Elite Training for Energy Sector Front-Line Managers

The application for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) Operational Technology (OT) Defender Fellowship Program is open through August 29, 2024. This prestigious program aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of middle- and senior-level OT security managers within the U.S. energy sector, playing a crucial role in safeguarding our nation’s energy infrastructure.

About the Fellowship:

Protecting the nation’s energy infrastructure from modern threats is essential for maintaining national security, a vibrant economy, and public health and safety. Security managers are the first line of defense against cyber-enabled sabotage and physical security breaches, tackling challenges from financially motivated material theft to sophisticated cyber-attacks.

To better equip these front-line managers, the OT Defender Fellowship Program provides an intensive educational experience. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the cyber strategies and tactics used by adversarial state and nonstate actors targeting U.S. energy infrastructure, as well as insights into the U.S. government’s countermeasures.

Program Highlights:

  • Sponsorship and Hosting: The fellowship is sponsored by the DOE and hosted by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), with support from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI).
  • Target Audience: The program is designed for security managers in U.S. energy sector organizations who hold decision-making authority and oversight responsibility for operational technology systems.
  • Commitment: Fellows are required to attend quarterly in-person seminars, complete assigned activities between seminars, and promote information sharing. Participants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to hold an active federal security clearance.

For more information on the OT Defender Fellowship Program and how to apply, please visit https://otdefender.inl.gov/.