The role of SCADA and HMI system to the critical infrastructur
Posted by Allycontrols on September 9th, 2019
Living in an environment that is constantly changing, new vulnerabilities are emerging hence new security systems need to be put in place. Vulnerabilities need to be handled, systems control and data acquisition (SCADA) play a huge role in the critical infrastructure systems.
What is HMI SCADA?
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system refers to the centralised systems that control production infrastructure. It includes a user interface called the Human Machine Interface (HMI), it is generally found in small control systems in an industrial setting.
Components of SCADA
SCADA system is a user interface which is usually referred to as Human Machine Interface. The HMI of a SCADA system stores data and processes it, the data is then presented to be viewed and monitored by the human operator. The interface includes controls which can be used by an individual to interface with the SCADA system. HMIs are used to standardise the facilitation of monitoring multiple programmable logic controllers.
HMI is usually linked to the SCADA system’s databases and so as to provide trending, diagnostic data and manage information such as scheduled maintenance procedures. The HMI system presents the information to the operating personnel graphically in a mimic diagram meaning the operator sees a schematic representation of a plant being controlled.
SCADA software
SCADA software is linked to the SCADA system’s databases and HMI to provide diagnostic data and information such as scheduled maintenance procedures, logistic information, detailed schematics for a particulars senses and expert system troubleshooting guide. It can be divided into open type and proprietary type; these systems are overwhelmingly reliant to the supplier of the system.
SCADA’s role to critical infrastructure.
SCADA’s role is critical to infrastructure; its incapacity would yield a debilitating impact on the security of a nation. Critical structures such as energy, government services, public health, emergency services, chemical industry, defence industrial base , postal and shipping , transportation and water are now being controlled by systems. If it were to collapse the impact on the community and society would be felt by every sphere. Some of the threats can be avoided by setting passwords on the system allowing few people to have access to the system. Installation of anti-spy software is crucial to protect systems from being hacked as well as having a permanent firewall in defence against viruses, spyware and hackers. Critical infrastructure is threatened by natural disasters, crime, equipment failure, accidents and terrorists attacks. The government believes that arrangements have to be put in place to protect the infrastructure from all angles.
SCADA control systems are vital to the society at large. Most of the critical infrastructures are controlled by systems. Emerging vulnerabilities need to be dealt with by developing new security technology and techniques that protect SCADA and critical infrastructure. New security technology need to be developed and installed by an experienced service provider like Ally-controls.comto protect and overcome vulnerabilities in security systems.
