Key Certifications for OT ICS Cybersecurity

If you’re looking to level up in OT ICS cybersecurity, here’s a curated list of key certifications that cover a wide range of skills and knowledge areas. This list includes ICS-specific certifications, SCADA security, and broader ones that are still relevant to the field. Below is a breakdown of issuers, costs, lab requirements, and focus areas for each certification.

Certifications Overview:

1. GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)

• Issuer: GIAC
• Cost: $2,499
• Labs: No
• Focus: Industrial control systems security, network protocols, and risk management.

2. SANS ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials

• Issuer: SANS Institute
• Cost: $7,800
• Labs: Yes
• Focus: Foundational ICS/SCADA security concepts, protocols, and architectures.

3. ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certifications

• Issuer: International Society of Automation (ISA)
• Cost: $1,500 – $2,500
• Labs: No
• Focus: Industrial automation and control systems (IACS) security standards.

4. Offensive Security Industrial Penetration Testing (OSIPT)

• Issuer: Offensive Security
• Cost: $1,500
• Labs: Yes
• Focus: Penetration testing for industrial systems.

5. Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)

• Issuer: SCADA Security Academy
• Cost: $2,000
• Labs: No
• Focus: SCADA system design and security.

6. NVIDIA AI IDS Certification

• Issuer: NVIDIA
• Cost: $1,000
• Labs: Yes
• Focus: AI-based intrusion detection systems for OT environments.

Practice-Verified Commands and Codes:

• Nmap for ICS Network Scanning:

  nmap -sT -p 1-1024 --script=scada-detection <target-ip>
  

  This command scans for open ports and detects SCADA systems.

• Metasploit for ICS Exploitation:

  use exploit/windows/scada/ge_proficy_cimplicity
  set RHOSTS <target-ip>
  exploit
  

This Metasploit module targets GE Proficy Cimplicity systems.

• Wireshark for ICS Protocol Analysis:

  wireshark -k -i <interface> -Y "modbus || dnp3 || bacnet"
  

  This command captures and filters Modbus, DNP3, and BACnet traffic.

• Python Script for SCADA System Enumeration:

  import socket
  target = "<target-ip>"
  port = 502
  s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
  s.connect((target, port))
  s.send(b"\x00\x01\x00\x00\x00\x06\x01\x03\x00\x00\x00\x01")
  response = s.recv(1024)
  print(response)
  

  This script sends a Modbus request to a SCADA system.

What Undercode Say:

In the realm of OT ICS cybersecurity, certifications are a gateway to mastering the specialized skills required to secure industrial systems. From understanding foundational protocols like Modbus and DNP3 to leveraging AI for intrusion detection, these certifications provide a structured path to expertise. Practical tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Wireshark are indispensable for hands-on learning and real-world application. Additionally, scripting with Python can automate tasks like SCADA system enumeration, making it easier to identify vulnerabilities. As OT systems become increasingly interconnected, the demand for skilled professionals will only grow. By pursuing these certifications and mastering the associated tools, you can position yourself as a leader in this critical field. For further reading, consider exploring resources from SANS Institute and ISA.

References:

Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI