SCADA vs Industrial IoT: Important Differences Between Systems

Even highly-trained professionals can become confused when it comes to terms like SCADA versus industrial IoT. The differences between various industrial control system terms can, at times, be challenging to parse out. But they’re worth noting, particularly in light of bold predictions that rising IoT technologies may render SCADA systems obsolete.

Like many with experience in the OT sector, we don’t believe that SCADA is going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, one could argue that those bold IoT predictions reveal a misunderstanding of the fundamental roles and distinctions between SCADA and industrial IoT. The truth is that many ICS operators effectively synergize SCADA and industrial IoT in their daily operations as an integral part of keeping our vital infrastructures safe and operational.

But regardless of where you stand when it comes to predictions for the future of industrial systems, parsing the differences between SCADA versus industrial IoT is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of ICS advancements.

First Off: What is SCADA?

Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a centralized system responsible for controlling and monitoring essential processes in energy, utilities, oil/gas, manufacturing, and many other industries. SCADA components include networks, data acquisition, presentation of data, and control from either local or remote locations.

SCADA systems are typically known for their reliance on traditional architecture and hardware, some of which may have been in operation for decades. But that doesn’t mean SCADA systems are inherently outdated.

SCADA systems include both traditional, legacy networks and modern networks developed with recent improvements to interoperability and scalability. In fact, many older legacy SCADA systems have been upgraded so thoroughly with newer technologies that they’re anything but out-of-date. With proper security protocols, operators can remain prepared for any threats their SCADA may face.

What is Industrial IoT?

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a newer technology changing some of the ways operators can acquire, process, and respond to data from their industrial systems. Industrial IoT has a serverless data architecture that enables improved information acquisition and retention that is far more efficient than legacy SCADA hardware and software.

It’s these improvements, along with recent cyberattack threats for industrial infrastructures, that have led some to decry SCADA as outdated and inherently vulnerable.

SCADA vs Industrial IoT: Not Necessarily One or the Other

Again, SCADA isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

SCADA is sometimes (unfairly) perceived as inflexible, but in actuality, it often seamlessly integrates with newer IoT technologies. The resulting hybridized SCADA and industrial IoT system pairs the reliability of legacy architecture with the improved data capabilities of IoT technologies.

ICS operators know that many SCADA systems aren’t inflexible by nature. These systems simply require the right technologies to integrate with—ones that don’t complicate, slow, or halt the industrial system’s ongoing processes. No matter how high-tech IoT advancements may seem, they’re useless if they hinder an industrial system’s operation or increase the system’s overall attack surface.

Convergence of IoT Visibility with SCADA Reliability

Many operators maintain their industrial system’s continued operation, reliability, and safety by strategically incorporating the right IoT technologies into their modern or legacy SCADA systems. They don’t struggle with “or”; instead, they leverage “and.”

The same philosophy drives EmberOT. Our industrial cybersecurity software provides operators with visibility and insights into their IoT and SCADA systems. Our low-hardware, low-hassle ICS cybersecurity solution provides industrial systems operators with end-to-end visibility that empowers them to analyze, prevent, and react to any threats.

Most importantly, with EmberOT, there are no massive hardware changes and software integration complications to your SCADA network. Your industrial system can remain running and well-protected. Contact us for a demo.