Module 1 :
Briefing of ICS (Industrial Control Systems) 

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are used in various industries to monitor and control physical processes such as manufacturing, energy production, and transportation. They integrate hardware, software, and networked communication to automate industrial operations efficiently.

• ICS (Industrial Control Systems): Encompasses a broader range of control systems used in industrial environments, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and PLC-based systems. ICS manages processes across multiple industries.
• DCS (Distributed Control Systems): Specifically refers to control systems used in large-scale industrial processes where multiple autonomous controllers are distributed throughout the system. DCS often includes centralized supervisory control for process monitoring and management.

• PLC (Programmable Logic Controller): A specialized digital computer used for automating electromechanical processes in industrial environments. PLCs execute control algorithms and manage devices based on user-defined logic.
• RTU (Remote Terminal Unit): Similar to PLCs, RTUs are deployed in remote locations to collect data from sensors and control devices. They interface with SCADA systems for monitoring and managing distributed assets and facilities.

Module 4 :
ICS Architecture 

ICS architecture typically includes:

• Field Devices: Sensors, actuators, and instruments that interact directly with physical processes.
• PLCs/RTUs: Control units that execute control algorithms and manage communication with field devices.
• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): Software for real-time monitoring, control, and data acquisition from remote devices.
• HMI (Human-Machine Interface): Graphical interface for operators to interact with the control system.
• Network Infrastructure: Communication channels (e.g., LAN, WAN) used for data transmission within the control system.

Module 5 :
ICS Attack Tactics 

ICS Attack Tactics involve various methods used by threat actors to compromise Industrial Control Systems. These may include:

• Malware Injection: Inserting malicious software into ICS networks to disrupt operations or steal sensitive data.
• Denial-of-Service (DoS): Overloading ICS systems with traffic or requests to disrupt normal operation.
• Phishing Attacks: Targeting personnel with phishing emails or messages to gain unauthorized access to ICS networks.
• Insider Threats: Malicious actions or negligence by authorized personnel that compromise ICS security.
• Physical Attacks: Direct physical access to ICS components or facilities to manipulate or sabotage operations.

Module 6 :
MITRE ATT&CK Framework 

The MITRE ATT&CK Framework provides a comprehensive knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. It categorizes attack techniques across various stages of the cyber kill chain, including initial access, execution, persistence, privilege escalation, defense evasion, credential access, discovery, lateral movement, collection, exfiltration, and impact.

Module 7 :
Major Cybersecurity Attacks in ICS 

Major cybersecurity attacks on ICS have included incidents such as:

• Stuxnet: Targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in 2010, exploiting vulnerabilities in PLCs.
• Ukraine Power Grid Attack: Caused widespread power outages in Ukraine in 2015 and 2016 through malware and coordinated attacks on ICS.
• Triconex Attack: Targeted safety instrumented systems (SIS) in a Middle Eastern petrochemical facility, exploiting vulnerabilities in PLCs.

Module 8 :
ICS Attack Techniques 

Common ICS attack techniques include:

• Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Exploiting software vulnerabilities in PLCs, RTUs, or SCADA systems.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Intercepting and manipulating communication between ICS components or with external systems.
• Command and Control (C2): Establishing unauthorized channels to send commands and control compromised ICS devices.
• Data Manipulation: Altering sensor data or process parameters to disrupt operations or cause physical damage.
• Brute Force Attacks: Attempting to guess passwords or credentials to gain unauthorized access to ICS systems.

Module 9 :
Mitigations for ICS Attack Techniques

Mitigations for ICS attack techniques include:

• Patch Management: Regularly updating and patching ICS components to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
• Network Segmentation: Implementing strict network segmentation to isolate critical ICS systems from less secure networks.
• Access Control: Enforcing strong authentication and authorization mechanisms to restrict access to authorized personnel only.
• Anomaly Detection: Deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) or anomaly detection tools to monitor ICS networks for unusual behavior.
• Security Awareness Training: Educating personnel about cybersecurity risks and best practices to prevent social engineering attacks.