Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are used to control and monitor critical processes. Modern SCADA systems are increasingly built with off-the-shelf components simplifying their integration into existing networks. The benefits of increased flexibility and reduced costs are accompanied by newly introduced challenges regarding SCADA security/ dependability. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technologies allow for the construction of self-organizing, dependable and largescale overlays on top of existing physical networks. In this paper, we build the base for using P2P to enhance the resilience of deployed SCADA systems. To this end, we provide a general analysis of both domains and their compatibility. In addition, we refine the existing classifications of P2P technologies w.r.t. the needs and capabilities of SCADA systems. Consequently, we identify core P2P-based protection mechanisms for SCADA systems, based on data and path replication. Our main results are generic guidelines for the exploitation of P2P technologies to enhance the SCADA resilience. © 2010 Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.