What is SCADA
SCADA or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is a centralized system that is used
to control different types of infrastructure or facility processes such as water treatment, gas
pipelines, or airports. It can control this infrastructure either on site or remotely while also
Allowing for automated systems such as alarms to be set up when certain conditions are met.
(Perusall)
Threats
When it comes to these pieces of infrastructure that are often exposed to a wide variety
of threats as they are often considered targets of cyber terrorism or cyber warfare. With that,
the SCADA systems are Directly linked to these pieces of infrastructure, so they are also put
under constant threat. Malicious groups have often “demonstrated capabilities to
compromise industrial control systems through spear phishing, exploitation of remote access
tools, and other attack vectors.“ (IEEE)
Preventative measures
Often there will be little security to protect for some of these types of attacks. So,
putting up any security to protect the SCADA systems while consistently keeping them updated
and securing common vulnerabilities can be extremely valuable to keeping infrastructure safe.
It would also be effective to put up some type of monitoring system to detect any
vulnerabilities that are being exploited. Also properly testing any new security or monitoring
system can help find any gaps in the system security. Doing so can help prevent any unknown attack vectors from malicious organizations that are constantly looking out for new and effective ways of breaching uncompromising systems. (IEEE; Alanazi et al.)
References
Alanazi, M., Mahmood, A., & Chowdhury, M. (n.d.). SCADA vulnerabilities and attacks: A review
of the state‐of‐the‐art and open issues – sciencedirect. SCADA vulnerabilities and attacks: A
review of the state‐of‐the‐art and open issues, Computers & Security.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167404822004205
Cybersecurity of Critical Infrastructure with ICS/SCADA systems. IEEE Public Safety Technology.
(n.d.). https://publicsafety.ieee.org/topics/cybersecurity-of-critical-infrastructure-with-ics-
scada-systems/
Perusall. (n.d.). https://app.perusall.com/courses/202520_cyse200t_25254-cybersecurity-
technol-society/scada-
systems?assignmentId=sWybaJW997P3NokDp&part=1&panel=assignmentInformation&filter=a
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