SCADA System
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are widely used to control power plants’ machinery and manage city traffic lights. The SCADA system increases the efficiency of running an organization, reduces wastage and downtime, expands productivity, and extends the life of the equipment (Robles, n.d). If the weaknesses in SCADA remain unchecked, they cause real-world consequences because they play crucial roles in critical processes. Since SCADA have taken on more capabilities for the longest time, it is essential to revisit the kind of vulnerabilities discovered in the system and learn how to secure them.
“Vulnerabilities Associated with Critical Infrastructure Systems”
Hacking, malware, and human errors are some of the vulnerabilities associated with critical infrastructure systems. Hackers access the network with the ill intention of harming it. Malware is yet another threat to the system, and it involves programs such as viruses, spyware, and others that pose a threat to the system (Robles, n.d). On the other hand, humans may cause errors in the system either intentionally or through an operation error. This may arise due to a lack of training, carelessness, or inadequate attention. The two principal vulnerabilities in the systems are, first, unaccredited access to the software, virus infection, or issues that cause problems in controlling the machine, and second, “packet access to the network” segment hosting SCADA devices.
The Role SCADA Application plays in mitigating the Risks.
Preventive measures should be carried out to protect the systems. These preventive measures need to be put in place for the mitigation of vulnerabilities. They include allowing only credited users to access the system and avoid changes that are not authorized as well as “packet access to the network.” Organizations should develop virtual private networks, firewall solutions, report monitoring, standard protocols, and security checks to address the vulnerabilities as quickly as possible.

Reference
Robles, R. J., Choi, M. K., Cho, E. S., Kim, S. S., Park, G. C., & Lee, J. H. (n.d). Common Threats and Vulnerabilities of Critical Infrastructures. International Journal of Control and Automation, 1(1), 17-22.