SCADA security

Protecting the security of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks and process management systems from an increasing number of cyber threats is critical for utility organizations, along with maintaining compliance with strict regulatory requirements. Security incidents in utility companies tend to attract significant attention. Reputation damage can negatively affect the utility as well as its suppliers, business partners and customers. In the more serious cases this can have catastrophic consequences for both the operational functions of the utility and for overall business viability.

SCADA data is real-time in nature and required a very high level of integrity and availability. Inherent vulnerabilities expose systems to cyber-attacks with devastating results, including considerable financial losses as well as physical damage to plant, personnel and equipment. It is now evident that mere preventive measures implemented by computer network manufacturers are not enough for sufficient long term protection.