From Zero To ICS/OT Hero: The FREE 25-Hour Course That 110,000+ Security Professionals Are Raving About + Video

Introduction:

The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) has created one of the most critical—and understaffed—frontiers in cybersecurity. As nation-state actors and ransomware gangs increasingly target industrial control systems (ICS) that power our electricity grids, water treatment plants, and manufacturing lines, the demand for professionals who can secure these environments has skyrocketed. Yet, quality training has remained scarce, expensive, or locked behind vendor-specific walls—until now.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the fundamental differences between IT and OT security paradigms, including risk priorities and operational constraints.
Master the architecture of industrial control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, and common industrial protocols.
Develop hands-on skills in asset discovery, threat modeling, vulnerability management, and incident response for ICS environments.
Apply Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques to assess and protect industrial infrastructure.
Navigate industry standards and regulations, including NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443.

You Should Know:

1. Understanding the OT/ICS Cybersecurity Landscape

Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity is fundamentally different from its IT counterpart. While IT security focuses on protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, OT security prioritizes operational continuity, physical safety, and human lives. An IT breach might result in data loss; an OT breach can cause a power outage, a chemical spill, or even loss of life.

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) encompass a range of systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). These systems monitor and control physical processes in industries such as energy, water, manufacturing, and transportation. Unlike IT systems that are routinely patched and updated, OT systems often run on legacy hardware and software, with uptime and availability taking precedence over security updates.

Mike Holcomb’s “Getting Started in ICS/OT Cyber Security” course—a free 25+ hour YouTube series—bridges this knowledge gap. With over 110,000 views and 2,000+ live attendees, it has become a cornerstone resource for aspiring OT security professionals. The course covers everything from control systems protocols to incident detection and response, making it accessible to both IT professionals transitioning to OT and newcomers to the field.

Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Started with OT/ICS Cybersecurity

Watch the Introduction Series: Begin with Part 1: Introduction to Getting Started in ICS/OT Cyber Security and Part 2: ICS/OT Cyber Security Overview to build your foundational understanding.
Study Control Systems & Protocols (Part 3): Familiarize yourself with common industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and OPC-UA. Understanding how these protocols function is critical for both securing and testing OT environments.
Learn Secure Network Architecture (Part 4): Study the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture and understand how to segment IT and OT networks using firewalls, DMZs, and unidirectional gateways.
Practice Asset Discovery (Part 5): Learn how to build and maintain asset registers—one of the most challenging yet essential tasks in OT security. Use tools like GRASSMARLIN and Wireshark with ICS dissectors for passive asset discovery.
Apply OSINT Techniques (Part 7): Explore how Open Source Intelligence can be used to identify exposed industrial systems and assess organizational risk.

2. Essential Linux Commands for OT/ICS Security

While OT environments are often Windows-dominated, Linux plays a crucial role in security assessments, penetration testing, and monitoring. Here are essential commands and tools for OT security professionals:

Network Discovery and Mapping:

 Perform a stealthy network scan of an OT subnet (use with extreme caution in production)
nmap -sS -p 502,102,44818,2222,4840 -T4 192.168.1.0/24

Discover Modbus devices on the network
nmap --script modbus-discover -p 502 <target_IP>

Passive network monitoring with tcpdump (capture industrial protocols)
sudo tcpdump -i eth0 -1n -s0 -v port 502 or port 102 or port 44818

Protocol Analysis with Wireshark CLI (tshark):

 Capture and filter for Modbus traffic
tshark -i eth0 -Y "modbus" -T fields -e frame.time -e ip.src -e ip.dst -e modbus.func_code

Extract DNP3 traffic to a file for analysis
tshark -i eth0 -f "port 20000" -w dnp3_capture.pcap

OSINT for Industrial Systems:

 Use Shodan CLI to search for exposed industrial devices (requires API key)
shodan search "port:502 country:US" --limit 10

Use Censys to identify ICS protocols
censys search "services.service_name: MODBUS" --limit 5

Vulnerability Assessment:

 Use OpenVAS for vulnerability scanning in a lab environment
sudo gvm-cli --gmp-username admin --gmp-password password socket --socket-path /var/run/gvmd.sock --xml "<create_task>..."

Check for known ICS vulnerabilities using the NVD API
curl -X GET "https://services.ncd.nist.gov/rest/json/cves/2.0?keywordSearch=Siemens&resultsPerPage=10"

Warning: Never run active scans or penetration testing tools on live OT production environments without explicit authorization and change control. Always test in isolated lab environments first.

3. Windows Commands and Tools for OT Environments

OT environments are predominantly Windows-based, with engineering workstations, HMIs, and servers running various versions of Windows. Here are essential commands and tools:

Asset Discovery and Inventory:

 Discover all devices on the local subnet (use with caution)
arp -a

List all running services and their associated ports
netstat -ano | findstr LISTENING

Get detailed system information for asset inventory
systeminfo | findstr /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version" /C:"System Manufacturer" /C:"System Model"

Security Hardening Commands:

 Disable unnecessary services (typical in OT hardening)
sc config "ServiceName" start= disabled

Enable Windows Firewall and block all inbound except essential
netsh advfirewall set allprofiles firewallpolicy blockinbound,allowoutbound

Create a rule to allow specific OT protocol traffic (e.g., Modbus TCP port 502)
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Allow Modbus TCP" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=502

Log Analysis and Monitoring:

 Query Windows Event Logs for security events (failed logins)
Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='Security'; ID=4625} -MaxEvents 50

Export system logs for forensic analysis
wevtutil epl System C:\Logs\System_Backup.evtx

Monitor for unauthorized USB device usage (critical in OT environments)
Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='Microsoft-Windows-DriverFrameworks-UserMode/Operational'; ID=2003} -MaxEvents 20

Remote Management (use in segregated management networks only):

 Enable WinRM for remote management (requires careful security configuration)
winrm quickconfig

Test WinRM connectivity
Test-WSMan <target_IP>

4. OT-Specific Penetration Testing Tools and Methodology

Penetration testing in OT environments requires a fundamentally different approach compared to IT penetration testing. The primary concern is operational safety, not data compromise. Here’s a practical methodology:

Phase 1: Passive Reconnaissance

Use Wireshark with ICS protocol dissectors to monitor network traffic without generating any packets.
Deploy GRASSMARLIN for passive asset discovery and network mapping.
Analyze network traffic patterns to identify device types, communication flows, and potential vulnerabilities.

Phase 2: Active Discovery (Lab Only)

Use PLCScan to identify and enumerate PLCs on the network.
Leverage Nmap with OT-specific scripts: `nmap –script modbus-discover, s7-info, enip-info -p 502,102,44818 `
– Utilize Metasploit with OT auxiliary modules for vulnerability verification.

Phase 3: Vulnerability Assessment

Apply the NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for assessing security controls in ICS environments.
Use Shodan and Censys for external exposure assessment.
Validate vulnerabilities using OThello Pentest Studio or similar OT-aware tools that test without disrupting operations.

Phase 4: Reporting and Remediation

Document findings with clear risk ratings that consider both cybersecurity impact and operational safety consequences.
Prioritize remediation based on the IEC 62443 framework and NIST guidelines.
Develop a phased remediation plan that respects production schedules and maintenance windows.

Key Tools to Explore:

Shodan: Search engine for internet-connected devices, including ICS equipment.
GRASSMARLIN: NSA-developed tool for network visualization and asset discovery.
Wireshark: Network protocol analyzer with ICS dissector plugins.
Metasploit: Penetration testing framework with OT auxiliary modules.
Nmap: Network discovery tool with OT-specific scripts.

5. Incident Detection and Response in OT Environments

Incident response in OT environments requires a safety-first approach. The NIST SP 1800-41 provides actionable guidelines for responding to and recovering from cyber attacks in manufacturing environments. Here’s a practical framework:

Preparation:

Develop a ICS-specific incident response plan that includes both cybersecurity and operational safety procedures.
Establish clear communication channels between IT security, OT engineering, and executive leadership.
Conduct tabletop exercises that simulate realistic OT attack scenarios.

Detection:

Deploy OT-specific intrusion detection systems that understand industrial protocols.
Monitor for anomalies in network traffic, system behavior, and process control values.
Implement honeypots and decoy systems to detect attackers early.

Containment:

Use network segmentation to isolate affected zones without disrupting critical operations.
Apply defense-in-depth strategies across PLC, SCADA, and HMI layers.
Consider physical isolation (air-gapping) as a last-resort containment measure.

Eradication and Recovery:

Remove malicious code and restore systems from known-good backups.
Apply patches and updates in a controlled, staged manner.
Conduct post-incident reviews to identify lessons learned and improve future response.

6. Industry Standards and Frameworks

Understanding the regulatory and standards landscape is crucial for OT security professionals:

NIST SP 800-82: Guide to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security—provides comprehensive guidance on securing ICS.
IEC 62443: International standard for industrial cybersecurity, covering policies, procedures, and technical requirements.
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1: Includes specific guidance for ICS environments.
CISA ICS Training: Free courses offered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for ICS cybersecurity.

What Undercode Say:

The OT Security Skills Gap Is Real—and Widening: With critical infrastructure under constant threat and a severe shortage of qualified professionals, free, high-quality training like Mike Holcomb’s course is not just valuable—it’s essential. The fact that over 110,000 people have already engaged with this content demonstrates the overwhelming demand.
IT-to-OT Transition Requires a Mindset Shift: IT professionals entering OT must unlearn certain assumptions. Availability and safety trump confidentiality. Patching is rare and risky. Network segmentation is non-1egotiable. This course provides the cultural and technical bridge needed to make that transition successfully.
Hands-On Practice Is Non-1egotiable: Theory alone won’t prepare you for the realities of OT security. Setting up a lab environment—whether virtual or physical—and practicing with tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and Metasploit in a safe context is critical. The course’s lab manual and review questions provide structured practice opportunities.
OSINT Is an Underappreciated Superpower: The course’s dedicated section on OSINT for industrial controls highlights a often-overlooked aspect of OT security. Understanding what information about your organization is publicly available—and what attackers can learn from it—is foundational to building effective defenses.
Community and Mentorship Matter: Mike Holcomb’s approach—offering free, accessible training and maintaining an active newsletter with over 8,000 subscribers—creates a community of practice that extends far beyond the course itself. In a field where information is often siloed, this collaborative approach is invaluable.

Prediction:

+1 The democratization of OT cybersecurity training will accelerate workforce development, potentially reducing the global skills gap by 15-20% within the next three years as more professionals access free, high-quality resources like this course.
+1 Increased awareness of OT security fundamentals will drive greater adoption of secure-by-design principles in industrial automation, leading to more resilient critical infrastructure over the next decade.
-1 The accessibility of OT security knowledge also lowers the barrier for malicious actors, who can use the same training materials to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Organizations must simultaneously strengthen their defensive postures.
+1 The convergence of IT and OT security teams will accelerate, driven by a common understanding of both domains. This will lead to more integrated security operations and better incident response across the enterprise.
-1 Legacy OT systems—many of which are decades old and unpatchable—will remain the Achilles’ heel of critical infrastructure. Even with better-trained professionals, the fundamental challenge of securing outdated technology will persist.
+1 Regulatory frameworks like NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 will become more widely adopted as organizations recognize the business and operational risks of inadequate OT security, creating new opportunities for certified professionals.
+1 The rise of AI-powered OT security tools, combined with a better-trained workforce, will enable more proactive threat hunting and faster incident response, reducing the average dwell time of attackers in industrial environments.
-1 The increasing connectivity of OT systems to IT networks and the internet—driven by Industry 4.0 and IIoT initiatives—will expand the attack surface, requiring continuous adaptation and learning from security professionals.
+1 Community-driven initiatives like Mike Holcomb’s course and newsletter will continue to play a vital role in building the OT security workforce, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing that benefits the entire industry.
+1 The long-term impact of accessible OT security education will be a more secure, resilient critical infrastructure that can withstand and recover from cyber threats, protecting both economic stability and public safety.

▶️ Related Video (76% Match):

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