Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a generic name for a control system architecture comprising computers networked data communications and graphical user interfaces(GUI) for high-level process supervisory management, while also comprising other peripheral devices like programmable logic controller (PLC) and discrete Proportional Integral Differentiator (PID) controllers to interface with process plant or machinery.

What Does This Mean For An SMB?

Your business needs to take proactive measures today to first reduce its chances of being hit by ransomware, phishing, or other cybersecurity attacks. Secondly, validate backups and disaster recovery plans are current and functioning in case you end up hit with ransomware. CyberHoot recommends the following best practices to avoid, prepare for, and prevent damage from these attacks:

• Adopt two-factor authentication on all critical Internet-accessible services
• Adopt a password manager for better personal/work password hygiene
• Require 14+ character Passwords in your Governance Policies
• Follow a 3-2-1 backup method for all critical and sensitive data
• Train employees to spot and avoid email-based phishing attacks
• Check that employees can spot and avoid phishing emails by testing them
• Document and test Business Continuity Disaster Recovery (BCDR) plans
• Perform a risk assessment every two to three years

Start building your robust, defense-in-depth cybersecurity plan at CyberHoot.

Related Term: Industrial Control System

Additional Reading: https://realpars.com/scada/#

Source: NCSD Glossary, CNSSI 4009

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