Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems

The goal of this Technical Information Bulletin (TIB) is to examine Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and how they may be used by the National Communications System (NCS) in support of National Security and Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) communications and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP). An overview of SCADA is provided, and security concerns are addressed and examined with respect to NS/EP and CIP implementation. The current and future status of National, International, and Industry standards relating to SCADA systems is examined. Observations on future trends will be presented. Finally, recommendations on what the NCS should focus on with regards SCADA systems and their application in an NS/EP and CIP environment are presented.