The SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system is an essential component to safeguarding critical infrastructure and mitigating the risks associated with critical infrastructure systems. SCADA is very helpful because it provides real-time monitoring, automation, and control which allows operations to detect potential threats or issues like equipment failure or cyber threats, before they’re able to escalate into a major problem. These systems enhance the reliability and resilience of infrastructures to ensure that possible hazards are quickly identified. While there are many risks that come along with these systems that will be covered in this paper, SCADA contributes significantly to the efficiency, safety and reliability of essential services like water supply, transportation and power generation that everyone uses in their daily lives.

Vulnerabilities associated with Critical infrastructure

The vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure pose many challenges and risks that range from targeted attacks, human error, system malfunctions and potential insider threats. The SCADA Systems article mentions two major threats that are unauthorized access to software and threats related to packet access which allows anyone who sends a packet to a SCADA device is in a position to control it. Unauthorized access in critical infrastructure systems could lead to disruptions or possible harm. An example of packet access could be a man-in-the-middle attack that could lead to data manipulation. Two other vulnerabilities that I feel are important to mention are the lack of security features and the risk of outdated technologies. Many of these infrastructures rely on software that can tend to be difficult to update and patch, which unfortunately makes them an easy target of cyber attacks. They also tend to use weak passwords and they lack encryption allowing hackers to gain unauthorized access to these critical systems.

How SCADA mitigates risks

In a blog posted by Irfan Shakeel an incident that happened in Pennsylvania where the water system experienced an attack and communication was lost which caused an investigation was mentioned. There are many things that SCADA does to mitigate risks like performing regular updates, network segmentation, employee awareness training and having firewalls. Performing regular updates is important for any system to make sure that It is functioning properly, also testing the updates to make sure they don’t cause any disruptions. Network segmentation makes sure that there are levels within the network so that if a hacker was able to get into the system it wouldn’t all be in the same place, instead there are different zones to reduce risk. Providing the proper training for employees is something that I feel should always be enforced. Running exercises and workshops help to ensure that if anything was to go wrong, the employees know what to do. Lastly, firewalls are another thing that are important to have in general to mitigate risks but for SCADA in particular are more complex than just a regular firewall. SCADA firewalls are able to detect threats with real-time monitoring and have proprietary protocol protection.

Closing statement

In Conclusion, SCADA systems play a crucial role in today’s infrastructure by monitoring
essential services like water treatment plants, transportation networks and power grids. While there are many challenges that come along with these systems like cyber threats, system vulnerabilities and aging technology that can have far reaching effects, the SCADA systems mitigates these vulnerabilities by performing regular updates, network segmentation, employee awareness training and having strong firewalls. By prioritizing security, resilience and innovation, organizations can ensure that SCADA systems will remain secure and reliable when trying to safeguard the critical infrastructure that modern society depends on.

References
Shakeel, I. (n.d.). 10 strategies to fortify SCADA System Security. LevelBlue.
https://levelblue.com/blogs/security-essentials/10-strategies-to-fortify-scada-system-securi
ty
http://www.scadasystems.net