How can you avoid risks when upgrading SCADA systems?

2 Define your upgrade strategy

Once you have assessed your current system, you need to define your upgrade strategy, which should be tailored to your business goals, operational needs, and budget constraints. When defining your upgrade strategy, you should consider the level of upgrade required (partial or complete), the type of upgrade (reactive or proactive), and the mode of upgrade (parallel or sequential). A partial upgrade involves replacing or updating some components of your system, while a complete upgrade involves replacing or updating the entire system. A reactive upgrade is driven by an urgent problem or a compliance requirement, while a proactive upgrade is driven by a strategic opportunity or a competitive advantage. A parallel upgrade involves running the old and the new system simultaneously until the new system is fully tested and validated, while a sequential upgrade involves switching off the old system and switching on the new system in phases or at once.

3 Select your upgrade partner

Upgrading your SCADA system is not a task to be taken lightly. You need to select a reliable and experienced partner who can help you design, implement, and maintain your upgraded system. When considering potential partners, make sure they have the technical skills and knowledge to handle the complexity and specificity of your system and industry, as well as the practical experience and track record to deliver successful SCADA upgrade projects in similar contexts and scenarios. Additionally, they should have the compatibility and interoperability to work with your existing system and equipment, as well as the new technologies and standards that you want to adopt. Lastly, they should have the support and service to provide ongoing assistance, training, and troubleshooting throughout the upgrade process and beyond.

4 Test your upgraded system

Before you deploy your upgraded system, it is important to test it thoroughly to ensure that it meets all expectations and requirements, as well as that it does not introduce any new risks or errors. Functional tests should be conducted to verify that the system performs the intended functions and tasks correctly and efficiently. Integration tests should be done to guarantee that the system communicates well with other systems and devices within and outside your network. Security tests should be done to ensure that the system is protected and resilient against potential cyberattacks and unauthorized access. Additionally, performance tests should be conducted to verify that the system operates at the optimal speed, capacity, and reliability under different loads and conditions.

5 Train your staff

The success of your SCADA upgrade project requires more than just technical aspects; it also depends on the human aspects. To ensure your staff can use and manage your upgraded system effectively and safely, you should provide them with operational, maintenance, and security training. Operational training teaches them how to operate and monitor your system, and how to handle routine and emergency situations. Maintenance training shows them how to maintain and troubleshoot your system, along with performing regular backups and updates. Security training educates them on following best practices and policies for securing your system, as well as detecting and reporting any suspicious or malicious activities.