SCADA Systems: Enhancing Industrial Control
Kirk J. Turner
Department of Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University
CYSE 200T: Cybersecurity, Technology, & Society
Professor Lida Hagh
November 1, 2024
Functions of SCADA Systems
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems play an extremely important role in the functioning of infrastructure, facility-based, and industrial processes. SCADA systems are implemented into these fields in order to collect data on the operating processes to ensure that all mechanisms are running how they are meant to. The collected data is monitored in real time, and anyone supervising these systems will be made aware if one aspect of an operating process has gone awry. SCADA systems also allow supervisors to control and interact with the separate devices that make up the operating processes through the use of a human-machine interface (HMI) software. Supervisory control and data acquisition systems are critical in maximizing process efficiency, conveying operating issues through data collection, and minimizing any equipment failures within an operating process (What is SCADA?).
What Subsystems are SCADA Systems Composed of?
There are several software and hardware elements that are included in all SCADA systems. These components include human-machine interfaces (HMIs), supervisory stations, remote terminal units (RTUs), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) (SCADA Systems). HMIs are user interfaces that are monitored by a human operator. The interfaces receive data from other components of a SCADA system which allows the operator to monitor the entire system and be signaled when a problem occurs. Additionally, the operator is able to control the individual processes within the system through the HMI, making it straightforward to observe and alter any of the processes (Independent Media). A supervisory station is composed of the servers that are included in a SCADA system. These servers are essential because they link the data collected from field equipment to HMIs, basically providing the system information to the human operator. RTUs are hardware that is connected to operating equipment, such as valves or switches. This type of hardware is used to collect data from the electrical signals emitted from the equipment; this data will provide the status of the equipment it is collected from. RTUs can also be directly controlled by HMIs to alter the equipment, so the human operator can change the status of equipment in the scenario of an error or fault in a device (SCADA Systems). PLCs are computing devices that are programmed to oversee and automate operating processes. They are able to identify any errors that occur among automated processes and send a signal to the central system (Paessler GmbH). Due to the control that PLCs have over automated systems, they are ideal for maximizing operational efficiency. Each of these components of SCADA systems share a mutual relationship amongst one another as they all function together to ensure smooth operations.
Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and How SCADA Mitigates Them
Infrastructure systems are an important aspect in ensuring the functionality of society, so when a concern arises within public infrastructure, the consequences can be fatal. Although these systems are thoroughly defended due to their importance, it’s possible for some vulnerabilities to be exploited. For example, cybercriminals have been known to target critical infrastructure in the past, sometimes controlling vital aspects of civilian life, such as gasoline pipelines or water and wastewater treatment systems. Another vulnerability might include equipment failure as it’s hard to ensure that all systems remain operational when unforeseen events can take place, for example, natural disasters and human errors. However, SCADA systems are designed in order to mitigate the risks associated with critical infrastructure. As aforementioned, all of the subsystems of SCADA work with one another to address vulnerabilities as soon as they appear. PLCs are set up to automate the operation processes of infrastructure systems, lowering the risk for human errors to occur. RTUs and HMIs allow for direct control over the various pieces of equipment and hardware located in the field. So, in the case that equipment becomes damaged or compromised by a third party, the systems associated with the equipment can be manually disabled until the risk is resolved. Furthermore, RTUs and PLCs are able to signal the HMIs or central control systems whenever a problem arises, allowing for immediate action to be taken to mitigate the issue.
In conclusion, supervisory control and data acquisition is implemented into industrial control systems as a method to oversee system operations and address any known vulnerabilities of industrial processes. SCADA systems play a vital role in increasing automated efficiency, workplace safety, equipment reliability, and risk management within critical infrastructure environments.
References:
Independent Media . (2023, July 31). SCADA – Tech-FAQ. Tech-FAQ. https://www.tech-faq.com/scada.html
Inductive Automation. (2018, September 12). What is SCADA? Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. Inductive Automation. https://inductiveautomation.com/resources/article/what-is-scada
Paessler GmbH. (n.d.). IT Explained: PLC. Paessler. https://www.paessler.com/it-explained/plc
SCADA Systems. (n.d.). SCADA systems. SCADA Systems. https://www.scadasystems.net/