber threats.
IT Security Specialist
IT Security Specialists plan, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They monitor for security breaches, investigate incidents, and develop and implement security policies. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a deep understanding of the security challenges faced by OT systems. This knowledge will enable you to develop effective security strategies and protect organizations from cyber threats.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect an organization's information assets from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, monitor for security breaches, and investigate security incidents. By taking the Fundamentals of OT Protocols course, you'll gain a deep understanding of the security vulnerabilities in OT systems. This knowledge will empower you to develop robust security strategies and protect information assets from cyberattacks.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design software solutions, and implement and test software code. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course can be a valuable addition to your skillset if you're looking to become a Software Engineer. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of industrial networking protocols, enabling you to develop more secure and reliable software applications.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, process, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use statistical techniques to develop insights and make recommendations to improve business outcomes. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a strong foundation in data analysis techniques. By understanding how to analyze OT data, you can identify security vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems for managing industrial production processes. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design industrial systems, and implement and test industrial equipment. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a deep understanding of the design and implementation of OT industrial systems. This knowledge will enable you to develop more secure and reliable industrial systems.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design electrical systems, and implement and test electrical equipment. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a deep understanding of the design and implementation of OT electrical systems. This knowledge will enable you to develop more secure and reliable electrical systems.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design network architectures, and implement and test network infrastructure. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a deep understanding of the design and implementation of OT networks. This knowledge will enable you to develop more secure and reliable networks.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design system architectures, and implement and test systems. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a deep understanding of the design and implementation of OT systems. This knowledge will enable you to develop more secure and reliable systems.
Automation Engineer
Automation Engineers design, develop, and maintain automated systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design automation systems, and implement and test automation equipment. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a deep understanding of the design and implementation of OT automation systems. This knowledge will enable you to develop more secure and reliable automation systems.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop project plans, and manage project resources. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a deep understanding of the project management process. This knowledge will enable you to manage OT projects more effectively and efficiently.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and develop solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, design business solutions, and implement and test business processes. The Fundamentals of OT Protocols course provides you with a deep understanding of business analysis techniques. This knowledge will enable you to analyze OT business processes and develop more effective solutions.

Reading list

We've selected five books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of OT Protocols.
Provides a comprehensive overview of industrial network security, with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure networks such as smart grids, SCADA systems, and other industrial control systems. It covers a wide range of topics, including OT protocols, vulnerabilities, and security controls.
This publication from NIST provides detailed guidance on security for industrial control systems, including OT protocols.
Provides a comprehensive guide to securing industrial control systems, including OT protocols. It covers security assessment, risk management, and incident response, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in OT security.
Focuses on securing industrial networks and critical infrastructure, providing insights into the threats and vulnerabilities faced by OT protocols. It offers practical security recommendations and best practices.
Provides a practical guide to PLC programming, but also covers some relevant OT protocols for industrial automation.

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