SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition)

SCADA is a generic name for a computerized system that gathers and processes data and applies operational controls over long distances. Typical uses include power transmission and distribution and pipeline systems. It was designed for communication challenges such as delays and data integrity across media including phone lines, microwave, and satellite.

Source checked2/2 values · 2026-10-25System

Specification

2 sources

Kind	system
Origin	NIST SP 800-82r3 / The Automation, Systems, and Instrumentation Dictionary

Study notes

Typical uses include power transmission and distribution and pipeline systems.
SCADA was designed for communication challenges such as delays and data integrity across media such as phone lines, microwave, and satellite.
Communication media used by SCADA are usually shared rather than dedicated.
NIST SP 800-82r3 provides guidance on securing operational technology, including SCADA systems, and identifies threats, vulnerabilities, and security countermeasures.