No plans in place to deal with large amounts of data

SCADA systems typically generate much larger (up to several orders of magnitude) quantities of data than corporate systems. This is a result of the primary objective of the SCADA system being to monitor and record process details at a very detailed level. Putting plans in place to make data accessible and actionable is absolutely crucial.

Sacrificing security over interoperability (or vice versa)

Many SCADA systems use their own dedicated and proprietary communication protocols as opposed to shared and open systems. Within wide-ranging networks, the interoperability of different systems is crucial to the smooth running of the framework as a whole. The use of open systems represents the best way to ensure that devices can communicate with each other on a level playing field. However, open protocols also come with a greater risk of infiltration from rogue devices. Striking a balance between interoperability and security must be a primary concern that all companies must deal with on an individual basis.

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To attend the conference, email enquiry@iqpc.com.sg or call +65 6722 9388.

Choosing a standard system

There are two main things that should be taken into consideration when purchasing a SCADA system: a) Which provider to opt for: legacy providers, historical reputation and peer preference are all factors that play a part in this; and b) Sector-specific needs: making sure that the system you choose is aligned to the requirements of your organisation and sector is key. Your needs are unique, so must your system.

scada
mistakes exposed
Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition or SCADA systems monitor and control industrial, infrastructure, or facility-based processes. Because of its immeasurable benefits, many organizations now have their own SCADA systems in place. However, successful SCADA implementation and operations can only be achieved if mistakes are minimised, if not, totally avoided. Here are the 8 common SCADA mistakes you should neverever-commit and what you should do to make things right. SCADA Asia 2014 gathers top industry thought leaders and expert speakers from Utilities and Oil & Gas Sectors. To find out more, visit www.scadasummit.com

Common

Network integration done in haste

Migrating from one system to another can often lead to significant downtime as well as data loss, damaged data integrity and inaccurate data transfer. In an oil & gas or petrochemical facility, such losses could be detrimental to consumers or potentially catastrophic, so making sure that integration is carried out efficiently and with contingency planning in play is vital.

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Lack of regular vulnerability assessment

Given the myriad threats that exist out there, it is still difficult to quantify exactly how vulnerable a SCADA system is to an attack. Assessments can be made to reduce the causes of vulnerability through threat simulation, and the most classic of these methods is the use of attack trees. An attack tree may be an extremely complex analysis of thousands of different potential pathways from root threat to attack completion, yet it would be impossible to cover all the possible routes, so running regular checks is absolutely necessary.

Neglecting environmental hazards

If remote terminal units (RTUs) are based out in the open, extreme conditions will eventually take their toll. Improving the durability of SCADA equipment is paramount for regions such as Asia with scorching temperatures during the day, cold nights and abrasive and inhospitable conditions. For maximum performance, periodic maintenance should be carried out in-line with a 10 15 year equipment lifespan.

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Underestimating security threats
Computer viruses evolve quickly as their uploaders are diligent, and threat profiles are updated with frightening constancy. Having regular and thorough auditing strategies is one way to make sure that security threats are always in check and your SCADA systems are up to the task.

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Treating obsolescence as a minor issue
The obsolescence of integral parts of the SCADA framework is inevitable with the march of time and quick-fire advancements in technology, so having a replacement plan is a must to prevent loss of money and time. This downtime can also be minimized by initially selecting a SCADA package that improves usability, maximises flexibility and provides for future expansion.