Virtual Cyber Security Intern - Food Processing Sector

Objective: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and threat modeling exercise specific to a food processing environment. This task is designed for PG Cyber Security students to analyze and identify vulnerabilities pertinent to the operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) integration in food processing facilities.

Expected Deliverables: A detailed DOC file containing a risk assessment report, a threat model diagram, vulnerability analysis, and a risk mitigation strategy tailored to the food processing sector.

Key Steps:

1. Research the integration of cyber security within food processing environments including the IT/OT convergence.
2. Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities that affect the operation of food processing equipment and systems.
3. Create a comprehensive threat model diagram using standard frameworks (e.g., STRIDE or DREAD).
4. Compile a list of identified risks supported by evidence and literature searches on similar industrial sectors.
5. Develop a risk matrix and document risk prioritization, detailing potential business and operational impacts.
6. Propose mitigation strategies and controls aimed at reducing the identified risks.
7. Document your findings and rationale in a detailed report.

Evaluation Criteria: The submissions will be evaluated based on depth of research, clarity of the risk assessment, the comprehensiveness of the threat model, practical application of risk mitigation strategies, and the quality and coherence of the final written report in the DOC file. The report should be detailed and support all assertions with logical analysis.

This assignment is designed to take approximately 30 to 35 hours of work, ensuring that you have ample time to conduct detailed analyses while practicing real-world risk assessment techniques relevant to the food processing sector.

Objective: Develop a security control strategy for an automated food processing system, focusing on both preventive and detective measures. The goal is to design a tailored security framework that addresses specific vulnerabilities identified in modern industrial automation.

Expected Deliverables: A DOC file that contains a security controls framework document, including control design, implementation strategies, and an assessment of how these controls mitigate potential security risks in food processing environments.

Key Steps:

1. Review publicly available literature on industrial control systems (ICS) and automation in food processing.
2. Identify potential security vulnerabilities in automated systems controlling critical processes.
3. Define a list of security controls (physical, technical, and administrative) that can be applied to mitigate these vulnerabilities.
4. Create a detailed control implementation plan, including network segmentation, access controls, intrusion detection, and data encryption strategies.
5. Discuss how these controls integrate into existing safety and quality assurance protocols in the food processing sector.
6. Provide a risk assessment summary showing the expected impact of these security measures.

Evaluation Criteria: The grading will focus on the depth of research, relevance and specificity of controls proposed, clarity in the implementation plan, risk mitigation effectiveness, and overall presentation and readability of the DOC file submission.

This task is designed to require around 30 to 35 hours, aiming to give you a realistic experience in designing security frameworks for targeted industrial environments.

Objective: Develop an incident response plan tailored specifically for cyber security threats in a food processing environment. This exercise emphasizes the creation of a strategic response framework and a robust communication plan to handle cyber incidents effectively.

Expected Deliverables: A comprehensive incident response plan documented in a DOC file, which should include an incident detection methodology, response procedures, roles and responsibilities, and a detailed communication strategy for internal and external stakeholders.

Key Steps:

1. Research standard incident response frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27035, and evaluate their applicability in a food processing scenario.
2. Identify typical cyber incidents (e.g., ransomware, network breaches, system outages) that could disrupt food processing operations.
3. Create a step-by-step incident response plan outlining initial detection, assessment, containment, eradication, and recovery.
4. Develop a communication strategy that includes notification protocols to stakeholders, customers, and regulatory bodies.
5. Outline roles, responsibilities, and escalation procedures during an incident.
6. Provide recommendations for post-incident analysis and continuous improvement measures.

Evaluation Criteria: The plan will be evaluated on its comprehensiveness, applicability to the food processing sector, clarity of the emergency procedures, effectiveness of the communication protocols, and the overall structure and detail in your DOC submission.

This assignment is estimated to take 30 to 35 hours, allowing you to delve into incident response specifics and gain practical skills critical for managing cyber security emergencies in a specialized industrial setting.

Objective: Perform a security performance evaluation of existing cyber security controls in a hypothetical food processing environment and develop a continuous improvement strategy. This task focuses on the assessment and iterative enhancement of cyber security measures, ensuring alignment with evolving threats and industry best practices.

Expected Deliverables: A detailed DOC file containing a security performance evaluation report, including a gap analysis, performance metrics, and a continuous improvement roadmap designed to enhance cyber security resilience in the food processing sector.

Key Steps:

1. Begin with an overview of current cyber security control frameworks used in industrial environments, with an emphasis on food processing.
2. Develop a methodology to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of these security measures through key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics.
3. Conduct a hypothetical gap analysis based on common vulnerabilities and incidents in food processing operations.
4. Generate a list of recommendations targeting identified security gaps.
5. Create a continuous improvement strategy that includes regular reviews, staff training programs, technology updates, and monitoring mechanisms.
6. Discuss how the improvement strategy aligns with long-term operational resiliency and risk management goals.

Evaluation Criteria: The submission will be judged on the clarity and depth of the performance evaluation, the practicality and innovation in the proposed recommendations, and the completeness of the continuous improvement strategy. Your DOC file should reflect thorough analysis and strategic thinking.

This task is intended to take approximately 30 to 35 hours. It aims to provide you with the experience to conduct performance evaluations and strategize continuous improvements, key components of maintaining robust cyber security in specialized industrial settings like food processing.