Getting Started with Industrial Control System (ICS) Cybersecurity: Recommended Learning Resources

I commonly get asked what approach to take when starting in industrial control system (ICS) cybersecurity; this blog documents useful resources for people with backgrounds in control systems, security, or those new to both, emphasizing a gradual learning path.

Optional Pre‑Reqs

It is helpful to learn basic computer, networking, and systems concepts, as well as a scripting language; Python is suggested, but any language adds value.

Learn Python the Hard Way – a free step‑by‑step Python tutorial.

MIT Introduction to Computer Programming – open courseware for fundamental programming skills.

MIT Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Computer Science – helps understand control‑system hardware.

Microsoft Virtual Academy – YouTube playlists covering networking, computers, and Internet fundamentals.

Intro to Control Systems

Control systems are everywhere, from elevators to power grids; industrial control systems (ICS) are used in oil drilling, pipelines, power plants, and more. The following resources introduce these concepts.

The PLC Professor – tutorials on programmable logic controllers and control‑system logic.

Control System Basics – video explaining basic control‑system logic.

What is SCADA? – introduction to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems.

Department of Energy – Energy 101 videos covering energy generation basics.

Wastewater Treatment Explanation Video – shows how control systems manage wastewater processes.

Waste Water – Flush to Finish – additional wastewater overview.

Refinery Crude Oil Process – video on refinery operations and associated control systems.

Natural Gas Processing – overview of natural‑gas harvesting and processing.

How a Compressor Station Works – discusses security challenges of remote gas‑pipeline stations.

Chemical Engineering YouTube Channel – series on chemical processing equipment.

Steel from Start to Finish – illustrates steel‑production control systems.

Nuclear Reactor Explained – simple animation of nuclear reactor operation.

Nuclear Power Station – deeper look at nuclear safety system design.

Thermal Power Plant – video on thermal power generation.

SCADA Utility 101 – Rusty Williams explains SCADA from an electric‑utility perspective.

Electric Generation and Transmission – additional Rusty Williams video on power transmission.

Control Lectures – Brian Douglas series covering a wide range of control‑system topics.

Safety Systems – overview of active and passive safety mechanisms and their cybersecurity implications.

Safety Valves – example of safety valve operation in processes.

Industrial Disaster Explanation Videos – U.S. Chemical Safety Board videos on real‑world industrial accidents, highlighting the stakes of ICS security.