Cybersecurity in Environmental Information Systems

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON CYBERSECURITY IN ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

COURSE BACKGROUND

As environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, and regulatory compliance increasingly rely on digital technologies and networked systems, the environmental sector faces a growing and sophisticated array of cyber threats. Environmental Information Systems (EIS) encompass everything from sensor networks tracking air and water quality, smart grids managing energy flows, and automated systems in water treatment plants, to large databases holding sensitive ecological and regulatory data. A successful cyber attack on these systems can lead to compromised data integrity, disruption of critical environmental services, financial losses, reputational damage, and even direct environmental harm or risks to public health. Protecting these vital digital assets is no longer just an IT concern but a critical imperative for environmental security and sustainability.

ECAS Institute offers this “Cybersecurity in Environmental Information Systems” course to equip environmental professionals, IT managers, data custodians, and policymakers with the essential knowledge and practical strategies to understand, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks specific to environmental contexts. This program will foster a proactive security mindset, enabling participants to safeguard environmental data, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure the resilience of environmental operations in the face of evolving cyber threats.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the unique cybersecurity landscape and threats facing environmental information systems and critical environmental infrastructure.
2. Identify common vulnerabilities and attack vectors in environmental data management, IoT networks, and control systems.
3. Apply fundamental cybersecurity principles and best practices for protecting environmental data and systems.
4. Implement basic measures for data privacy, integrity, and availability in environmental information management.
5. Develop a foundational understanding of cybersecurity risk assessment and incident response in environmental contexts.
6. Navigate relevant cybersecurity policies, regulations, and compliance requirements for environmental data.
7. Articulate the importance of a holistic approach to cybersecurity involving technology, people, and processes in environmental organizations.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This course will provide you with a targeted understanding of cybersecurity challenges and solutions specifically tailored for environmental information systems. You will learn to:

• Identify the specific types of cyber threats that target environmental data, sensors, and operational technology (OT) systems.
• Conduct basic risk assessments to understand vulnerabilities in your environmental data infrastructure and systems.
• Implement foundational cybersecurity controls, including access management, data encryption, and secure network configurations.
• Protect the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive environmental data and intellectual property.
• Recognize signs of a cyber incident and understand the basic steps for effective incident response and recovery.
• Understand the role of human factors in cybersecurity and promote a security-aware culture within environmental teams.
• Navigate relevant national and international cybersecurity regulations and standards applicable to environmental information systems.
• Explore real-world case studies of cyberattacks on environmental infrastructure and learn from their lessons.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

This is a structured training course designed to provide essential cybersecurity knowledge and practical risk mitigation strategies for environmental information systems. The program will combine theoretical concepts with real-world examples, discussions on current cyber threats, and practical guidance on implementing security measures. The focus is on building a strong conceptual understanding and actionable strategies rather than deep technical penetration testing or coding. The detailed program schedule, including specific session timings and learning activities, will be communicated upon registration.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is essential for a broad range of professionals who manage, rely on, or are responsible for environmental information and infrastructure. It is particularly beneficial for:

1. Environmental Data Managers and Analysts
2. IT Professionals supporting environmental organizations
3. Environmental Regulators and Policy Makers
4. Managers of Critical Environmental Infrastructure (e.g., water utilities, energy plants, waste facilities)
5. GIS and Remote Sensing Specialists handling sensitive spatial data
6. Researchers working with large or confidential environmental datasets
7. Project Managers overseeing environmental technology implementations
8. Compliance Officers in environmental or sustainability departments
9. Students in environmental science, information systems, and cybersecurity fields.

TRAINING MODULES

The course is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles applied to environmental information systems:

No	Module	Details
1.	Introduction to Cybersecurity and Environmental Systems	This module sets the foundation by defining cybersecurity in the context of environmental information systems and highlighting the increasing importance of protecting these vital digital assets. Topics: What is Cybersecurity? Core concepts and goals (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) Overview of Environmental Information Systems (EIS) and Operational Technology (OT) The growing digitalization of the environmental sector Unique cybersecurity risks in environmental contexts (e.g., impact on public health, ecosystems) Overview of common cyber threats and actors targeting EIS
2.	Threats and Vulnerabilities in Environmental Information Systems	This module delves into specific types of cyber threats and common vulnerabilities found within environmental data management, IoT networks, and critical infrastructure control systems. Topics: Malware (viruses, ransomware, spyware) affecting environmental data Phishing, social engineering, and human factors in cyber incidents Insider threats in environmental organizations Vulnerabilities in IoT sensors, remote monitoring devices, and SCADA/ICS systems Data breaches and data manipulation risks for environmental compliance and research
3.	Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Measures	This module introduces the core technical and procedural measures essential for building a robust cybersecurity posture in environmental information systems. Topics: Access control and authentication (passwords, multi-factor authentication) Network security fundamentals: Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) Endpoint security: Antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR) Software updates, patching, and vulnerability management Basic encryption principles for data at rest and in transit
4.	Data Security and Privacy in Environmental Information Systems	This module focuses on ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive environmental data, including considerations for privacy. Topics: Data classification and handling sensitive environmental information Data encryption techniques and key management Data backup, recovery, and disaster preparedness Data privacy principles (e.g., consent, purpose limitation) and environmental data Compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, local privacy laws)
5.	Network and Infrastructure Security for Environmental Systems	This module details security measures specifically for the networks and underlying infrastructure that support environmental information systems, including critical operational technology (OT). Topics: Securing environmental sensor networks and IoT deployments Cybersecurity for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Network segmentation and isolation for critical environmental infrastructure Remote access security for environmental equipment Cloud security considerations for environmental data hosted off-premise
6.	Cybersecurity Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance	This module covers the strategic, organizational, and regulatory aspects of managing cybersecurity risks within environmental organizations. Topics: Cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies for environmental systems Developing cybersecurity policies and procedures Incident response planning and crisis management for cyber events Cybersecurity awareness training for environmental personnel Legal frameworks, industry standards, and regulatory compliance in environmental cybersecurity
7.	Incident Response and Future Challenges in Environmental Cybersecurity	This module prepares participants for responding to cyber incidents and discusses emerging threats and future directions in securing environmental information systems. Topics: Steps in a cybersecurity incident response plan (detection, containment, eradication, recovery) Digital forensics basics in environmental contexts Emerging threats: AI-powered attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, nation-state actors The convergence of IT and OT security in environmental infrastructure Building cyber resilience and adaptive security strategies for the environmental sector

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.