SCADA Security
SCADA systems are used to control big infrastructure processes, for example, gas pipelines or a
water treatment plant. But these SCADA systems come with security issues with them controlling
such vital infrastructure. These SCADA systems are targeted by cyberterrorism or cyberwarfare
attacks in order to cause chaos.
Security Issues
The biggest issue that comes with SCADA systems is the packet access to the network of SCADA
devices. With the packets being sent in and out of the network, and no security to protect the
packets. Any person who sends packers to a SCADA device can control it. SCADA devices also
often use VPNs to provide protection. The VPN protects the SCADA device by spoofing it’s IP
address to hide it. But that still does not protect against people that have physical access to the
SCADA device, and can still bypass the security.
How to Solve Security Issues
One of the best ways to solve the security issues of SCADA is by adapting to a cloud
environment. The biggest benefit of using the cloud is the ability to provide resources on demand
and immediately. Another advantage of the cloud is only using the required amount of storage
that is being used, this can reduce hardware costs. Protecting SCADA digitally will always pose as
an issue as the systems can always be compromised. But the best way to ensure their protection
is is constantly updating the system with firewalls. To protect the systems physically you can
safeguard them with security guards.
Conclusion
SCADA Systems will always remain a popular target with the rise of cyberterrorism and
cyberwarfare. The importance of defending these systems will always be high with how much
they maintain important infrastructures. Cyber attacks on these systems can cost lives by
affecting the water of a water treatment plant or shutting down the power of a city. resulting in
major fixing costs or even the deaths of people
References
SCADA systems. SCADA Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2022, from
http://www.scadasystems.net/
Exploring scada-as-a-service. Control Engineering Europe covering control,
instrumentation, and automation systems worldwide. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2022,
from https://www.controlengeurope.com/article/192936/Exploring-SCADA-as-a-service.aspx