SCADA Systems

SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. This system controls, monitors, and analyzes industrial devices and processes worldwide. The information goes from remote plants to headquarters, the elements of SCADA include sensors and actuators, PLCs, remote terminal units, telecommunications, and SCADA clients and servers.

When it comes to cyber vulnerabilities in engineering systems there are quite a few. Every device is a potential entry point for a cyber attack and the number of devices is always increasing. While an insecure device may not be the target it could be a pivot point for an attack elsewhere.

Engineering cyber systems are often distributed over large areas, making physical security a challenge. When dealing with physical aspects there could be weak physical protection, some could be antique, and remote devices are hard to upgrade.

SCADA has been put in play to help risk management for critical infrastructures. SCADA can help because let’s say there has been a breach at a remote site SCADA can automatically perform a safe shutdown of the assets. This system can also be used as an advanced warning system against threats.

In conclusion, SCADA seems to be a great solution to risk management for critical infrastructures and should be used at any remote site that has important assets.

Works Cited

Role of SCADA in Securing Critical Infrastructure | Waterworld. 1 Apr. 2005, https://www.waterworld.com/home/article/16190328/role-of-scada-in-securing-critical-infrastructure.