The SCADA system is used to regulate and oversee essential utilities like water supply,
electricity supply, traffic control, and oil pipelines. It is responsible for ensuring that the
necessary utilities run effectively daily. Due to their critical importance, they have
become an attractive target for cyber-attacks. It is vital to understand the threats facing these
systems and the role SCADA plays in mitigating risks.
The fact that many of the existing SCADA systems utilize outdated technology is another
problem associated with these systems. This is because SCADA systems built using older
technology were not initially meant to counter modern cyber-attacks (SCADA Systems Perusall
article, n.d.). As such, according to the SCADA Systems Perusall article, such systems can be
attacked by cyber terrorists, cyber warfare actors, and even viruses due to their importance and
the lack of adequate protection measures against them (SCADA Systems Perusall article, n.d.).
An additional threat to SCADA systems is the network exposure that comes with
increased connectivity. With increased connections with the internet and other networks, there is
an increased possibility of cyber threats to SCADA systems (Author(s), 2020). Apart from this,
human errors can also put SCADA systems at risk. Such human mistakes include the use of
weak passwords and clicking on phishing It is necessary to note that while SCADA systems play
a crucial role in ensuring the maintenance of critical infrastructures, they are associated with
considerable security challenges. The vulnerability of SCADA systems, caused by old
technologies and more connectivity, makes them desirable objects of cyberattacks. On the other hand, SCADA systems offer powerful means for monitoring security issues and taking adequate
countermeasures.