Cyber security awareness eLearning for infrastructure asset managers

Distressingly, 75% of surveyed organisations in asset-intensive industries have acknowledged experiencing cyber intrusions in the past year1.

In today’s digital-first world, cyber security isn’t simply password strength, avoiding suspicious emails and updating antivirus software.

Cyber security is an intricate, whole-of-business challenge that requires the active involvement of every individual in an organisation and its supply-chain, spanning both information technology and operational technology.

The repercussions of even some well-intentioned cyber actions can ripple across an organisation, with potential economic implications at local, national, or even global scales.

Relevance across roles and industries

Tailored for individuals working within, or collaborating with, asset-intensive organisations, this course imparts indispensable, easily understandable information.

From engineers to lawyers, project managers to facilities managers, HR specialists to asset planners, commercial leaders to business analysts, and asset maintainers to finance professionals, the course is designed to resonate with roles across organisations, from the board to the workshop floor.

This course is pertinent to a range of industries that power and support economies, including:

  • Aerospace and Defence
  • Agriculture and Food Production
  • Chemical Manufacturing
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining and Metals
  • Oil and Gas Production
  • Property and Construction
  • Public Infrastructure and Services
  • Telecommunications
  • Transport and Logistics
  • Water Utilities

More than an IT problem, cyber security is a whole-of-business risk

Asset-heavy organisations can often prioritise traditional asset management for service availability and delivery, relegating information and cyber security to IT teams.

Though technology solutions are vital for cyber defence, they can’t be relied upon alone.

Cyber-threats can occur via an array of entry points through virtually any department or business function, and potentially bring operations to an instant standstill.

Cyber-aware individuals form a powerful defence against many cyber-threats, while the unaware can inadvertently contribute to risks.

Image: Sample slide discussing potential consequences of poor cyber hygiene

How does your organisational awareness measure up?

Does your organisation as a whole truly grasp vital concepts such as:

  • How information and operational technology can be compromised?
  • The risks of data sharing and implications of data sovereignty, including via email?
  • The role of open-source intelligence in carrying out attacks and the risks of sharing work-related information online?
  • The potential security risks posed by using AI tools for handling sensitive asset data?
  • The strategies to deal with unexpected phone calls related to technical issues or asset information requests?
  • The integration of cyber security throughout an asset’s life-cycle stages?
  • The far-reaching consequences of a successful cyber attack on your organisation?
Image: Sample slide showing potential consequences of compromised information and operational technology

Navigating the threat landscape

Essential Cyber Security Awareness for Infrastructure Asset Managers delves deep into the realm of cyber hazards within asset-intensive industries. The course goes beyond theory, using real incident profiles to illustrate the stark reality of today’s threat landscape.

Image: Sample slide detailing real incident and consequences

Empowering your front-line, your people

Upon completing this course, individuals will gain the power to:

  • Comprehend the interplay between information and operational technology.
  • Detect cyber threats intertwined with day-to-day operations.
  • Spot seemingly innocuous actions that could lead to cyber incidents.
  • Understand the importance of effective collaboration with IT teams.
  • Champion proactive measures and vocalise concerns in times of uncertainty.
Click Here to Access the eLearning Course

About the course author

James Caws has over 20-years combined experience in the internet technology and infrastructure asset management industries.

Developing on-line platforms and tools, configuring servers and networks, and optimising digital experiences for usability in the first half of his professional career, he has a deep understanding of what underpins today’s cyber-threats.

For the past decade he has worked in transport infrastructure and property asset management, with a focus on the implementation and management of asset management systems and compliance.

James’s strong technology background coupled with his broad asset management experience means he has a unique perspective on the day-to-day lives of asset managers, and the risks and opportunities created by the assets and technology they work with.

This course marries together the best of James’s knowledge and experience from both industries, and is fundamentally a presentation of essential cyber security lessons for asset managers, by an asset manager.

  1. Fortinet 2023 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report ↩︎