As municipalities modernize their infrastructure, Municipal SCADA software has become a cornerstone of operational efficiency in water and wastewater management. These systems enable real-time control, data collection, and automation—but they also introduce new cybersecurity risks that small utilities must address proactively.
Why Cybersecurity Matters
SCADA systems are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to their critical role in public infrastructure. A breach could lead to:
- Service disruptions
- Environmental violations
- Compromised water quality
- Regulatory penalties
For small utilities, the challenge is balancing robust security with limited resources and technical expertise.
Best Practices for Securing Municipal SCADA Software
🔐 1. Encrypt All Communications: Ensure that data transmitted between field devices and central servers is encrypted using secure protocols. This protects against interception and tampering.
🔐 2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for all users accessing the SCADA dashboard or water utility monitoring system. This adds a critical layer of protection against unauthorized access.
🔐 3. Host in a Secure Cloud Environment: If your SCADA system is cloud-based, verify that it’s hosted in a secure, compliant environment with firewalls, intrusion detection, and redundancy.
🔐 4. Maintain Audit Trails: Keep detailed logs of system access, configuration changes, and alarm activity. These records are essential for compliance and incident response.
🔐 5. Apply Regular Updates and Patches: Outdated software is a common vulnerability. Make sure your SCADA platform receives timely updates and security patches—ideally managed by your vendor.
Mission Communications: Secure Utility Remote Monitoring
At Mission Communications is committed to continuously enhancing the security of our platform to protect your sensitive data. Customers have the ability to enforce the following security features when using our 123SCADA platform.
✅ Multi-Factor Authentication
Mission Customers can require 2FA for added security.
✅ Strong Password Requirements
123SCADA provides support for passwords up to 25 characters, with enforcement of mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
✅ Mandatory Password Resets
123SCADA provides the ability to set required password change intervals to enhance security.
✅ Failed Login Tracking& Lockout Protection
123SCADA provides the option to lock accounts after multiple failed login attempts to prevent unauthorized access.
✅ 24/7 Support
Mission’s technical support team is available around the clock, with training resources and webinars to keep your staff informed and confident.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. As threats evolve, municipalities must adopt SCADA systems that prioritize security without adding complexity. By following best practices and partnering with trusted providers like Mission Communications, small utilities can protect their infrastructure, their data, and their communities.
Contact your local Mission distributor to learn more.