Cybersecurity, Technology, and Society
SCADA Systems
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is what SCADA is. These are systems that are used to monitor the equipment and important control machine machines. Those types of systems play a very big role with the critical infrastructure due to the fact that they assist with keeping meaningful services operating. The system also allows for employees to receive data from equipment and direct it from a main location. SCADA systems are usually located in transportation systems, factories, and other big industries. SCADA systems make it so that job jobs are way less difficult and it helps workers solve problems and fix issues quicker than usual. But since this is technology based, they are able to be hacked and threatened with cyberattacks.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems are really utilized in the type of work that people rely on daily. There are some energy companies that use these systems to control power plants and it helps with the transition of electricity. Water companies also use these types of systems to direct water pumps and water levels. Transportation systems can use SCADA to monitor traffic, and use them for any type of other equipment. A lot of manufacturing companies actually SCADA to trace production inside of the factories. Healthcare Studios and buildings also rely on the control system systems to help assist with meaningful building services. Without any of these systems, a lot of these corporations would have a difficult time managing these hard operations.
Yes, SCADA systems are very important, but they can have lots of cybersecurity issues. A major risk that I know of is outdated software because some of these systems in equipment stay used for lots of years without retrieving the proper amount of security updates. Attackers still have ways to locate the vulnerabilities in the older softwares and they use the weaknesses to get unauthorized access. Another major risk is the weak passwords that make it pretty simple for hackers to break into a system. SCADA systems sometimes are at risk when they are attached to different networks or even connected to the Wi-Fi without security. Phishing attacks can give hackers a path into networks that are off-limits. Companies should know that these vulnerabilities to that one week device could put the entirety of all the systems at jeopardy.
A SCADA system cyberattack could be the reason for major problems for a business and the general public. A hacker could turn off equipment. or even alter significant settings, or take any type of data. An example being, an attack against a power system could be the reason for the power going out in homes and in stores. Or say there is a cyberattack against a major water system, that could stop the flow of water or stop the services of water inside of houses. Businesses could definitely lose money in profit just because the production might have to be reinstalled. This is proof that SCADA cyber security is very meaningful not only for organizations, but for the public.
To wrap up here, SCADA systems play a very significant role in modern critical infrastructure. They assist businesses manage operations, secure equipment, and give meaningful services to society. Outdated software and weak passwords are also unsafe network connections that allow for cyberattacks to happen so often. Companies can increase the security with updates, using stronger passcodes, and only giving access to trustworthy people. They could also use system monitoring, secure backups, and firewalls. Defending SCADA systems allow companies to run smoothly and operate at a higher level.
The Human Factor
Cybersecurity is actually very meaningful to society because it assists in helping systems, networks, and personal data. A lot of people think that cyberattacks, and threats only happen due to issues caused by technology. Human behavior also can make for serious cyber risks. “Human factor” in cybersecurity basically means the decisions and actions that humans make when utilizing the internet or using technology. Some folks make mistakes which allow attackers to access important data and important information systems. This could be financial or even identity theft. Some of these accidents happen just due to the fact that there is no education or just the wrong type of training. Understanding this subject allows for better cyber security, practice smarter decisions for companies.
A very frequent related cybersecurity risk is scamming or even phishing. Phishing is when an attacker delivers a fake text message or a fake email to somebody. an example being when an employee receives an email that may look like it’s from the manager. An email or text message may be asking for the employee to enter her password to a phony website or app. Humans might even fall for phishing because the message appears to be authentic. I feel like organizations can decrease the amount of hackers by training the workers to recognize suspicious emails.
Another security that is pretty common is when somebody uses a weak password. This all happens pretty often because somebody may be in a rush to create an account and just because it’s easy to remember. Some people even use the same password for multiple different accounts and it becomes a pattern. There are some people that share passwords or they might just leave them to where other people can easily see them and that’s how information and personal data is stolen. Companies should need strong passcodes and use two factor authentication for better protection against attackers and hackers. Employees had really comprehend how their actions could have consequences if they don’t follow proper measures and training.
Human workplace factors also have a big impact on cyber security decisions. An example could be an employee that feels under pressure and clicks a link without properly examining it first. Employees might ignore the security policies and their coworkers also may not take it seriously either. Businesses and companies should have easy and transparent security rules that make it simple for employees to report unusual activity. Proper communication and a good security culture can assist employees in making better decisions.
Overall, humans play a very important role when it comes to cybersecurity succeeding or failing. People’s mistakes can create weaknesses in a system even when a company has good technology. Scams, weak passcodes, and phishing are all examples of how humans can play a role in cybersecurity accidents. Society also has been taking advantage of lack of education, and some people’s trust. Businesses can decrease the amount of risk by using the right type of training, stronger policies, and two factor authentication. When humans tend to make smarter choices, they can help protect the organization and themselves in general from hackers. Most of the attacks and threats are made on uneducated employees or uneducated people.
CIA Triad
Cybersecurity and information technology is very significant because of companies and organizations needing to store data. One important concept that really stands out is the CIA Triad. This stands for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These three components really assist companies and businesses to understand how they can protect their important data and information on these different networks that they use. It is important because all three parts of the CIA triad are running smoothly because it can cause a lot of problems such as stolen identities, or even hackers taking the information and then bribing them. Being educated and well informed on the CIA trial is good because this will help these companies make better decisions based on cybersecurity.
The first main component is confidentiality, and this is basically ensuring that private information can only be seen by authorized users and not just the general public. Passwords, medical records, and identity are all sourced under confidentiality. It’s important because if somebody steals your information it could be used for fraud and many different crimes that criminals use nowadays. Companies can secure confidentiality by using strong and difficult passwords and access tools to protect important information and data. CEOs, managers, and employees should all be trained to know what the difference is from a phishing email or just a legit email. There are scam emails out there that are well blended in because they are experienced hackers out there, sending them around, trying to steal information and steal passwords, but an inexperienced technology user could easily fall for just because it seems authentic.
Integrity means making sure that data is kept the same and not altered without permission. Organizations are in need of accurate information so that the workers and these computers can make the right call every time. Companies should also be in control of who is authorized to edit important networks or important data in the first place. For example, if you were to get hacked, the attacker bribes you into paying them some sort of currency in order for you to get your information and data back.
The last component, availability, means making sure the right people in the authorized users have access to important and confidential data. Cyber tax against just one company can really affect regular people that had nothing to do with it in the first place. But, organizations can lower the risk of these hackers and attacks by making sure they have up-to-date systems, two factor authentication, and well trained employees.
The CIA triad is so important and are the three significant components of cybersecurity. Confidentiality secures private information from people who should not have access. There have been many cyber texts in the past that have played a role in regular people’s lives, so that’s why these companies need to ensure that they have a good and secure protection against their databases and passwords. If all organizations keep up with the CIA triad, then the technological world would be able to run a whole lot smoother.