SCADA Security
SCADA Security is a over encompassing term that is used to explain the protection of SCADA networks.
Sense of Security provides a comprehensive range of security services centered around the security assessment (including penetration testing) and architecture of critical infrastructure SCADA systems. Our services have been specifically designed to assist organisations identify and evaluate security risks, and to design and implement security solutions which mitigate any exposures.
What is SCADA?
SCADA is an acronym that stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. SCADA refers to a system that collects data from various sensors at a factory, plant or in other remote locations and then sends this data to a central computer which then manages and controls the data. SCADA is a term that is used broadly to portray control and management solutions in a wide range of industries. Some of the industries where SCADA is used are Water Management Systems, Electric Power, Traffic Signals, Mass Transit Systems, Environmental Control Systems, and Manufacturing Systems. SCADA based systems usually exert significant control over core infrastructure and the disruption of these services could have catastrophic events. These systems are usually diverse, cover various physical locations and are obscure in implementation and management.
Why is there a need to audit SCADA based systems?
In recent times the security of SCADA based systems has been called into question due to highly publicised successful intrusions that has, in some extreme cases, resulted in an external party obtaining administrative access to core systems. It is predicted these systems will increasingly become a greater target for cyber attacks, denial of service and physical disruption. In order to ensure that SCADA based systems are secured from external threats, self assessment and external independent audits should be conducted regularly
The Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment Program
The Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment Program (CNVA) is an Australian Government scheme directed at the owners and operators of critical infrastructure to:
Identify major vulnerabilities within computer systems, dependencies between computer networks, and to test the ability of systems to resist exploitation; and
Examine the security implications of planned changes to an information technology infrastructure, including assessments of associated physical and personnel security issues. Under the scheme the Australian Government is willing to provide dollar for dollar funding to the private sector (including Government Business Enterprises) in order to conduct CNVA projects.
To discuss how our specialist services can help your organisation with SCADA security please contact us on 1300 922 923 or complete the enquiry form by pressing the button below.
