Throughout the industrial world, critical infrastructure relies on complex and heavily integrated systems that suffer from a number of vulnerabilities. Having been around for a very long time, they have grown to include more weaknesses than stand-alone strengths, and require both upgrades and replacements to function in the evolving modern world. SCADA and other industrial control systems have begun to take the forefront of automation and monitoring to provide greater efficiency and security to critical infrastructure.
Most critical infrastructure suffers from using old legacy systems and obsolete equipment that was built decades ago (Admin, 2024). These systems run both software and hardware that, while worked fine before, have now become vulnerable due to a lack of built-in modern security (Admin, 2024). The more sophisticated and refined cyberattacks become, the more difficult it will be to protect critical infrastructure systems. With the addition of SCADA and industrial control systems, however, operations and automation become more efficient and reliable (Admin, 2024).
Additionally, with the introduction of the Internet, critical infrastructure has also become more interconnected due to the merging of information technology with operational technology through SCADA and other industrial control systems (Admin, 2024). A larger number of potential access points provides greater freedom to unauthorized users to enter and interact with the infrastructure. When hackers launch attacks and exploits, they can do so subtly or obviously, and not all go detected; some launch packet-controlling malware so they can remain hidden (Alanazi et al., 2022). SCADA provides real-time monitoring and data collecting to keep track of authorized and unauthorized information, so whenever a breach occurs, responders can protect against the threat swifter and more effectively (Alanazi et al., 2022).
Although critical infrastructure around the world is in need of serious alterations and upgrades, SCADA and other industrial control systems provide benefits that continue to maintain these outdated systems while alternatives and enhanced securities are being developed. With improved automation, added real-time monitoring, and centralized control, critical infrastructure gains enhanced supervision and greater response capabilities to defend against threats and attackers.
References and Citations
- SCADA Systems. (2019). SCADA Systems. Google Docs. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DvxnWUSLe27H5u8A6yyIS9Qz7BVt_8p2WeNHctGVboY/edit?tab=t.0
- Admin. (2024, September 6). OT, ICS, SCADA Explained: Simplifying Complex Industrial Systems. Ssh.com; SSH Communications Security. https://www.ssh.com/academy/operational-technology/ot-ics-scada-explained-simplifying-complex-industrial-systems