Outdated software and hardware, insecure network components, and weak access control are big vulnerabilities; SCADA helps to mitigate those weaknesses. Infrastructure is the basic and organizational systems that cities and towns rely on to function and operate. This includes electricity systems, transportation, and other energy sources. Infrastructure is a necessity for any working society; however, there are plenty of risks that come into play with building these infrastructure systems. These risks are the vulnerabilities mentioned earlier.
Vulnerabilities in Infrastructure
Most infrastructure systems take at least several years, or even over a decade, to build. This means that by the time the system is being used, the hardware and software are years behind. Hackers can take advantage of this by using modern technology to bypass the now-old defenses. One of the ways they can do this is by using insecure network components. For example, poorly secured application programs are common entry points for hackers to get into the system. Lastly, weak access control is another vulnerability in infrastructure (IBM, 2025). If user access management isn’t up to par and weak passwords are used, this can lead to more people having access to systems they shouldn’t have access to.
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, a.k.a SCADA, is a monitoring system specifically for industrial processes and machines. It uses hardware and software to analyze whatever is going on in the system and then report everything back to a source. That is then monitored by a user who can also send signals back to the system. Using SCADA, companies can control industrial processes and critical infrastructure locally or at remote locations (Inductive Automation, 2025). This is very important so that people don’t take advantage of the previously mentioned vulnerabilities.
Summary
In conclusion, infrastructure is any basic system that a city relies on to function. Building these systems often takes years to build and has some main vulnerabilities: outdated software and hardware, insecure network components, and weak access control. These vulnerabilities would be detrimental if it weren’t for SCADA. SCADA is a monitoring system that allows companies to be in direct communication with the system and have constant monitoring to make sure nothing goes wrong with the system.
Sources Cited:
• Inductive Automation. (n.d.). What is SCADA? Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. Inductive Automation. https://inductiveautomation.com/resources/article/what-is-scada
• Ibm. (2025, September 16). What is critical infrastructure?. IBM.
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/critical-infrastructure#:~:text=Physical%20attacks,manufacturing%20operations%20or%20other
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