SCADA

What is SCADA?

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is an information system used for supervising and controlling distributed industrial processes. SCADA systems collect data from sensors and field devices, transmit it to a central operator station and enable operators to make decisions and issue control commands.

A typical SCADA system consists of several layers: field devices (sensors, valves, motors), controllers (PLCs, RTUs), a communication network and an operator station with an HMI interface. The operator sees the entire process state on screen - from the temperature in a reactor to the water level in a tank - and can respond to alarms or change operating parameters.

SCADA systems are used in the energy sector, water utilities, wastewater treatment plants, oil and gas and many other industries. Modern SCADA installations increasingly use TCP/IP-based network protocols, which opens new possibilities but also creates cybersecurity risks.

Why does it matter?

An attack on a SCADA system can lead to disruption of physical processes - from water supply interruptions to damage to industrial equipment. Incidents such as the Oldsmar water treatment plant attack (2021) and Sandworm campaigns against Ukrainian energy infrastructure demonstrate that the threats are real.

For those responsible for security in industrial organisations, protecting SCADA systems should be a priority. This includes network segmentation, network traffic monitoring, access management and regular security audits in line with standards such as IEC 62443.

Related topics

• HMI
• PLC
• RTU
• OT security