# What is Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)?

> Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) is an industrial control architecture used to supervise processes and collect operational data across distributed assets.

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## Content

It is common in electricity, water, oil and gas, transport, and other environments where remote sites communicate with one or more control centers.

A SCADA system usually provides operators with process visibility, alarms, historical data, and supervisory commands. Local controllers continue much of the real-time control, while central systems coordinate and monitor the wider operation. The exact architecture varies, and a SCADA system does not need to be connected to the public internet.

### Key points

- **Typical components:** SCADA servers, HMIs, remote terminal units, PLCs, field devices, historians, communications links, and engineering stations.
- **Security priorities:** Trustworthy measurements and commands, controlled remote access, resilient communications, safe local operation, and recovery of configurations.
- **Architecture reality:** Geographic distribution and low-bandwidth or legacy links can affect monitoring, authentication, and update options.
- **Important limitation:** Protecting only the central server leaves field equipment, communications, engineering access, and operational procedures exposed.

### Related terms

[Industrial control system (ICS)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/industrial-control-system/>) · [Operational technology (OT) security](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/operational-technology-security/>) · [Programmable logic controller (PLC)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/programmable-logic-controller/>) · [Human-machine interface (HMI)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/human-machine-interface/>) · [Data diode / unidirectional gateway](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/data-diode-unidirectional-gateway/>)

### Sources

[NIST glossary: SCADA](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/supervisory_control_and_data_acquisition) · [NIST SP 800-82r3: Guide to Operational Technology Security](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/82/r3/final)

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