SCADA Systems, otherwise known as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, are methods of control that direct and detect physical or digital vulnerabilities within systems of infrastructure. These systems are analyzed by technological instruments which process data and divert information to human operators who analyze the data information. SCADA Systems can also be defined as monitoring devices, as they record and process all data that is gathered within infrastructure systems (Thu). These systems detect vulnerabilities within normal system procedures and showcase the differences and changes that have been made, control actions would then be triggered or human operators choose what strategies to perform after receiving the information which is then sent back to the SCADA System after decision (Thu). These processes are typically conducted with RTU and PLC devices. RTUs and PLCs are programs and/or devices that control or monitor data within SCADA Systems (Thu). After information is processed through these systems, they are sent through HMIs which are then brought to the human operator. SCADA Systems, like many other technological factors within the field of cyber security, are still always in constant development allowing room for new advancements and modifications.
Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
Infrastructural systems typically will always have vulnerabilities due to the constant advancement of technology, along with wear & tear. Components of important infrastructure within our society consist of transportation systems, water systems, power grids, and information systems (Labus). SCADA systems are also used within commercial use such as factories (How). These critical infrastructures use SCADA Systems to monitor processes and detect if any issues suddenly occur (How). These issues can consist of physical breakages, temperature changes, electrical issues, system malfunctions, and overall environmental changes.
How do SCADA Resolve these Issues?
When it comes to instances where issues occur within systems of critical infrastructure, SCADA Systems are put in place to show instant data through monitoring systems that would showcase the issue early. SCADA Systems mitigate these issues by allowing human operators to develop and analyze the data that is processed through HMIs (Thu). Any slight error within a system is detected and allows for any changes to be made immediately (Thu). Some of these issues within water systems can range from pipe breaks, temperature changes and flow pressure (How Is SCADA Used for Water Systems?). Power systems also have SCADA Systems put in place to detect voltage changes and circuit breaks (Technology). Information systems use SCADA systems to showcase factors such as data breaches, hardware and software issues through a constant monitoring system. All of these infrastructure SCADA systems are viewed by a human operator that makes the decision to combat any issues.
Conclusion
SCADA Systems are efficient devices that give human operators constant surveillance on infrastructural systems and are important intrusion monitoring systems that can be operated within the facility or within a remote location. They support the method of early issue detecting and are an efficient way of securing the physical state of an infrastructural system. SCADA Systems will continue to serve as a sufficient security method for infrastructure systems while continuously being further developed for stronger efficiency.
References
1. Labus, Helga. “The Massive Impact of Vulnerabilities in Critical Infrastructure.”
Help Net Security, 11 Mar. 2022,
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2022/03/15/critical-infrastructure-security/.
2. “How SCADA Is Solving Modern Day Manufacturing Problems.” Mitsubishi
Electric India,
https://in.mitsubishielectric.com/en/feature/partneringindia/insights/scada-solving-
manufacturing-problems.html#:~:text=Since%20SCADA%20units%20can%20sto
re,production%20quality%20is%20not%20affected.
3. Thu. “SCADA System: What Is It and How It Works.” PLC Technician,
https://www.plctechnician.com/news-blog/scada-system-what-it-and-how-it-works
#:~:text=SCADA%20systems%20acquire%20data%20from,and%20make%20dec
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4. Technology, Electrical. “What Is SCADA? SCADA Systems for Electrical
Distribution.” ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY, 13 Sept. 2015,
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2015/09/scada-systems-for-electrical-distribu
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5. “How Is SCADA Used for Water Systems?” SCADA Use for Water Systems,
https://www.dpstele.com/insights/2020/01/21/how-is-scada-used-for-water-system
s/#:~:text=SCADA%20systems%20can%20monitor%20tank,send%20staff%20ou
t%20on%20rounds.