The SCADA or the Supervisory control and data acquisition is an industrial control system that controls infrastructure processes (water treatment, farms, wastewater treatment), faculty-based processes (airports, ships, space stations), and of course industrial process (production & manufacturing). These centralized systems control and monitor entire sites by automatic transmissions from either Remote terminal units (RTUs) or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) within a SCADA system. The purpose of the SCADA, for example, in a water treatment plant is to monitor and control all aspects of water coming in and out. The SCADA system automatically determines things needed such as water temperature, adequate water pressure, and treatment needed for the water. While the PLCs job is to control and regulate all aspects of this needed to keep a well-functioning water treatment plant. When the water pressure is low, it’s the PLCs job to increase water pressure and do the exact opposite if it is high. (SCADA systems)
Although mostly controlled through automation, the HMI or Human Machine Interface is a device that forwards data to human operators through graphical data. This allows a person to control regulations within the SCADA. Having this system creates a more monitorial system that helps catch discrepancies within the system preventing malfunctions from happening before they even start. (SCADA systems)
SCADA uses unique hardware, as stated before it is run BY PLCs or RTUs, limiting the need for master computers. In substitute IEC61131-39 (Ladder Logic) is used to create programs that are run under a PLC or RTU. The IEC 61131-3 also allows system engineers to design and program implementations that are being executed via the PLCs or RTUs with very little initial training required. This could all be done on the Programmable automation controller (PAC). (SCADA systems)
Most industries use the 3rd generation SCADA, however, there are newer and newer security issues that come into play. With SCADA being the backbone of industrial control systems all over the world, they are a constant target of cyberterrorism and cyber warfare attacks. SCADA vendors are coming up with solutions, developing industrial VPNs as well as firewalls to prevent unauthorized users from bypassing and hacking networks that control larger SCADA units. Unfortunately, we live in a digital age where newer cyber threats are developed every day. Mitigating these risks before they happen is what could make or break a companies frontline level of security. (SCADA systems)
References
SCADA systems. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2021, from http://www.scadasystems.net/
Apr 25