Distributed Monitoring: A Framework for Securing Data Acquisition

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.