New Foundational Course Lowers Barriers to Entry to Bolster the Protection of Critical Operations
With critical infrastructure at the heart of modern society—powering our homes, fueling transportation, and supporting essential services—the stakes for safeguarding Industrial Control Systems (ICS) have never been higher. Today, the SANS Institute, the global leader in cybersecurity training, proudly announces the launch of ICS310: ICS Cybersecurity Foundations, an introductory course authored by SANS ICS experts Tim Conway, Robert M. Lee, and Jeffrey Shearer that is designed to meet the urgent need for accessible, cost-effective, and flexible cybersecurity education in the face of rapidly escalating ICS/OT-specific cyber threats.
As the digital and physical worlds become increasingly intertwined, ICS environments have emerged as prime targets for sophisticated attackers. This underscores a critical gap: while threats intensify, many organizations rely on IT security principles to train their workforce, which often fall short in addressing the unique challenges and risks faced by ICS/OT environments. Bridging this gap requires specialized ICS-specific training, designed to build a strong foundational understanding and prepare professionals to defend operational technology effectively.
“We’re seeing a growing concern around the world related to ICS-focused attacks and impacts on critical infrastructure. With many professionals seeking the necessary foundational understanding required to step confidently into this domain,” said Tim Conway, Fellow & Technical Director of ICS at SANS Institute. “ICS310 is the missing puzzle piece—a course that demystifies the fundamentals of ICS cybersecurity, allowing learners to ramp up quickly and, most importantly, strengthen the security posture of the infrastructures we rely on every day.”
ICS310 focuses on accessibility and immediate applicability. Offered in an OnDemand format, the course lets participants learn at their own pace, integrating study time into demanding professional schedules. This structure reduces traditional barriers to entry—such as travel, time away from work, and expense—making high-quality ICS cybersecurity education attainable for a broader range of individuals and organizations.
“Think of ICS310 as the launchpad to a career in ICS cybersecurity,” explained Robert M. Lee, CEO and Founder of Dragos and SANS Fellow. “Rather than diving headfirst into specialized, week-long intensives, professionals can now build a solid foundation on their terms. This approach not only lowers the intimidation factor but also ensures that ICS security teams are more consistently equipped with baseline knowledge, ultimately leading to stronger defenses and safer operations.”
Beyond serving newcomers, ICS310 also supports seasoned practitioners seeking to revisit and reinforce their foundational knowledge amid a constantly shifting threat landscape. The curriculum covers essential ICS cybersecurity principles, core technologies, threat actors and their tactics, and industry best practices—all taught by instructors who are themselves practitioners at the forefront of ICS and Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity.
“We’re responding directly to community feedback and the market’s urgent needs,” said Jeffrey Shearer, SANS Certified Instructor. “Organizations, both regulated and non-regulated, have expressed the need for shorter, more flexible training that still offers depth and relevance. ICS310 fills that gap elegantly, ensuring that learners, regardless of their starting point, come away prepared to handle real-world challenges and confidently advance into more specialized ICS training.”
Why ICS310 is a Game-Changer:
- Bridging the Skills Gap: Addresses the critical need for foundational ICS cybersecurity training, which many professionals currently lack.
- Flexible Learning for Busy Schedules: OnDemand delivery reduces time and cost barriers, making top-tier training available anytime, anywhere.
- Immediate, Actionable Insights: Students gain practical skills that can be applied immediately to strengthen their organization’s security posture.
- Stepping Stone to Specialization: Serves as a starting point to advanced ICS coursework, summits, and workshops, enabling continuous growth in a fast-evolving field.
- Affordable and Accessible: Priced at just $499, ICS310 offers a low-cost entry point for individuals and organizations. Alternatively, it’s free when bundled with any other SANS ICS Security course, providing added value while equipping learners with essential fundamentals to success in more advanced training.
ICS attacks can cause profound economic and societal harm; ICS310 emerges as a vital resource, equipping both new and experienced cybersecurity professionals to safeguard the critical systems underpinning our daily lives. Register now to take the first step toward a more secure future, and visit sans.org/ICS310 for details.