Cybersecurity in Industry

Protect operational technology by securing industrial and cyber-physical systems against evolving threats.

Key Details

This module is delivered in hybrid format, as a combination of online, in-person and self-learning activities. The module uses innovative hybrid learning methods that combine live (synchronous) and self-paced (asynchronous) activities, with particular focus on practical activities and real-world scenarios connected to cybersecurity. Expert tutors guide students through the material, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

This module aims to equip learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in OT (Operational Technology) security. Toward this goal the module employs class participation activities and assignments and projects.

Time commitment:

• Online activities: 14 hours
• In-person activities: 14 hours
• Self-learning: 28 hours
• Individual, team and guided projects and activities: 69 hours
• Total: 125 hours

Credit points: 5 ECTS

Grading:

• In-class Activity: 10%
• Assignments & Projects: 40%
• Exam: 50%

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Subjects covered

The overlapping and differences between IT and OT security

OT Threat Landscape

Tactics, techniques and procedures of the cybercrime and their evolutions

Analysis of recent and paradigmatic attack cases and lessons learnt – flipped classroom

Risk mitigation

Standards, best practices and EU laws for cybersecurity in the context of OT cybersecurity

The impact of the new technologies

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Learning objectives

Evaluate the principles and challenges of OT security, differentiate them from IT security, and align security strategies with industry standards and best practices.

Critically assess and compare the OT threat landscape with IT, including analysing specific tactics, techniques, and procedures used in OT-focused cyber-attacks.

Examine and evaluate recent case studies of cyber incidents in OT environments, drawing lessons on risk assessment and security countermeasures.

Analyse and apply relevant laws, regulations, and standards to develop robust OT security frameworks, incorporating the latest technological advancements such as AI, 5G, and IIoT.

Develop comprehensive risk models and security measures tailored to OT environments, ensuring effective governance and continuous risk assessment.

Assess the impact of human factors on OT security, identifying key vulnerabilities and synthesising remediation measures to strengthen the overall security posture.

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Module leaders

Alexandru Văduva is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest (UNSTPB). He obtained his Ph.D. in 2020, with a specialization in Security in Automotive Linux, focusing on the security of vehicle internal architectures.

His research interests include automotive cybersecurity, host intrusion detection systems, source code and binary analysis, embedded devices, and operating systems. He has contributed to national and international research projects such as POCU/993/6/13-153178: Research Performance and Digital Twins for Complex Infrastructures and Urban Ecosystems.

He has professional experience in the automotive and telecommunications industries, having worked for companies such as Luxoft, Enea, Mentor Graphics, and Siemens. These roles enabled him to stay closely connected with cutting-edge technologies and to collaborate with major automotive OEMs.

His teaching portfolio includes courses on operating systems, computer networks, microcontroller design, computer engineering, embedded systems, and embedded systems security. He is the author of over 15 scientific articles presented at national and international conferences, two books, and is actively involved in open-source initiatives focused on standardizing secure Linux integration in automotive environments.

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