Open Source Industrial Control Object Security (ICOS) Course
Course Overview
This course explores the concepts and implementation of open-source Industrial Control Object Security (ICOS) for critical infrastructure. Participants will learn the fundamentals of ICOS, how to secure industrial control systems (ICS) with open-source tools, and how to design and maintain secure data pipelines.
Instructor note: This course is designed to include both theoretical and hands-on components.
Learning Objectives
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Understand the principles of Industrial Control Object Security (ICOS).
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Explore open-source tools and frameworks for securing ICS.
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Implement object-level security for data pipelines in industrial environments.
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Learn best practices for access control, data integrity, and threat detection.
Target Audience
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Industrial cybersecurity professionals
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System administrators managing ICS environments
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Developers working on ICS integrations and security
Module 1: Introduction to ICOS
Lesson 1: What is Industrial Control Object Security (ICOS)?
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Definition and purpose of ICOS
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The importance of securing ICS in modern environments
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Overview of threats facing industrial data pipelines
Lesson 2: The Evolution of Industrial Control Systems
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Historical isolation of ICS (air-gapped systems)
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The rise of connectivity and data pipelines
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How modern ICS integrates with cloud and IoT platforms
Lesson 3: The ICOS Security Model
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Object-level security explained
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Key components of ICOS: integrity, access control, monitoring
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Benefits of ICOS over traditional security models
Module 2: Open Source Tools for ICOS
Lesson 1: Overview of Open Source Security Tools
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Introduction to popular open-source tools:
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OpenPLC
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Security Onion
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Zeek (formerly Bro)
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Grafana and Prometheus for monitoring
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OSQuery for endpoint security
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Lesson 2: Setting Up a Secure ICS Environment
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Installing and configuring Security Onion for network monitoring
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Deploying OpenPLC to simulate an industrial control system
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Integrating Grafana for visualization and monitoring
Instructor note: Demonstrate tool installation and configuration via live demo or pre-recorded tutorial.
Lesson 3: Implementing Object Security with Open Source Tools
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Configuring access control using OSQuery and Zeek
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Data integrity checks with custom scripts
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Logging and audit trail management
Module 3: Securing Data Pipelines
Lesson 1: Data Flow in Industrial Systems
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Understanding how data moves in ICS environments
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Identifying key pipeline components (sensors, devices, processors)
Lesson 2: Threats to Data Pipelines
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Common vulnerabilities in data pipelines
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Case studies of pipeline-related attacks
Lesson 3: Hardening the Data Pipeline
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Securing data at the source (sensor and device level)
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Implementing real-time monitoring and alerting
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Enforcing end-to-end encryption and data validation
Module 4: ICOS Best Practices and Case Studies
Lesson 1: Industry Best Practices
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Defining security policies for industrial environments
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Implementing least privilege and role-based access control
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Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing
Lesson 2: Case Studies in ICOS Implementation
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Example 1: ICOS deployment in a manufacturing plant
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Example 2: Securing a utility grid with open-source tools
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Lessons learned and key takeaways
Instructor note: Encourage group discussion on real-world ICOS challenges and solutions.
Module 5: Hands-On Exercise and Project
Lesson 1: Building a Secure ICS Simulation
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Create a simulation environment using OpenPLC and Grafana
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Configure security tools (Zeek, Security Onion) to monitor the environment
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Apply access controls and validate data integrity
Lesson 2: Security Incident Response Drill
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Simulate a security breach and test incident response protocols
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Analyze logs, identify attack vectors, and propose mitigation strategies
Module 6: Future Trends and Emerging Technologies
Lesson 1: Advances in ICOS and Industrial Security
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Innovations in security automation and AI-driven monitoring
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Emerging threats to critical infrastructure
Lesson 2: Preparing for Future Challenges
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Developing adaptive security strategies
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Leveraging the open-source community for ongoing improvements
Course Summary and Next Steps
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Recap of key concepts and tools
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Recommendations for further learning and professional development
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Final project submission guidelines (if applicable)
Appendices
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
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Definitions of key ICOS and ICS-related terms
Appendix B: Open Source Tool Resources
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Links to documentation, tutorials, and GitHub repositories for featured tools
Appendix C: Example Configurations and Scripts
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Sample code and configuration files for exercises