Critical Infrastructure Security

Critical Infrastructure Security

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors

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9 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

9 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand the role and importance of critical infrastructure in national security
Analyze vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems
Identify and assess common cyber threats targeting critical systems

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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Assessments

9 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 9 modules in this course

Critical infrastructure forms the backbone of modern society, making its protection a top priority in today’s threat landscape. This course explores how cybersecurity principles are applied to safeguard essential systems against increasingly sophisticated attacks.

Learners gain practical skills to identify vulnerabilities, analyze real-world breach scenarios, and apply effective mitigation strategies. The course emphasizes actionable insights that translate directly into professional security operations. What sets this course apart is its strong focus on real-world incidents and lessons learned from actual critical infrastructure attacks. It bridges theory and practice by connecting cybersecurity concepts with operational technology environments. This course is well suited for security professionals, SOC analysts, and OT engineers with basic knowledge of IT, networking, and cybersecurity concepts.

In this section, we examine 16 critical infrastructure sectors, their roles in national security, and strategies to mitigate cyberattack impacts on essential systems.

What's included

2 videos8 readings1 assignment

2 videos Total 2 minutes

Introduction - Overview Video 1 minute
What Is Critical Infrastructure? - Overview Video 1 minute

8 readings Total 160 minutes

Introduction 20 minutes
Communications Sector 30 minutes
Financial Services Sector 20 minutes
Government Facilities Sector 20 minutes
Healthcare and Public Health Sector 20 minutes
Information Technology Sector 10 minutes
Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector 20 minutes
Water and Wastewater Sector 20 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Fundamentals 10 minutes

In this section, we examine the history of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, analyze global cybersecurity trends, and explore strategies for national resilience against evolving threats.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure - Overview Video 1 minute

4 readings Total 100 minutes

Introduction 30 minutes
Executive Order 13010 20 minutes
Evolution of Cyberattacks and Countermeasures 20 minutes
The State of CI in the Face of Cyberattacks 30 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure 10 minutes

In this section, we examine critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, including threat, vulnerability, and risk distinctions, and explore assessment processes and common threats like ICS and ransomware.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities - Overview Video 1 minute

5 readings Total 120 minutes

Introduction 30 minutes
Vulnerability Assessment 20 minutes
Security Vulnerability Management Life Cycle 30 minutes
Ransomware Targeting CI 20 minutes
Physical Security Breaches 20 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Cybersecurity Risks and Infrastructure Protection 10 minutes

In this section, we examine common CI cyber threats like DDoS, ransomware, and supply chain attacks, focusing on their mechanisms and mitigation strategies to protect essential services.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

The Most Common Attacks Against CI - Overview Video 1 minute

7 readings Total 160 minutes

Introduction 20 minutes
Reflection and Amplification Attacks 20 minutes
Protocol-based Attacks 20 minutes
Application Layer Attacks 30 minutes
Ransomware Attack 20 minutes
Supply Chain Attack 20 minutes
APT 30 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Common Cyber Threats and Attack Vectors 10 minutes

In this section, we analyze real-world cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, focusing on attack vectors, ransomware patterns, and supply chain vulnerabilities to enhance threat awareness and preparedness.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

Analysis of the Top Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure - Overview Video 1 minute

7 readings Total 150 minutes

Introduction 30 minutes
Ukrainian Power Grid Attack 20 minutes
Dyn Attack on Internet Infrastructure 20 minutes
WannaCry 20 minutes
NotPetya (2017) 20 minutes
SolarWinds Attack 20 minutes
Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack 20 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Analysis of Cyber Threats to Essential Systems 10 minutes

In this section, we examine network segmentation, security frameworks, and intrusion detection systems to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure against cyber threats.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

Protecting Critical Infrastructure - Overview Video 1 minute

8 readings Total 200 minutes

Introduction 20 minutes
Access Control 30 minutes
Energy Grid Security 30 minutes
Honeypots and Deception Technologies 30 minutes
Optical Fiber Taps 20 minutes
Log Analysis Tools 20 minutes
Security Policy and Frameworks 30 minutes
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Critical Infrastructure Security Framework 20 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Securing Critical Infrastructure 10 minutes

In this section, we examine systems security, endpoint protection, and application security to build layered defenses against cyber threats. Key concepts include EDR, antivirus, and secure software practices for resilient digital infrastructure.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

Protecting Critical Infrastructure - Overview Video 1 minute

8 readings Total 190 minutes

Introduction 20 minutes
Firewalls 20 minutes
Host IDS/IPS 20 minutes
Application Security 30 minutes
Authentication and Authorization Hardening 20 minutes
Data-in-transit Encryption 30 minutes
Session Management 30 minutes
Penetration Testing 20 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Securing Critical Infrastructure 10 minutes

In this section, we explore incident response (IR), security culture, and executive orders to enhance critical infrastructure resilience and align with national security strategies.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

1 video Total 1 minute

Protecting Critical Infrastructure - Overview Video 1 minute

4 readings Total 120 minutes

Introduction 30 minutes
IR Planning 30 minutes
Teamwork and Information Sharing 30 minutes
Presidential Policy Directive 21 Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience 2013 30 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Critical Infrastructure Security Policies and Practices 10 minutes

In this section, we examine securing critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats, emphasizing IoT security, threat analysis, and public-private partnerships for resilience and innovation.