Abstract

Imagine a world where machines work automatically without interaction with human beings, monitored and controlled by a single system. This is the power of SCADA, the technology that’s changing the way people interact with industrial automation and changing the face of modern manufacturing. SCADA, which stands for supervisory control and data acquisition, is used to control, and monitor processes and procedures within the infrastructure. The wastewater treatment centers, like many other systems, use SCADA to control a wide range of devices needed during the treatment of water purification.

Vulnerability in Critical Infrastructure

Vulnerabilities that are associated with critical infrastructure systems are a result form deficient or nonexistent security governance and administration. “Overall, most security vulnerabilities in infrastructure include failures to adequately define security sensitivity for automation system data, identify and protect a security perimeter, build comprehensive security through defense-in-depth, and restrict access to data and services to authenticated users based on operational requirements” (Stamp 2003). The main issue in the security of critical infrastructure systems is the failure to have an action to defend system data.

What is SCADA?

SCADA is a centralized system that allows operators to remotely monitor and control a wide range of devices, such as sensors, valves, and motors, that are used in industries. SCADA systems, like RTU and PLC, gather data from these devices and present it to operators in a user-friendly format, allowing them to make informed decisions and quickly respond to any issues that arise. PLCs, programable logic controllers, are designed to control a several different processes and machinery, such as assembly lines, robots, and packaging machines. PLCs being programmable allow for customizations for the end user. Similar to PLCs, RTU, remote terminal unit, is a type of electronic device that are used to monitor systems. However, RTUs have the ability to operate autonomously and remotely from the central control system. Overall, SCADA is an important tool for ensuring the efficient and safe operation of complex industrial systems.

Real World Example

An example of the use of SCADA in everyday life, is water and wastewater systems. These systems use SCADA to monitor the flow of water, the filtration of the water, and the distribution of the filtered water. An attack on this system will affect citizens with their access of fresh water and/or the backup of their sewage pipes. PLC or RTU are used with SCADA to monitor an attack and either open or close a water valve if they sense the amount of sewage is more then usual.

Conclusion

There are many systems around the world that are used every day that utilized SCADA systems and the features that come with it. Critical infrastructures are experiencing vulnerabilities and loopholes in their systems that need protection and a defense system. SCADA is the perfect system that mitigates infrastructure risks by monitoring the data flow within the system. Water and Wastewater treatment facilities are only the bottom line of system that utilize SCADA, what are some other systems do you think use SCADA systems?

Words Cited

Stamp, J., Dillinger, J., Young, W., & DePoy, J. (2003). Common vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure control systems. SAND2003-1772C. Sandia National Laboratories.

SCADA systems. SCADA Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from http://www.scadasystems.net/