This paper demonstrates the vulnerabilities associated with the automation and digitization of key infrastructure systems, and provides examples of the scale and possibilities of a potential cyberattack. As well as this, the paper delves into SCADA systems, their importance in countering cyberattacks, and their own vulnerabilities. 

Infrastructure and its Vulnerabilities

Infrastructure has become increasingly interconnected with both the internet and digital systems. Whether it be to manage the treatment of water, regulate power to a city, or communications between government departments, technology has settled into every facet to automatize and facilitate the process. Unfortunately, with that facilitation comes risk, and, like any other form of technology, these systems can be attacked. To hackers, critical infrastructure is a tantalizing, albeit difficult, target, because the damage that can be caused is immense. That makes its protection a top priority in every level of organization, from businesses to government. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are one such example of this initiative. 

There are many systems that can be targeted by hackers, but the most obvious system that is vulnerable to attack is the power grid. The grid is connected throughout the country from a variety of systems, many of which rely on technology that can fall victim to hackers (Krause et al., 2021). A cyberattack on the power systems are capable of causing widespread outages on major networks and population centers throughout the United States. Unlike other critical infrastructures, a power grid failure could cause a domino effect, leading to failures of systems that are reliant on energy, such as water and emergency services. A cyberattack on these systems could cause billions of dollars in damage, as well as extended disruptions and even casualties depending on what is targeted. On the extreme end of the spectrum, for example, a cyberattack on a nuclear power plant can cause a catastrophic meltdown, leading to areas of the US becoming uninhabitable.

Infrastructure vulnerabilities can present themselves in many different forms. Phishing is a prevalent issue within infrastructure, as it is in all other places where it may apply. As well as this, many of these infrastructures rely on outdated and unreliable technology. This technology may not be equipped to handle breaches, or may have had more time to be scrutinized by potential hackers. Finally, while not as pertinent to this discussion as other examples, physical vulnerabilities are still worth discussing. Human error, natural disasters, and unauthorized access can still become a major issue within infrastructure systems. 

SCADA Systems

A SCADA system’s main function is to monitor and regulate a different system by processing information that is fed through various networks and devices. Usually, SCADA allows for the data of many smaller units to be funneled and processed by one main unit. While they can take on more specialized roles, the main focus of SCADA systems are to facilitate the flow of information and data, permitting the user to monitor and edit various systems from a single point (What Is SCADA and SCADA System? | Fortinet, n.d.). The significance of this system is that anomalies in the data can be indicators of a potential cyberattack. For instance, a water treatment plant may be the victim of malware that prevents an automatic valve from opening. Data such as water pressure and valve positions would be recorded and sent to the main unit, where a human user may notice the difference and investigate the software that manages the valve. 

On the other hand, however, SCADA systems present their own risks. Because of how many different systems it can control, disrupting it can cause multiple systems, even the entire architecture, to become damaged. The main unit is its weakest link, and the remote access nature of many of these systems can become a vulnerability in its own right (Alnazi et al. 2023). If a hacker were to gain access to it, then they would be able to gain insight to, and possibly even control of, the systems of the organization. Coupled with the aforementioned vulnerabilities of infrastructure, SCADA’s can provide a gateway for a possible cyberattack depending on its functions.

Conclusion

Infrastructure is, unsurprisingly, a prime target for cyberattacks, and has many different vulnerabilities, both digital and physical, that must be addressed to ensure digital safety for an organization. As both a valuable asset and potential detriment, SCADA systems should be taken into heavy consideration when planning out cybersecurity solutions. While it provides key information for operators and cybersecurity professionals alike, it can also quickly become a weak point in a company’s technology. Fortunately, like all other technologies, these systems will likely evolve with the rest of the field, and will grow to become more secure. Until then, it is important for organizations to ensure its security.

Works Cited:

Alanazi, M., Mahmood, A., & Chowdhury, M. J. M. (2023). SCADA vulnerabilities and attacks: A review of the state‐of‐the‐art and open issues. Computers & Security, 125, Article 103028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2022.103028

Krause, T., Ernst, R., Klaer, B., Hacker, I., & Henze, M. (2021). Cybersecurity in Power Grids: Challenges and Opportunities. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 21(18), 6225. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21186225

What is SCADA and SCADA System? | Fortinet. (n.d.). Fortinet. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/scada-and-scada-systems