Learning outcomes
- Explain the key principles of scada security, deployment and backups.
- Carry out a structured practical check or configuration task.
- Recognise common faults, risks and evidence needed for diagnosis.
Module 12 · Lesson 4
SCADA security, deployment and backups
Manage accounts, roles, deployment, change control, licensing, backups and disaster recovery.
Before you begin
Approved change request and tested backup location.
Safety: Use site procedures, approved test equipment and competent supervision. Never bypass a protection or interlock without formal control.
Step-by-step learning
- Export and verify the current application before modification.
- Use role-based permissions and separate engineering/operator accounts.
- Deploy through a controlled test and approval process.
- Restore the application, historian configuration and licences in a recovery test.
Ian's practical tips:
- A backup that has not been restored is an untested hope.
- Record software versions, patches, licences and dependencies with every release.
Fault-finding questions
- What should be happening, and what evidence proves it?
- Where is the last known correct signal, voltage, state or process condition?
- What changed immediately before the fault?
- Can the system be divided into smaller testable sections?
Practical activity
Create a one-page test record for this lesson. Include expected values, measured results, equipment used, risks controlled, defects found and the final proven condition.