What is one threat to SCADA systems?

Unauthorized access to control software is a significant threat to SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems because these systems are responsible for monitoring and controlling critical infrastructure, including water treatment plants, electricity grids, and transportation systems. If an unauthorized individual gains access to the control software, they can manipulate operations, potentially causing disruptions, safety hazards, or catastrophic failures.

In the context of SCADA systems, such access can allow attackers to alter sensor readings, disable alarms, or issue unauthorized commands to system components. This could lead to serious consequences, including breaches of safety protocols, damage to equipment, and threats to public safety.

Other threats, while relevant to cybersecurity in general, do not directly pose the same level of immediate risk to the operational integrity of SCADA systems. For example, overloading the network with data can cause performance issues but may not necessarily lead to compromised control unless other vulnerabilities are present. Encryption, while a protective measure, is not a threat. Physical theft of hardware could certainly disrupt operations but does not have the same immediate potential for remote manipulation as unauthorized access to control software does. Thus, the security of control software remains paramount in protecting SCADA systems from various malicious activities.