Free Writes:
Navigating the Landscape of SCADA Systems: Monitoring, Control, and Security
Introduction:
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are a type of industrial control system (ICS) that are meant to watch and control different types of processes from industries such as infrastructure, facilities, and industrial processes. They are mainly used in places like treatment plants, pipelines, farms and more. The key parts include Human Machine Interface (HMI) which allows human administrators to work with the device. Giving them data and allowing them to use the process. The next being the Supervisory System which collects important data about the operation being overlooked and maneuvered. Next Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) are connected to sensors that send signals to the data and pass it on to the supervisor system. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are also a key part being used as field devices to manage operation. Lastly Communication Infrastructure, connects RTUs to the managerial system.
Overview of SCADA System Functionality and Evolution.
Scada systems are managed by gathering data from PLCs or RTUs, counting status reports, and meter readings. The data is shown to managers through the HMI, enabling them to make decisions or adjust controls if needed. Data in these SCADA systems are usually stored in various databases also known as tag databases, storing and holding data parts called points or tags. Those points act as single input or output values managed or watched by the system. SCADA construction has changed drastically over time, changing from monolithic mainframe to disrupted network systems. New SCADA devices use WAN measures like the Internet Protocol (IP) for communication and can be accessed from remote locations over the internet. Regardless of the changes, SCADA systems face different kinds of problems including access challenges, virus infections, and attacks. Venders are solving these problems with specialized VPNs and other firewall solutions, also whitelisting to prevent application changes. Generally speaking SCADA plays a very important role with watching and managing different processes, but their security measures are still a major problem and concern that is going to need observation and monitoring.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, SCADA represents an important technological framework for watching and maneuvering processes across different sectors. The changes that have come from the monolithic systems to the distributed architecture has allowed for better speed and flexibility with different operations. Although, the increase in combining SCADA with internet based protocols also brings changes in security as well, like cyber threats and access to unauthorized users. Nevertheless efforts from vendors to help make security solutions show an unrelenting devotion to fixing these concerns that are on the rise. SCADA continues to play a major role in this industry, it is very important to keep up to date security measures making sure they are reliable and keep important files safe while attacks constantly evolve into harsher threats.
Free Write 2:
The Human Factor in Cybersecurity
Introduction:
In the shoes of a chief Information security officer facing a scarce budget the problem is discovered when trying to balance the use of resources between investing in training associates you already have and trying to get new technology. The ways I would try to balance this follows. Assessment of current state: Before I do anything with the resources available I would do an assessment of what the organization already has and what more they need. This analysis would help find weaknesses and holes that need to be patched in the cybersecurity side of the organization.
Balancing investments:
I would first move resources to fund up to date cyber security training for all associates necessary alongside workshops and certifications. I would also put emphasis on places such as threat detection, incident response, coding practices, and awareness of social engineering methods. Making sure that responsibility and cybersecurity awareness are throughout the company. Next I would invest in security controls like next gen firewalls, endpoint protection, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) and security information. Following that I would make sure that cost effective solutions and exploring vendor negotiation would be prioritized. I would also carefully watch over and update cyber security technology we already have to minimize the potential risks with outdated software. Next I would use open source tools, cloud based services, and bundles from security companies to get the same protection but for a cheaper price. As well as looking into malleable licensing agreements to better utilize resources. Finally I would invest in 24/7 monitoring and a team to quickly identify and counteract a problem. As well as establishing procedures for incident response and making regular events to simulate actual cyber attack scenarios.
Conclusion:
In order to balance cybersecurity investments with a limited amount of resources requires a game plan before actually making the approach and advancements while keeping cost in account while prioritizing training and technology. Investing using human capital like training and education, alongside necessary technologies and monitoring capabilities, companies strengthen their defense and minimize the chances of risk.
Discussion Board:
Going on a Job Hunt
Cybersecurity Software Developer / Engineer some of the disciplines include Penetration Testing, Assessing vulnerabilities, Cybersecurity architect and Application security. A blue team member should have skills in developing and executing an incident response plan. A proficiency in using security tools, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), along with antivirus software and SIEM systems. SIEM systems perform real-time data searches to ingest network activity. The biggest shock for me was the fact that they only make $75,000 a year
Blue Team Member-
disciplines include threat intelligence analysis, incident response, network and system monitoring, and vulnerability assessment, skills required are Programming Languages, Algorithms and Data Structures, Debugging, and Cloud Security. The biggest shock for me was again was the pay I did not expect it to start at $45,000