EC10 - Cybersecurity in Industrial Scenarios

Securing industrial operations across converged IT and OT environments.

Credits

7.5 ECTS

Semester

2 Semester

Delivery

Online

Duration

13 weeks

Language

English

About This Course

This is a second-semester course in the MBA in Advanced Cybersecurity Technologies &
Governance
IoT Security introduces students to the security challenges of modern Internet of Things systems, combining solid theoretical foundations with hands-on security practice. The course covers IoT architectures, threat modelling, cryptography, secure communication protocols, and web and network security in connected environments. Through practical penetration testing exercises and Capture the Flag challenges, students learn to identify vulnerabilities, exploit them responsibly, and design effective mitigation strategies. The course also engages with current research and real-world attack trends, preparing students to assess and strengthen the security of complex IoT deployments in professional settings.

What You Will Learn


Industrial Systems & OT Security

  • Security challenges in SCADA and operational environments
  • Industrial communication protocols and vulnerabilities
  • Convergence of IT and OT systems


Industrial Threats & Defence Strategies

  • Threat scenarios in critical infrastructure
  • Defence-in-depth and regulatory frameworks (e.g., IEC 62443)
  • Proactive defence, threat intelligence, and resilience


Emerging Technologies in Industrial Security

  • Role of AI, digital twins, and blockchain in industrial defence

  • Simulation and monitoring for proactive security

  • Trust and privacy in industrial ecosystems

Your 13-Week Journey

Here’s how your learning unfolds

Week 1 – Industrial scenarios, technologies, and protocols

Overview of industrial environments, IIoT, and key communication technologies with security gaps.


Week 2 – Main cybersecurity issues and threats taxonomy

Core security principles, common threats, and attack scenarios in industrial contexts.

Week 3 – Defense principles, and regulatory frameworks, standards and recommendations

Defense strategies (Zero Trust, defense in depth) and frameworks like IEC 62443.


Week 4 – Industrial perimeter security and secure connection

Industrial firewalls, IDMZ, and secure communication basics.

Week 5 – Secure connection and accessibility

Authentication, access control, and hardware-based security.


Week 6 – Continuous assessment (I) and lab activities

Hands-on lab on segmentation, firewalls, VPNs, and secure connectivity.

Week 7 – Lab activities 

Practical exercises on authentication for industrial devices.

Week 8 –  Proactive and active defence

Introduction to monitoring, SIEM, and incident response.

Week 9 – Proactive and active defence  

Cyber threat intelligence and active defense lifecycle.

Week 10 – Continue monitoring and simulation for protection, training, and testing

Network monitoring, detection tools, and technologies like AI and digital twins.

Week 11 – Trust and privacy, and continuous assessment (II) 

Standards (IEC 62443, ISO 27701) and secure, compliant industrial operations.


Week 12 – Lab activities

Applying cybersecurity concepts to blockchain-based insurance use cases.

Week 13 – Lab activities and presentations 

Final exercises and project presentations.



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Skills You Will Gain

Industrial Network Security

  • Analysing IT/OT architectures and vulnerabilities
  • Securing industrial protocols such as Modbus and OPC UA
  • Implementing defence-in-depth strategies

Operational Cyber Defence

  • Deploying industrial IDS and monitoring systems
  • Managing safety-critical cyber incidents and recovery
  • Conducting proactive threat hunting

Strategic Industrial Security Leadership

  • Leading cybersecurity programmes in critical infrastructure
  • Managing supply-chain and third-party risks
  • Aligning security with safety and operational constraints