SCADA devices are notoriously vulnerable to cyberthreats. But they don’t have to be. These six steps will help secure your SCADA systems.
If you’re a distribution cooperative, you may think you don’t have to worry about terms like NERC, FERC, CIP, and self reporting to government agencies. In most cases, you may be right; however, not having to worry about something isn't a reason to ignore it altogether. NERC CIP outlines some easy to follow security guidelines that can improve your cooperatives security.
When I worked at an electric cooperative, I asked the question “How much harm could be done with SCADA before we ever even knew?” The answer I received is the same that most electric utilities answer. “Not much, we will just roll trucks.” The truth is that rolling trucks may get you back online if your SCADA system is being turned off… but what if your SCADA system appears to be on and is telling you it’s fine?