Certified Operational Technology Security Specialist (COTSS) Certification Program by Tonex
The COTSS Certification Program by Tonex empowers professionals to secure Operational Technology (OT) environments, bridging the gap between traditional IT security and the unique demands of industrial systems. With a deep focus on IEC 62351 and NERC CIP standards, participants will explore the full spectrum of OT security, including ICS/SCADA threat modeling, OT/IT convergence risks, and physical-layer vulnerabilities.
This program equips learners to identify, analyze, and mitigate OT-specific threats that impact national infrastructure, smart grids, manufacturing, and critical services. It also provides actionable strategies to enhance cyber resilience and compliance.
The increasing convergence of OT and IT domains introduces new cybersecurity attack surfaces, making this training essential for proactive defense. Participants will gain expertise to lead cybersecurity strategies in complex, real-time environments where failure can have catastrophic consequences.
Audience:
- Cybersecurity Professionals
- OT Engineers and Operators
- SCADA System Administrators
- Industrial Network Architects
- Compliance and Risk Analysts
- Critical Infrastructure Managers
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of OT and ICS security
- Apply IEC 62351 and NERC CIP standards to OT systems
- Model and assess threats in ICS/SCADA environments
- Navigate challenges in OT/IT convergence
- Evaluate physical-layer security threats in industrial networks
- Design secure architectures for critical infrastructure systems
Program Modules:
Module 1: Introduction to OT and ICS Security
- OT vs. IT security principles
- ICS architecture and protocols
- Historical evolution of control systems
- Real-time and deterministic system constraints
- Key ICS components and interconnectivity
- Introduction to cybersecurity in critical infrastructure
Module 2: Standards and Regulatory Frameworks
- Overview of IEC 62351
- NERC CIP compliance essentials
- Cybersecurity roles in OT regulation
- Impact of regulation on OT operations
- Mapping controls to frameworks
- Risk management under regulatory pressure
Module 3: ICS/SCADA Threat Modeling
- Threat modeling methodologies for OT
- Identifying attack vectors in SCADA
- Analyzing vulnerabilities in field devices
- Threat actor profiles and motivations
- Simulation of attack scenarios
- Defensive countermeasures and mitigation planning
Module 4: OT/IT Convergence Challenges
- Network segmentation and data flow control
- Industrial DMZ best practices
- Managing legacy systems and protocols
- Identity and access management in OT/IT environments
- Threat surface expansion through convergence
- Secure integration strategies
Module 5: Physical-Layer and Infrastructure Risks
- Physical access threats and mitigation
- Sensor and actuator manipulation risks
- Environmental threats (e.g., EM interference)
- Asset tracking and physical inventory
- Secure facility design principles
- Integrating cyber-physical security
Module 6: Designing and Managing Secure OT Systems
- Secure system architecture for ICS
- Network hardening techniques
- Incident response in OT environments
- Monitoring and anomaly detection
- Logging and forensic readiness
- Business continuity and resilience planning
Exam Domains:
- OT Security Fundamentals and Architecture
- Regulatory Compliance and Standards Integration
- ICS/SCADA Vulnerability and Threat Analysis
- OT/IT Convergence Security Strategies
- Physical and Environmental Risk Management
- Operational Security Governance and Resilience
Course Delivery:
The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and expert-led sessions. Participants will access curated readings, real-world case studies, and implementation frameworks.
Assessment and Certification:
Participants will be assessed through quizzes, assignments, and a capstone analysis. Upon successful completion, a Certified Operational Technology Security Specialist (COTSS) certificate will be awarded.
Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Scenario-based Questions
Passing Criteria:
To pass the Certified Operational Technology Security Specialist (COTSS) Certification Training exam, candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher.
Take charge of OT security and become a leader in safeguarding critical infrastructure. Enroll in the COTSS Certification Program by Tonex today and build resilience against emerging cyber-physical threats.