OPC UA Security Training Course

Summary

Security is a fundamental component of OPC UA, integrated from its inception. This module explores in depth the security mechanisms offered by OPC UA to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data exchanges in increasingly connected industrial environments.

Participants will learn how to configure the different security layers, manage certificates, implement authentication and authorization, and understand the industrial cybersecurity challenges specific to OPC UA in the context of IIoT.

The goal is to enable professionals to deploy and maintain robust and secure OPC UA communications.

Target audience

This module is intended for security engineers, system and cloud administrators, network engineers, industrial systems architects, industrial cybersecurity consultants, developers, and anyone involved in securing communications within factories or critical infrastructures.

A basic knowledge of IT and network security concepts is recommended.

Detailed Training Plan

Day 1: OPC UA Security Fundamentals and Certificate Management

  • Introduction to OPC UA Security

    • Overview of OPC UA Security Features
    • Importance of Security in Industrial Communication
    • Common Threats and Vulnerabilities
    • Transport Encryption in OPC UA

  • Understanding Transport Layer Security (TLS)

    • Configuring Secure Channels
    • How public key Private keys works in cryptographi
    • Asymmetrical encryption
    • Symmetric Encryption
    • Secret and SecureChannel token renewal
    • Best Practices for Transport Encryption

  • Certificate Management Basics

    • Introduction to X.509 Certificates
    • Certificate Structure and Components
    • Certificate Lifecycle Management

  • Hands-on: Setting Up Certificate Authority (CA)

    • Installing and Configuring a CA
    • Generating and Managing Certificates
    • Managing Trusted and Rejected certificates
    • Troubleshooting connectivity issues
    • Best Practices for CA Management

  • X.509 Certificates in OPC UA

    • Creating and Managing X.509 Certificates
    • Certificate Validation and Revocation
    • Understanding OPC UA specific extension for certificates
    • Application Certificate / User Certificates
    • Understanding Certificat chain and Root Certificate
    • Integrating Certificates with OPC UA Applications

  • Elliptic curve encryption

    • Securing communication on low foot print devices
    • Security of PubSub UDP communication

  • Practical Exercise: Certificate Administration

    • Generate and install self-sign certification
    • Generate full certificate with an
    • Participants manage certificates for OPC UA servers and clients
    • Instructor provides guidance and support

Day 2: Advanced Security Topics and Practical Applications

  • Global Discovery Server (GDS)

    • Overview of GDS and Its Role in OPC UA
    • Configuring and Managing GDS
    • Best Practices for GDS Security
    • Device Onboarding and Security

  • Secure Device Onboarding Processes

    • Integrating Devices with OPC UA Security Features
    • Managing Device Certificates
    • Advanced Certificate Administration

  • Push and Pull Mechanisms for Certificate Distribution

    • Automating Certificate Management
    • Handling Certificate Renewal and Revocation

  • Hands-on: Implementing Security in OPC UA Applications

    • Securing OPC UA Servers and Clients
    • Implementing Secure Communication Channels
    • Monitoring and Auditing Security Events

  • Practical Exercise: Comprehensive Security Project

    • Participants work on a comprehensive security project involving GDS, device onboarding, and certificate management
    • Instructor provides guidance and support

  • Q&A and Wrap-up

    • Open Forum for Questions
    • Review of Key Concepts
    • Feedback and Next Steps

Additional Notes:

  • Prerequisites : Basic understanding of OPC UA, familiarity with cybersecurity concepts, and some experience with certificate management.

  • Materials Needed: Laptops with necessary software installed, training manuals, and access to OPC UA security documentation.

  • Sterfive provides access to pre-installed softwares on a dedicated plateform. Each participant have access to a fully functional environement with servers clioents and tools through a Remote Desktop connection.

  • The Instructor is experienced cybersecurity professional with hands-on experience in OPC UA security.