Distributed Monitoring: A Framework for Securing Data Acquisition

Distributed Monitoring: A Framework for Securing Data Acquisition

Matthew Brundage (The University of Tulsa, USA), Anastasia Mavridou (The University of Tulsa, USA), James Johnson (The University of Tulsa, USA), Peter J. Hawrylak (The University of Tulsa, USA) and Mauricio Papa (The University of Tulsa, USA)
Copyright: © 2013 |Pages: 24
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2659-1.ch006

Abstract

SCADA systems monitor and control many critical installations around the world, interpreting information gathered from a multitude of resources to drive physical processes to a desired state. In order for the system to react correctly, the data it collects from sensors must be reliable, accurate, and timely, regardless of distance and environmental conditions. This chapter presents a framework for secure data acquisition in SCADA systems using a distributed monitoring solution. An overview of the framework is followed by a detailed description of a monitoring system designed specifically to improve the security posture and act as a first step towards more intelligent tools and operations. The architecture of the Smart Grid is used to analyze and evaluate benefits that the proposed monitoring system can provide. Finally, the effects and use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and ZigBee as data acquisition platforms are discussed in the context of the proposed solution.
Chapter Preview
Top

Background

SCADA systems and their communications are currently at a critical point in time, as cyber-attacks become more common and these systems are becoming increasingly interconnected (Craig, Mortensen & Dagle, 2008). A brief overview of the security risks, standards, encryption and authentication, and functionality of the systems will be given.

Complete Chapter List

Search this Book:
Reset