Common attack vectors for industrial systems are:

• Backdoors and holes in the network perimeter, including the supply chain
• Many vulnerabilities in common Protocols and Devices
• Database attacks via phishing or other social engineering attacks
• Communications hijacking and Man-in-the-middle attacks
• “Cinderella attacks” on time provision and synchronization
• Physical insertion or replacement of hardware (PLCs RCUs etc)
• Accidental or malicious Insider Attacks
• Denial of Service attacks

Malware that is developed to target SCADA can have serious impacts on the functioning of businesses and also Critical National Infrastructure. There are many misconceptions on the levels of threat, the extent of damage or disruption and the effort and skills required for protection. Implementation of cyber security for SCADA and Industrial Control Systems is very complex, and the consequences of either ignoring the threats or implementing inadequate controls may have significant consequences, perhaps involving loss of life if an attack was launched which achieved the end objective.

Cyber and SCADA Security is now of major concern for all industrial
infrastructures. The nature of the threat demands rapid, accurate, and informed decision-making to ensure safety, security, and operational effectiveness are maintained regardless of any incidents or accidents that may occur. This requires the application of holistic security solutions, delivered by organisations such as Smarttech247 who have the capabilities to deliver the integrated security systems designed to meet the increasing threats and ensure that Critical Operations receive the optimum security.