Critical Infrastructure and SCADA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BLUF: SCADA is essential in protecting Critical Infrastructure, by encrypting data,
monitoring devices and systems, and minimizing insider threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is SCADA?
Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a system that consist of
hardware and software and is primarily used in the industrial industry. SCADA allows these
industries to manage their equipment and data remotely. The hardware of SCADA works in
tandem with the software by gathering and sending data from Remote Terminal Units (RTU)
and Programable Logic Controllers (PLC) to a computer that already has the SCADA
software installed (SCADA Systems).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vulnerabilities in our Critical Infrastructure.
While Critical Infrastructure is essential for most of our country to run and
live, there is some large vulnerabilities. One of which is most of these systems still
use a legacy system, meaning that the systems that is running our nations water,
power, and electricity, are using 5\u201310-year-old systems. Another is remote access,
while this seems like it would be a wonderful thing to have, if its not properly
secured, it is extremely easy to breach (Lee, 2025). However, one of the large pest
threats to our Critical Infrastructure is insider threats, it has been reported that in
2023 over 77% of these organizations reported a rise in insider threats (Bridewell,
2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Threat mitigation using SCADA.
We can never fully eliminate the risk that comes with Critical Infrastructure, we can
mitigate it. Using SCADA and its processes allows for real time monitoring of all critical
systems and reports if an irregular pattern occurs. As well as encrypting data that is being
transmitted remotely, this also includes integrity checking. Denying any and all data that
does not match what was originally sent. For insider threats, cameras, security guards,
and device monitoring can be used, if a person contently feels they are being watched. It is
unlikely that they will commit what ever damage or theft they intended to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion
In conclusion, SCADA is essential to protecting the nations critical infrastructure,
by mitigating not only digital, but physical threats. This is accomplished by constant
monitoring, proper encryption, and adequate physical security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Works Cited.
Bridewell. (2023, May 15). Insider threats surge across US critical infrastructure as 77% under
increasing fire from within. https:\/\/www.bridewell.com\/us\/insights\/news\/detail\/insider-
threats-surge-across-us-critical-infrastructure-as-77-under-increasing-fire-from-within
Lee, R. (2025, October 13). The weakness in Global Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.
World Economic Forum. https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/stories\/2025\/10\/dangerous-blindspot-
in-infrastructure-cybersecurity\/#:~:text=\u2019-
,Critical%20infrastructure%2C%20including%20electric%20grids%2C%20water%20treat
ment%20facilities%2C%20transportation,when%20it%20comes%20to%20cybersecurity.
SCADA Systems. (n.d.).
https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1VnMlL2YmcW5Jg4MdDa1dt5fJpmQM0KVH\/edit#
heading=h.ui3hrj86p5ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Critical Infrastructure and SCADA. BLUF: SCADA is essential in protecting Critical Infrastructure, by encrypting data,monitoring devices and systems, and minimizing insider threat. What is SCADA?Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a system that consist ofhardware and software and is primarily used in the industrial industry. SCADA allows theseindustries to manage their equipment and data… <\/p>\n