Embedded Systems (SCADA) Facts

Question 1

An embedded system

Answer 1

is a complete computer system that is designed to perform a specific dedicated task.

Question 2

examples of embedded system:

Answer 2

-mobile phones
-gaming consoles
-household appliances
-industrial machines.

Question 3

Because these devices (embedded system) have become so prevalent in our personal and professional lives, they have become prime targets for attackers.
(true/false)

Answer 3

true

Question 4

Embedded systems are:

Answer 4

• single-function devices
• static or sealed system (hardware cannot be swapped out)
  -reactive and make changes in real-time based on feedback from built-in sensors
  -Must be controlled by a microprocessor, have memory, and contain components to connect external devices such as USB ports
  -Use a real-time operating system (RTOS). This operating system handles processes in a deterministic manner.

Question 5

real-time operating system (RTOS) are:

Answer 5

-Different algorithms are used to determine the task that should be performed next.
-Tasks are given individual priority by the program developer, so the RTOS knows the order to perform that tasks in.
-RTOS systems allow for tasks to be processed with almost no latency. This is vitally important for many embedded devices to work properly.

Question 6

Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)

Answer 6

-created to perform a single function
-Are typically custom designed.
-Are used by a company in a single product.
-Have an expensive and time-consuming development process.
-Offer high performance with low power consumption.

Question 7

A system-on-chip incorporates all components on the board, including:

Answer 7

-Processor
-Memory
-Peripheral functions

Question 8

A field-programmable gate array

Answer 8

-is physically setup like an ASIC or SoC, but the programming is configured by the end-user.

Question 9

_____ handle the workflow and automation process for all sorts of machinery. These control systems are used in critical infrastructure such as power plants, manufacturing, hospitals, telecom systems, and more.

Answer 9

Industrial control systems (ICSs)

Question 10

_____ is a specialized controller that can be programmed to perform specific tasks. Multiple _____ can be combined and configured to work together to carry out complex tasks.

Answer 10

Programmable logic controller (PLC)

Question 11

_____ controllers can monitor and control PLC systems. They gather data and adjust the system based on the data acquired from sensors.

Answer 11

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)

Question 12

The _____ can be either a touch-screen control panel or software running on a computer system. The _____ allows the operator to make configuration changes in the system.

Answer 12

Human-machine interface (HMI)

Question 13

_____ is a customized all-in-one package that contains the needed PLCs, SCADA controller, and HMI. These are typically custom designed for specific needs.

Answer 13

Distributed control system (DCS)

Question 14

_____ is a special network protocol that controller systems use to communicate with each other. _____ originally ran through a serial interface but has evolved to work over Ethernet and TCP/IP.

Answer 14

Modbus

Question 15

All components of an ICS network are typically referred to as an operational technology (OT) network, in contrast to information technology (IT) networks that consist of a server and clients. (true/false)

Answer 15

true