In this write-up, we look at SCADA systems, an industrial control system used to help assist industrial infrastructure processes, and how they help assist in combatting vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure such as cyber-attacks, physical threats, and human error through the implementation of modern SCADA applications such as real-time monitoring, automation, and cyber and physical security measures.
What is SCADA?
SCADA or Supervisory systems are “used for controlling, monitoring, and analyzing industrial devices and processes” by using both software and hardware components to enable data collection both remotely and on-site (SCADA International, 2024). These systems help maintain and manage “ICS (industrial control systems)” worldwide (SCADA Systems, 2024). These industrial processes include power grids, waste management, mass transit systems, and many more. Overall, SCADA is the standard of critical infrastructure management, and it plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of industrial control systems everywhere.
Vulnerabilities in Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure systems such as water management, energy production, and transportation systems are complex and valuable processes that help our everyday society function. Due to this, they are open to many vulnerabilities, such as cyber threats, outdated systems, physical threats, and human error. Cyber threats and outdated systems work hand-in-hand when looking at critical infrastructure systems. Many critical infrastructure systems “depend on outdated technologies in their industrial and operational environments, increasing the potential impact of successful cyberattacks” (Gordon, 2024). These legacy systems often lack modern security features like encryption and authentication, and that makes them targets for cyber threats. The threat of physical access is prevalent due to systems often being distributed over a large area. Systems can be the victims of terrorism, natural disasters, and vandalism due to inadequate physical security practices used at ICS sites worldwide. Human error is always a possibility in any field of practice. There is no fully integrated ICS model that relies solely on technology, so the possibility of human error or fault has to also be considered when viewing vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure systems.
SCADA’s Role in Risk Mitigation
SCADA systems are very capable of handling the aforementioned risks and mitigating them as well. SCADA systems handle risk mitigation through multiple means, such as real-time monitoring, automated controls, implementing access controls, and integrating modern cybersecurity measures. Most SCADA systems make use of real-time monitoring services for example, when SCADA systems connect “the sensors that monitor equipment like motors, pumps, and valves to an onsite or remote server,” it allows organizations to “acquire, analyze, and display real-time data” (What Is a SCADA System and How Does It Work?, 2024). By doing this, organizations will know of any anomalies, such as security breaches or operational issues, in real-time, which can help mitigate any long-term risk and allow for almost immediate incident response. Many modern SCADA systems emphasize the automation of many processes; by doing this, they reduce their reliance on manual fail safes. “This minimizes the risk of human error, speeds up production, and optimizes resource allocation” all while securing the system overall (Miranda, 2024). When designing modern SCADA systems, “physical and cyber security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, access controls, and regular security updates for all networked devices” can help reduce the risk of both physical and cyber-attacks (Hammer, 2024). By taking these steps, you can help combat the aforementioned risk of poor physical security and cyber threats on critical infrastructure.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many risks associated with critical infrastructure processes; however, with the implementation of SCADA systems, you are easily able to mitigate those risks. By using SCADA, many critical infrastructure systems that impact us daily will remain much more secure and safe, which will allow them to keep benefiting the public worldwide.
References
- Gordon, J. (2024, May 21). Critical infrastructure protection in modern society. Industrial Cyber. https://industrialcyber.co/analysis/critical-infrastructure-protection-in-modern-society/#:~:text=Many%20sectors%20within%20critical%20infrastructure,or%20cyber%20threats%20are%20amplified.
- Hammer, A. (2024, January 30). Understanding ICS SCADA Security Essentials. Readynez. https://www.readynez.com/en/blog/understanding-ics-scada-security-essentials/
- Miranda, I. (2024, October 16). Understanding SCADA systems: how they work and why they matter. Pro Electric, L.C. https://proelectriclc.com/understanding-scada-systems/#:~:text=Enhanced%20Efficiency:%20By%20automating%20many%20processes%2C%20SCADA,early%20warnings%20about%20potential%20equipment%20failures%20or
- SCADA International. (2024, October 23). Learn all about SCADA systems: What is SCADA? | SCADApedia. https://scada-international.com/what-is-scada/#:~:text=What%20does%20SCADA%20stand%20for,data%20from%20the%20industrial%20equipment.
- SCADA Systems – SCADA Systems. (2024). SCADA Systems. https://www.scadasystems.net/
- What is a SCADA System and How Does It Work? (2024, September 20). Retrieved November 3, 2024, from https://www.onlogic.com/blog/what-is-a-scada-system-and-how-does-it-work/