Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is SCADA?
2. What comprises a SCADA system?
3. Where are SCADA systems used?
4. Why the sudden concern about SCADA systems?

A: SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. SCADA systems are used in utility infrastructures as a computer-based monitoring and control system that centrally collects, displays, and stores information from remotely-located data collection transducers and sensors to support the control of equipment, devices, and automated functions.

A: All hardware and software elements associated with the control and monitoring of a system, including GUIs, databases, sensors, relays, switches, remote telemetry units (RTU), networks, applications, etc.

A: They are used in various applications requiring real-time and near real-time process control, e.g. electric power, oil and gas pipelines, water treatment and distribution, and chemical processing.

A: Concerns are based on:

• Greater awareness of critical infrastructure issues.
• Studies and assessments have found a lack of security in SCADA systems.
• More reliance on Internet and COTS software bring in new vulnerabilities.
• Increased and validated threat (terrorist, extremists, activists).