SCADA systems are important in keeping our critical infrastructure safe from vulnerabilities. These might include cyber threats, legacy systems, and human errors. SCADA systems offer real-time monitoring, access controls, and segmentation to provide enhanced security. It is important that we work together to protect vital infrastructure in our interconnected world.

What is SCADA?

            Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a system of software and hardware elements allowing industrial organizations to gather and monitor real-time data (SCADA Cyber Security Threats and Countermeasures: Ultimate Checklist, 2018). SCADA also controls industrial processes which could be remotely or locally. They can also record events into a log to keep track of things. SCADA also controls devices like valves, motors, pumps, and more. SCADA also manages Industrial Control Systems.

Vulnerabilities in Critical Infrastructure

                Critical infrastructure systems are exposed to a wide array of cyber threats, including hackers, untrained employees, and malware (What Are Critical Infrastructure Cyber Security Vulnerabilities and Threats?, n.d.). Legacy technology is still used in many important systems because they don’t have the latest security features. Making them more secure is hard because it’s tough to update or replace these old systems. Because we are all human it is impossible to work without causing unintentional human errors. Without proper training throughout the year, we will continue to pose a threat to critical infrastructure. Protecting important systems is not easy because they face many different online dangers, use old technology, and human mistakes can happen. To keep them safe, we need to work hard, stay up to date, and get the right training.

SCADA Applications in Mitigating Risk

            SCADA systems provide improved security through real-time monitoring, access management, and network segmentation. Lack of segmentation is one of the primary risks to any SCADA system and should be considered a top priority for remediation (Kish, 2021). Splitting the network into segments helps make SCADA systems more secure, controllable, faster, and compliant with rules. It’s an essential way to protect important infrastructure. Real-time data monitoring with SCADA systems is an essential component of modern industrial processes, particularly in manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities (Real-Time Data Monitoring with SCADA Systems, n.d.). This monitoring could allow you to detect abnormalities and security breaches. With this early detection you might be able to mitigate the impact of the cyber attack. Access controls, including Privileged Access Management (PAM), figure prominently into SCADA security, defending industrial systems against malicious actors. (Wallix, 2018). Access controls ensure that only authorized personnel can access or make changes to the infrastructure. This could significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access. Incorporating these security measures, such as network segmentation, real-time monitoring, and access controls, is a critical step in keeping SCADA systems and the vital infrastructure they support safe.

Conclusion

                In conclusion, SCADA systems play a crucial role in keeping our critical infrastructure safe from vulnerabilities such as cyber threats, legacy systems, and human error. SCADA systems can enhance security with features like real time monitoring, network segmentation, and access controls. It’s critical that we keep up the hard work to make sure that our critical infrastructure is kept safe while living in this interconnected world.

Resources

Kish, K. (2021, July 26). Tales From the Road: If Your SCADA Network Isn’t Segmented, It’s Not Secure. DirectDefense. https://www.directdefense.com/tales-from-the-road-if-your-scada-network-isnt-segmented-its-not-secure/

Real-time Data Monitoring with SCADA Systems. (n.d.). SCADA Info. https://www.scadainfo.com/real-time-data-monitoring-with-scada-systems/

SCADA Cyber Security Threats and Countermeasures: Ultimate Checklist. (2018, November 29). ELEKS – Software Engineering, Enterprise Software Development, Consulting. https://eleks.com/blog/scada-cyber-security-threats-countermeasures/

Wallix. (2018, July 17). SCADA Security and Privileged Access Management (PAM). WALLIX. https://www.wallix.com/blog/scada-security-privileged-access-management

What are critical infrastructure cyber security vulnerabilities and threats? (n.d.). Www.linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-critical-infrastructure-cyber-security-vulnerabilities