Introduction
Critical infrastructure systems, CIS, are important as they control the operation of public
safety and health; an attack on any of these operating systems could cause disaster. Due to the
value of these systems, they are prone to attacks of all kinds from individuals seeking to exploit
their extensive information or cause significant disruption. Which is why it is just as important to
secure these systems to “protect the public and national security” (Minin, 2020).
Vulnerabilities
The transition to updated systems is still ongoing, and applies to some CIS, which is a
very easy way to make any system vulnerable. Because there is updated technology, not
constantly updating it leaves those older systems at a huge disadvantage. New tools and
methods for making cyberattacks are made every day, and these systems run on such old and
unprotected systems that leave them susceptible to damage, which on that scale can easily
lead to public distress.
This includes updating the information that is used to train the workers running these
systems, in an effort to minimize human error. Since humans aren’t perfect, there will always be
that risk, but that can be reduced by properly informing those who work on these important
systems how to securely operate them (Minin, 2020).
How SCADA Changes CIS
SCADA is a technology that can “seamlessly [connect] across diverse equipment and
systems using industry-specific protocols,” which allows it to combat the vulnerabilities in CIS
(Kok, 2025). How SCADA operates is by acting as the control for systems. It is known for its “tag
databases,” which allow a record of the system’s input and outputs (SCADA Systems Article).
SCADA can then provide “real-time visibility,” allowing constant monitoring and oversight of CIS
(Wangsness, 2024). This feature is crucial to protecting the everyday operation of CIS because
those monitoring the systems can detect any insecurity or cyberattacks and catch them early on
without actually starting a disruption in the system or its safety.
Conclusion
SCADA systems control and regulate the operations of critical infrastructure systems
that allow them to function properly and minimize their initial system insecurities. Keeping
real-time records of operating systems allows CIS worker to predict and visualize how systems
are operating, which aids in their security and protects public safety.
References
http://www.scadasystems.net
Kok, R. (2024, September 9). SCADA Communication Protocols. Mitsubishi Electric
Iconics Digital Solutions, Inc.

Wangsness, C. (2024, September 20). What is a SCADA system and how does it work?.
Embedded Industrial Computers for Edge & IoT.
https://www.onlogic.com/blog/what-is-a-scada-system-and-how-does-it-wor
k/
Minin, R. (2025, September 15). Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. Sepio.
https://sepiocyber.com/resources/solution-briefs/critical-infrastructures-cybersecurity/