Analysis of SCADA system vulnerabilities to DDoS attacks

Abstract

Several factors have contributed to the escalation of risks specific to novel control systems, including the network architecture, adoption of standardized technologies with known vulnerabilities and connectivity of control systems to other networks. This paper considers SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) system vulnerabilities as well as securing the infrastructure of power utility information-telecommunication systems. We first present a concept of SCADA architecture in the hydropower plants. The simulation model assumes Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack to SCADA system. A comprehensive simulation points to SCADA performance deterioration under DDoS attack. Possible security solutions have also been discussed.