Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), is a structure that refers to the central control over a system that monitors complex systems that are spread out in a large facility. Almost all controls are automatic and are performed by remote terminal units (RTU) and by programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These data acquisitions can be adjusted or overridden by the human-machine interface (HMI). HMI is a piece of machinery that gives the processed data to the human operator.
The need for SCADA is to have central controls for infrastructure processors for industries such as energy, oil, gas, water, power, and many more. The need for SCADA is a need for communication between a given network of systems. SCADA is crucial for industries since they help maintain efficiency and productivity.
However, there are vulnerabilities associated with SCADA. Since the ‘Next Generation’ SCADA is connected to the internet, there are some security concerns. The concern with SCADA is that these systems are already being targeted by adversaries. Cyberterrorism and cyber-attacks have the real possibility to disrupt critical infrastructures. Many of these systems are the backbone of modern society. Water, gas, oil, and the electrical grid are all used SCADA systems to operate. Any security risk associated with the disturbance of these systems can cause real-life consequences.
There are two major threats associated with the security of SCADA. They are-
- Any unauthorized access to a system is problematic.
- Any person sending packets to SCADA can potentially control packets that give access to the SCADA networks.
Since SCADA systems are necessary to conduct the everyday needs of society, special attention and action must be placed on the security of the systems to protect modern life.