Vulnerabilities: The article states that critical infrastructure systems that use SCADA systems face several vulnerabilities (SCADA). One of the vulnerabilities that the article talks about is unauthorized access. The unauthorized access to SCADA software can lead to intentional changes, virus infections, or other issues (SCADA). Other vulnerabilities that may occur would be things such as physical access. The physical access to network switches and jacks can bypass the security measures on control software and SCADA networks (SCADA). The vulnerabilities give increase to the need for VPN and other firewall solutions.

Role Scada systems play: The article states that SCADA applications play a really crucial role in mitigating risks that are associated with critical infrastructure (SCADA). There are several mechanisms in which this can be shown. The article talks about automated controls and how the SCADA application automates the control processes giving a reduction to the likelihood of human error and ensuring consistent operations (SCADA). The article also talks about the security measures that can be implemented. SCADA systems integrate different cybersecurity tools, they use tools such as industrial VPNs and firewalls to try and protect against unauthorized cyber threats (SCADA).

Conclusion: The critical infrastructures face many vulnerabilities; they face a lot more than just the ones that I mentioned. SCADA applications provide real time monitoring through a variety of techniques and safety tools. The massive number of capabilities make SCADA applications essential for the safety of infrastructure systems. They help to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats. Overall, without the SCADA system, vulnerabilities to the critical infrastructure systems would be uncontrollable.

References
SCADA Systems. (n.d.). SCADA Systems. http://www.scadasystems.net