SCADA FAQs

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

Q: What is SCADA?

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.

Q: What comprises a SCADA system?

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.

Q: Where are SCADA systems used?

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.

Q: Why the sudden concern about SCADA systems?

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).