Cybersecurity for Critical Urban Infrastructure

11.S198x Cybersecurity for Critical Urban Infrastructure is a short MITx Online course from MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning. It responds to the ransomware attacks that have hit city systems such as energy, transportation, waste management, emergency services and communications, where attackers encrypt the data cities need and demand payment, at costs that run into tens of millions of dollars. The course prepares learners who want to work with public agencies worried about their vulnerabilities, and MIT names college students interested in the field and mid-career professionals such as public officials and data specialists as those who will benefit most. Topics include who the attackers are and what methods they use, the defensive social engineering moves cities can make, the minimum security standards every public agency should meet, who should oversee cybersecurity in an agency, whether cities should pay ransoms, and what to do after an attack.

Learning outcomes centre on preparing a vulnerability assessment, interacting with agency staff, confidentiality rules, and understanding the scale of attacks already happening. It is self-paced, estimated at 4 weeks and 3 to 5 hours per week, and can be started any time. Auditing is free with access to all materials; the certificate track, shown at $139 on the course page, adds graded assignments and exams and an MIT certificate on completion. This is a policy and management course, not a technical one.