SCADA systems are the backbone of modern society and yet these sensitive systems can be left incredibly vulnerable. Being so critical to the function of people’s everyday lives makes them primary targets to those who wish to cause harm and terror. However, it is not just incoming attacks that we have to worry about when working with these systems. These systems are vulnerable to cyber attack, internal system failures, and even human error which can all have disastrous outcomes.
Cyber Attacks
SCADA systems are targeted by cyber attack groups because they impact so many lives. If someone without the correct authority has control over our water systems, electricity transmission, gas pipelines, or even traffic lights many people could be in serious danger. The internet is a large factor of why SCADA systems are so vulnerable to cyber attacks. To help prevent these attacks it is recommended that networks are divided into smaller segments to help isolate areas that are being affected and prevent widespread issues. Also having good access control to prevent outsiders from taking control of the system.
System Failure
Control system failures are very costly and dangerous. Very large equipment connected to SCADA systems can be incredibly difficult to replace and dangerous to work with. To prevent system failures good quality, rugged, durable hardware is used to withstand most environmental damage. Reliable communication channels are also used to make sure that everything is working smoothly and if not then the part malfunctioning can be identified then replaced or repaired.
Human Error
The most common and dangerous threat to critical infrastructure is not cyber attacks of system failures but human error. Humans make mistakes, they get lazy, and sometimes they just don’t notice things. Human error can range from small things like forgetting to change the toilet roll in the bathroom to accidentally hitting the doomsday button. Humans are imperfect beings so there is no sure fire way to 100% make sure that nothing ever happens. However, in order to lower the chances of mistakes happening proper training programs must be implemented. Employee training to be able to identify and mitigate any errors in cyber areas and while working hands on is essential to the functionality of any and all SCADA systems.
Works Cited
SCADA Systems – SCADA Systems, https://www.scadasystems.net/. Accessed 6 November 2024.
“What is Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)?” Darktrace, https://darktrace.com/cyber-ai-glossary/critical-infrastructure-protection-cip. Accessed 6 November 2024.
“What is Critical Infrastructure Protection? Why is int Important?” Fortinet, https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/critical-infrastructure-protection. Accessed 6 November 2024.