A tailored course, built for your situation
Securing Industrial Control Systems in Public Utility Environments
Implementation-grade readiness for CISOs leading operational resilience in critical infrastructure
$199 one-time
30-day money-back guarantee
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12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Business continuity plans that fail under unannounced reviews due to inconsistent regional execution
The situation this course is for
Critical infrastructure organizations struggle to maintain uniform response readiness across geographically dispersed control systems. Variations in local interpretation, outdated recovery checklists, and fragmented evidence collection create vulnerabilities during regulator engagements, not because of intent, but because of implementation drift.
Who this is for
Chief Information Security Officer in a public utility managing OT/ICS environments with responsibility for cross-regional continuity and compliance
Who this is not for
Engineers focused only on IT network security, vendors selling ICS hardware, or consultants without hands-on experience in utility-scale operational resilience
What you walk away with
- Produce inspection-ready continuity documentation aligned with ISO 22301 requirements
- Standardize incident response workflows across multiple regional control sites
- Reduce time spent on audit corrections by eliminating cross-team inconsistencies
- Build confidence in failover procedures that regulators can validate on first pass
- Establish a single source of truth for ICS continuity across leadership, operations, and compliance
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Foundations of Operational Resilience in ICS Environments
Establish core principles linking ISO 22301 to industrial control system continuity.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining operational resilience within public utility contexts
- Mapping ISO 22301 clauses to real-world ICS failure scenarios
- Differentiating IT disaster recovery from OT continuity needs
- Key roles in maintaining ICS system availability during crises
- Regulatory drivers shaping modern utility continuity planning
- Common misconceptions about failover in control system networks
- The role of risk assessment in continuity framework design
- Integrating NERC CIP considerations into broader resilience plans
- Establishing scope boundaries for multi-site ICS environments
- Documenting asset criticality across distributed operations
- Setting performance objectives for system recovery timelines
- Linking business impact analysis to technical response capabilities
Module 2. Scope Definition and Leadership Commitment
Define organizational boundaries and secure executive sponsorship for ICS continuity initiatives.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying which control systems fall under the continuity program
- Creating clear ownership models for regional ICS operations
- Articulating leadership commitment in policy statements
- Engaging non-security stakeholders in resilience planning
- Documenting management responsibility for continuity outcomes
- Developing communication protocols for crisis escalation
- Setting measurable objectives tied to system uptime goals
- Incorporating stakeholder expectations into program scope
- Balancing regulatory requirements with operational realities
- Establishing governance structures for ongoing oversight
- Defining interfaces between corporate and field-level teams
- Maintaining consistency in messaging across jurisdictions
Module 3. Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis
Conduct targeted assessments that prioritize ICS functions based on operational consequences.
12 chapters in this module
- Designing BIA questionnaires specific to control system roles
- Interviewing operations staff to understand downtime impacts
- Quantifying service disruption effects on public health and safety
- Prioritizing systems based on environmental and community risks
- Mapping dependencies between ICS components and external services
- Assessing cascading failure potential in interconnected networks
- Evaluating geographic concentration risks in control architecture
- Using scenario modeling to simulate outage conditions
- Documenting findings in auditor-accessible formats
- Aligning risk tolerance levels with board-approved thresholds
- Updating assessments after infrastructure modifications
- Validating assumptions through tabletop exercise results
Module 4. Developing Site-Specific Response Playbooks
Create actionable, locally relevant incident response guides for each control environment.
12 chapters in this module
- Structuring playbooks for rapid decision-making under stress
- Including step-by-step instructions for manual override procedures
- Embedding contact trees with verified escalation paths
- Specifying equipment access protocols during emergencies
- Integrating weather and environmental alerts into response triggers
- Documenting safe shutdown sequences for critical processes
- Outlining communication responsibilities during activation
- Providing visual aids for complex system states
- Translating corporate policies into field-executable actions
- Version controlling playbook updates across locations
- Ensuring offline availability of essential response documents
- Testing readability and usability with frontline personnel
Module 5. Cross-Regional Consistency and Standardization
Ensure uniform interpretation and execution of continuity plans across all utility regions.
12 chapters in this module
- Establishing a central repository for all continuity artifacts
- Creating standardized templates for local adaptation
- Implementing change control for playbook modifications
- Conducting peer reviews between regional response teams
- Training facilitators to deliver consistent instruction
- Auditing local implementations against core requirements
- Resolving discrepancies in procedural interpretation
- Harmonizing terminology across departments and regions
- Synchronizing update cycles for coordinated improvements
- Measuring adherence through sample validations
- Addressing cultural differences in operational practices
- Maintaining flexibility within defined guardrails
Module 6. Evidence Generation and Audit Readiness
Produce verifiable, regulator-friendly documentation that demonstrates compliance.
12 chapters in this module
- Designing evidence trails that survive inspector scrutiny
- Capturing timestamps and approvals during drills
- Storing records in immutable formats where appropriate
- Linking test results directly to control objectives
- Preparing binders for unannounced walkthroughs
- Anticipating common questions from reviewing authorities
- Demonstrating continuous improvement through version history
- Organizing files according to inspection checklists
- Redacting sensitive information while preserving context
- Generating summary reports for leadership consumption
- Verifying completeness before submission deadlines
- Responding to findings with corrective action documentation
Module 7. Testing, Exercising, and Performance Validation
Run effective tests that prove continuity capabilities without disrupting operations.
12 chapters in this module
- Scheduling exercises around maintenance windows
- Designing partial failover scenarios for live systems
- Simulating communication breakdowns in drill planning
- Measuring response times against predefined SLAs
- Capturing lessons learned in structured debriefs
- Rotating team members through different roles
- Validating third-party support commitments
- Testing backup power and alternate control stations
- Assessing human factors under pressure
- Adjusting playbooks based on observed performance
- Reporting results to executive stakeholders
- Tracking trend data over multiple cycles
Module 8. Third-Party and Vendor Coordination
Integrate external partners into continuity planning with clear expectations.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining vendor roles in emergency response scenarios
- Requiring continuity documentation as part of contracts
- Verifying supplier readiness through audits or questionnaires
- Establishing joint communication channels for crisis events
- Coordinating testing schedules with key partners
- Managing access rights for external personnel
- Ensuring spare parts availability during extended outages
- Reviewing SLAs for alignment with recovery objectives
- Documenting fallback options when vendors are unavailable
- Conducting pre-event briefings with support teams
- Updating contact information quarterly
- Evaluating dual-sourcing strategies for critical components
Module 9. Incident Command Integration
Align ICS response activities with formal incident command structures.
12 chapters in this module
- Mapping ICS roles to ICS-200 command hierarchy positions
- Defining reporting lines during activated responses
- Integrating technical experts into command staff roles
- Communicating status using standardized terminology
- Supporting situation reports with real-time data
- Balancing technical decisions with overall incident priorities
- Managing resource requests through proper channels
- Handling media inquiries related to system status
- Coordinating with emergency management agencies
- Transitioning from crisis mode to recovery phase
- Documenting command decisions for later review
- Debriefing with full incident team after resolution
Module 10. Continuous Improvement and Management Review
Refine the continuity program through structured feedback and leadership oversight.
12 chapters in this module
- Scheduling regular management review meetings
- Presenting performance metrics to senior leaders
- Incorporating audit findings into improvement plans
- Benchmarking against industry peers and best practices
- Updating objectives based on changing threats
- Allocating budget for necessary enhancements
- Recognizing team contributions to resilience efforts
- Tracking open action items to closure
- Publishing progress updates across the organization
- Adjusting training frequency based on turnover rates
- Revising scope in response to new regulations
- Celebrating successful drill outcomes publicly
Module 11. Training and Awareness Across Teams
Build organizational competence through targeted learning programs.
12 chapters in this module
- Assessing current knowledge levels across departments
- Developing tiered training paths for different roles
- Creating engaging materials for adult learners
- Delivering just-in-time refreshers before peak seasons
- Using simulations to reinforce key concepts
- Measuring retention through follow-up quizzes
- Certifying individuals on specific response tasks
- Onboarding new hires with continuity fundamentals
- Providing refresher courses annually
- Gathering feedback to improve future sessions
- Sharing success stories to boost engagement
- Tracking completion rates across regions
Module 12. Implementation Roadmap and Sustainment
Deploy and maintain a living continuity program aligned with ISO 22301.
12 chapters in this module
- Phasing rollout across highest-priority sites first
- Assigning dedicated resources to program ownership
- Integrating with existing GRC platforms
- Automating reminders for periodic reviews
- Setting up dashboards for leadership visibility
- Establishing KPIs for program effectiveness
- Planning for staff turnover and knowledge transfer
- Securing long-term funding commitments
- Maintaining momentum after initial deployment
- Adapting to technological changes in control systems
- Expanding scope as capabilities mature
- Achieving certification readiness within defined timeline
How this maps to your situation
- After the annual audit cycle
- When expanding to new regional operations
- Before introducing new control system technology
- During executive leadership transition
Before vs. after
Before
Continuity plans exist but vary by region, requiring rework during inspections and creating uncertainty during actual incidents.
After
A unified, audit-ready continuity framework ensures consistent response capability across all control environments with minimal last-minute effort.
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: Approximately 18, 24 hours of focused reading and implementation work, designed for completion in short sessions over several weeks.
If nothing changes
Without standardized continuity practices, organizations face prolonged downtime during crises, inconsistent regulator interactions, and increased exposure due to execution gaps across regions.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic ISO 22301 overviews, this course delivers implementation-grade guidance tailored specifically to industrial control systems in public utilities, with templates and examples grounded in real operational constraints.
Frequently asked
Is this course applicable to both water and energy utilities?
Yes, the frameworks and examples are designed to work across public utility types, including water, wastewater, energy, and transit systems with industrial controls.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Can I share this with my team?
Each enrollment is individual, but the implementation playbook and templates are designed to scale across teams once purchased.
$199 one-time. Approximately 18, 24 hours of focused reading and implementation work, designed for completion in short sessions over several weeks..
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours