SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, also known as ICS (Industrial Control Systems), aim to monitor and control infrastructure, facility-based and industrial processes. The modern SCADA system connects to the network like most other technologies through internet protocol (SCADA Systems, 2023). However, while these changes have made it easier to manage, it also raises concerns about the security of the world’s infrastructure.
Iranian Stuxnet
The belief that SCADA systems are secure because they are physically safe is false; they are vulnerable to cyber-attacks like any other computer. The idea is that the threat actors can indirectly exploit the SCADA system by gaining access to the HMI (Host Machine Interface). Since SCADA devices require updates, patches, and upgrades, usually applied through the network or portable media interface, this can be exploited by hacking into a vendor’s website and substituting the actual update file with a virus. A cyber-attack occurred on July 15, 2010; an employee who worked at an Iranian Nuclear Powerplant plugged in a USB device carrying the Stuxnet worm. This worm forced nuclear centrifuges to spin uncontrollably until they broke apart (OPSWAT Inc., 2021). The best way to prevent Stuxnet from affecting computer systems is to set up a layered defense that addresses security throughout the entire ICS network; this layered defense must include security policies, training, component isolation, and enforcement of Methods and Procedures (Baldonado, 2014). The simplest way to prevent Stuxnet from affecting ICS systems is to avoid plugging in untrustworthy removable media. Basic cybersecurity training for employees could have prevented the entire incident.
Colonial Pipeline Incident
SCADA Systems are also vulnerable to ransomware attacks; a prime example would be the Colonial Pipeline cyber-attack on May 6, 2021. The hacker group Darkside orchestrated the attack, which infected Colonial Pipeline’s systems with ransomware after exfiltrating data. The cyber-attack forced Colonial Pipeline to shut down its pipeline to prevent further virus spread. Stolen VPN user credentials allowed Darkside to access its network (Kerner, 2022). While the attack did not directly affect SCADA and other ICS systems, it showed that ransomware is a dangerous threat to critical infrastructures. In order to prevent future cyber-attacks, Colonial Pipeline needs to implement several defensive strategies such as network segmentation, Demilitarized Zones (DMZ), and air-gapping are just some of the methods to secure SCADA systems.
Conclusion
SCADA systems play an essential role in monitoring and controlling critical infrastructure services. Modernization of SCADA systems has made it easier and more accessible to use. However, in return, it allows threat actors to find and exploit vulnerabilities in the HMI. The Stuxnet incident in Iran and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware are lessons learned to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents.
References
Baldonado, G. (2014, July 7). How to prevent Stuxnet. From ww.oasistechnology.com: https://www.oasistechnology.com/how-to-prevent-stuxnet/
Kerner, S. M. (2022, April 26). Colonial Pipeline Hack Explained: Everything you need to know. From www.techtarget.com: https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Colonial-Pipeline-hack-explained-Everything-you-need-to-know
OPSWAT Inc. (2021). Securing ICS and SCADA Updates in OT Environments. From info.opswat.com: https://info.opswat.com/hubfs/Demand%20Gen%20Assets%20by%20Wilson/White%20Papers/OPSWAT-Securing-ICS+SCADA-Updates-in-OT-Whitepaper.pdf?hsLang=en
SCADA Systems. (2023). SCADA Systems. From SCADA Systems: http://www.scadasystems.net