Industrial control systems(ICS), help control infrastructure processes for various
industrial systems. For example, Architecture, networks, and platforms all have vulnerabilities.
This write-up will expose some of those vulnerabilities and explain how SCADA systems help
limit these problems.
Vulnerabilities
When looking at an infrastructure control system, you have many parts that are critical to
the functionality of the system. The architecture of the PCS is a critical part, it refers to the
control and data storage the system has. There must be a balance between human control and
automated control. If there isn’t a balance then the whole system relies on smaller entities with
limited human intervention. This helps the external networks of a system relay SCADA
messages to the support system operations. The platform does various things to this data like
storing and outputting PCS data. This whole system runs off on the architecture and
infrastructure and must maintain a balance between efficiency and security. SCADA is used to
control infrastructure processes for various industrial systems. Some examples include: waste
management, water treatment, gas stations, etc. Usually used to control centralized systems for
an entire area, or they can be spread over larger areas. Part of the SCADA system is the HMI or
human machine interface. This machine processes data and sends it to a human operator who
in turn uses this data to control processes. This information enters the SCADA database and is
used for logistic information, troubleshooting guides, and maintenance problems. This allows
the operator to see everything he or she needs to see, and is able to deactivate a certain area in
their work space if need be. Failure of a SCADA system is a very high cost, but these
components that build the system help keep the system running smoothly even if failure
happens thanks to the backup software it contains.
Conclusion
There are many vulnerabilities in a system, the architecture of the PCS sets a foundation
for the entire system. One major vulnerability in this system is the balance between human and
automation. Too much human control can be a problem when our knowledge is at a limit, but
too much control can be bad from a non sentient being. SCADA systems help relay this data
from the automation to the human operator and allow them to see what they need to control.
Even when systems fail SCADA has backup hardware it automatically switches to, ensuring
nothing is interrupted by the failure.

SCADA systems. SCADA Systems. (n.d.). https://www.scadasystems.net/
Stamp, J., Dillinger, J., Young, W., & DePoy, J. (2003). COMMON VULNERABILITIES IN
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONTROL SYSTEMS , 1–14.