NDG Intro to Critical Infrastructure for IT Learners
Overview
In our rapidly evolving society, there's a growing demand for technology professionals proficient in cybersecurity to safeguard Critical Infrastructure. However, many Information Technology and cyber learners lack exposure to operation technology (OT), which is vital in fields like manufacturing and utilities. To address this gap, NDG has developed hands-on labs introducing learners to key OT concepts. The first six labs are suitable for all levels, while labs seven to fourteen are designed for those with networking and cybersecurity backgrounds. The lab series offers immersive experiences covering topics such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), SCADA systems, Modbus communication protocol, and CI protocols.
What You Will Learn
- Program and configure Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Build SCADA Human Machine Interfaces and explore Modbus communication
- Analyze ICS packet captures and identify industrial protocol traffic
- Conduct penetration testing against corporate and ICS environments
- Establish pivot points and command-and-control infrastructure in OT networks
Best For
- IT and cybersecurity learners who want an introduction to operational technology (OT)
- Professionals exploring careers in industrial control system (ICS) security
- Network security practitioners expanding into critical infrastructure protection
- Educators developing OT/ICS security curricula for IT-focused programs
Prerequisites
- Labs 1-6 require no prior OT experience; basic IT literacy is sufficient
- Labs 7-14 require networking fundamentals and introductory cybersecurity knowledge
- Familiarity with Linux command line is helpful for advanced labs
Lab Exercises (14 labs)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers |
| 2 | PLC Programming Languages |
| 3 | Building Your First PLC Program |
| 4 | Introduction to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition |
| 5 | Building a SCADA Human Machine Interface |
| 6 | Introduction to Modbus |
| 7 | Exploring ICS Packet Captures |
| 8 | ICS Protocols |
| 9 | Scanning Industrial Control Systems |
| 10 | MiTM/DoS Attack Automation on ICS |
| 11 | Pentesting a Corporate Environment |
| 12 | Setting Up a Command-and-Control Center |
| 13 | Setting Up a Pivot |
| 14 | Deep Pivot with LDAP |
Pod Topology NDG Intro to Critical Infrastructure for IT Learners Pod
Virtual Machines
Documentation & Resources
- Critical Infrastructure Pod Installation Guide (PDF)
- Critical Infrastructure Pod Installation Guide (Online) (external)
- Release Notes (external)
Setup: Install NDG Intro to Critical Infrastructure for IT Learners via the Course Manager. See the Admin Guide →
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What organizations are saying about Cybersecurity
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