Maintenance and Engineering

SCADA Systems and Industrial Control Security

SCADA and industrial control systems monitor and control critical processes in utilities, oil and gas, manufacturing and transport. This course covers ICS architecture, SCADA components, communication protocols, alarms, data management and the growing importance of OT cybersecurity.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Industrial systems are increasingly connected and targeted. This course helps engineers understand SCADA and protect industrial environments.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course uses architecture workshops, demonstrations, case studies of ICS incidents and risk assessments.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain SCADA and ICS architectures
Understand components and communication protocols
Manage alarms and operational data
Identify OT cybersecurity threats
Apply security controls for industrial systems
Develop OT security risk assessments

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Control and automation engineers
SCADA operators and technicians
OT and IT security professionals
Utility engineers
Plant managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

SCADA architecture
Industrial protocols
Alarm management
OT security threats
ICS security controls
Risk assessment

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1SCADA and ICS

09:00–09:54Control system types
09:54–10:48SCADA architecture
10:48–11:00RTUs and PLCs
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12RTUs and PLCs (continued)
12:12–13:06Applications
13:06–14:00Exercise: Architecture mapping

Day 2Communications and Data

09:00–09:54Industrial protocols
09:54–10:48Networks
10:48–11:00Historians
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Historians (continued)
12:12–13:06Alarm management
13:06–14:00Demonstration: SCADA system

Day 3OT Security Threats

09:00–09:54Threat landscape
09:54–10:48Notable incidents
10:48–11:00IT versus OT security
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12IT versus OT security (continued)
12:12–13:06Vulnerabilities
13:06–14:00Case study: ICS attack

Day 4Security Controls

09:00–09:54Network segmentation
09:54–10:48Access control
10:48–11:00Monitoring
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Monitoring (continued)
12:12–13:06Patch and change management
13:06–14:00Workshop: Security design

Day 5Risk and Governance

09:00–09:54OT risk assessment
09:54–10:48Standards
10:48–11:00Incident response
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Incident response (continued)
12:12–13:06Roadmap
13:06–14:00Capstone: OT security plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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