IT and OT are no longer separate domains. From smart HVAC systems in hospitals to PLCs running manufacturing floors, operational technology (OT) has been quietly merging with our traditional IT infrastructure. That integration brings speed, insight, and automation—but also risk.
The problem is that most cybersecurity professionals are trained with an IT-first mindset. And most operational staff aren’t trained in cybersecurity at all.
That’s why I recently took CISA’s ICS/OT cybersecurity training. After completing it, I felt two things: more prepared—and more aware of how badly we need more people in this space.
It’s designed around the reality of IT–OT convergence—where digital systems and industrial infrastructure now share the same networks, and the consequences of a cyber event are no longer just digital.
Let me explain.
The Training is Practical, Not Just Theoretical
I’ve paid for name-brand vendor certs that gave me less hands-on value than this course did for free. CISA’s training includes:
- Well-paced instructional content
- Interactive labs that simulate OT environments
- Quizzes that reinforce what matters
- And a capstone exercise that was almost too real 👌
That last exercise stood out. You’re dropped into a chaotic scenario: network instability, odd sensor readings, trusted staff members giving incomplete information, and no clear resolution.
The ambiguity is a part of the current landscape—because that’s what OT planning, coordination, and strategy really looks like right now.
Unlike in IT environments, where downtime is disruptive but generally easier to recover from, OT systems often have direct physical consequences tied to availability. Applying security updates or making system changes isn’t just a scheduling issue—it can affect safety, halt production, or trigger compliance violations.
The training doesn’t gloss over this. It presents scenarios where even basic mitigations carry trade-offs, and that’s what makes it one of the most honest and applicable cybersecurity learning experiences I’ve had.
It’s Free—And That Matters
There was no cost. None. For this caliber of content—labs, instructor-led options, simulated exercises—it’s almost unbelievable. We talk a lot in this field about barriers to entry, expensive certs, and the cost of continuous learning. This course removes that barrier entirely.
If you’re a working professional, a student, or even just curious about ICS security, this is the most accessible entry point I’ve seen. No catch. Just a form and your time.
The Training Reflects a Real-World Problem
CISA isn’t just offering this for fun. This training exists because critical infrastructure is under attack, and the U.S. does not currently have the workforce to defend it at scale.
From ransomware targeting manufacturing to nation-state actors probing water systems, the attacks are already happening. The skills gap isn’t theoretical—it’s observable. And if your current job doesn’t expose you to this, chances are your next job will.
The ICS/OT field needs people who can think across domains. People who know how Active Directory and firewalls work, and understand what happens when a programmable logic controller (PLC) loses signal during a power surge.
The convergence is happening. We’re already behind. This training is a step toward catching up.
Where to Start
If you’re curious, here’s how to dive in:
- Virtual Learning Portal
Start with the 100W or 210W series online. These are self-paced foundational courses. - ICS300 – Virtual
A more immersive experience with structured labs and exercises. Great as a bridge to hands-on simulation. - ICS301 – In-Person in Idaho Falls
CISA’s red/blue team simulation course. Real equipment. Real escalation scenarios. A great final step.
Final Thoughts
We often talk about the need for security awareness in business. But we also need a new kind of awareness in cybersecurity itself—one that sees OT not as “someone else’s job,” but as part of the same landscape we’re already defending.
If you’re a security analyst, engineer, IT admin, or operations lead—this is your signal. Learn the systems that run the world. Take the training. Then help others do the same.
We don’t need perfection—we need participation. And that starts with understanding.
Sources & Additional Reading
- CISA ICS Training Programs
- CISA ICS100W – Introduction to ICS
- CISA ICS210W – Intermediate ICS Cybersecurity
- ICS301 Overview – Red/Blue Hands-on Training
- TxOne Networks on IT/OT Convergence
- INL Cybersecurity Training Info
- GAO-24-107231 Highlights, HIGH-RISK SERIES: Urgent Action Needed to Address Critical Cybersecurity Challenges Facing the Nation
- MITRE ATT&CK for ICS