Amid rising threats to critical infrastructure, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has solidified its position as a global frontrunner in cybersecurity training for industrial control systems (ICS). Through immersive, hands-on programs—including interactive cyber “escape rooms” and real-time threat simulations—INL is equipping professionals to detect, respond to, and mitigate cyberattacks that target essential systems such as power grids, water facilities, and transportation networks.

One of its flagship offerings, ICS 301, is delivered in collaboration with the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This two-day course has trained participants from every U.S. state and over 110 countries, reflecting a widespread and growing need for ICS-specific cyber expertise. Jeff Hahn, INL’s training program director, likens its exercises to high-pressure escape rooms where participants must race against time to prevent hypothetical digital disasters—an approach that blends learning with real-world urgency.

Source: Industrial Cyber

Interactive Simulations Take Training Beyond the Classroom

Idaho National Laboratory cybersecurity training programs have evolved significantly since they began in 2007 as a small initiative in a convention center. Today, INL boasts a dedicated team of nine instructors, full-scale training labs, and innovative mobile escape rooms that mimic real-world cyber crises. These rooms—like the “Insider Threat” module—immerse participants in scenarios where they must decode clues left by a rogue insider to avert a simulated attack.

The ICS 301 course curriculum blends foundational theory with practical labs, allowing learners to engage in tasks like network reconnaissance, exploitation using tools like Metasploit, and team-based red-vs-blue attack simulations. These activities are designed to foster analytical thinking, collaboration, and real-time decision-making—critical skills for defending systems with no room for failure.

Idaho National Laboratory mobile cyber escape rooms have made appearances at premier cybersecurity events such as DEFCON in Las Vegas and Critical Effect in Washington, D.C., helping spread awareness and training across diverse audiences.

Strengthening the Cyber Workforce Through Collaboration

Beyond on-site training, INL is extending its reach through academic partnerships across the U.S. A notable example includes its collaboration with the University of Arkansas, where the “Solar, Wind, and Fire” escape room challenge debuted at the RazorHack Cyber Challenge in October 2023. This partnership has since expanded into formal faculty involvement and institutional agreements, helping embed cybersecurity into broader educational ecosystems.

INL is also working with community colleges in Texas, Florida, and other states to address the national shortage of skilled cyber defenders. As specialist Eleanor Taylor notes, these institutions are key to developing a technically proficient, rapidly deployable workforce.

Since the early 2000s, INL has been at the forefront of addressing vulnerabilities in operational technology (OT), which powers most ICS environments. Unlike traditional IT systems that receive regular updates, OT systems often operate for decades without patches—making them uniquely susceptible to attacks. CISA’s Greg Bastien emphasizes that defending these systems requires specialized skills, tailored strategies, and persistent training, which INL is now leading at scale.

Idaho National Laboratory innovative training programs reflect a proactive approach to an evolving threat landscape marked by high-profile incidents like the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and Ukraine’s power grid breach. Through immersive simulations, institutional collaboration, and national outreach, INL is not just training individuals—it is shaping the future of ICS cybersecurity defense.

Sources:

https://industrialcyber.co/training-development/ics-cyber-security-training/inl-emerges-as-frontline-trainer-against-ics-cyber-threats-building-cyber-defense-skills