Securing
Mass Transit
Railway Systems iStock
T
HE MODERNIZATION OF
communications networks supporting
urban railway systems
promises to bring substantial
benefi ts to railway operators
and the public they serve in
terms of safety, operational
effi ciency and reliability. Railway
operators around the world are
moving toward IP-based networking
and internet of things (IoT)
technologies to support on-board
broadband coverage and deliver a
range of mission-critical services.
While these networks can support
a variety of new services to
make urban rail travel more enjoyable
and productive, they also tend
to be more open and interconnected,
with more direct exposure
to the internet. In addition, the
growing use of connected devices
such as meters, surveillance cameras
and even payment systems,
create avenues into the system that
hackers could potentially exploit.
Similarly, railway operators are
increasingly utilizing wireless
60 | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
networks to support a range of operational
and passenger services.
Together, these developments create
potential cyber vulnerabilities
that need to be managed.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly
sophisticated, and the
potential damage that can result is
growing — not only are operations
disrupted, but lives can be at risk,
as well. As a result, protecting rail
infrastructure in the future will
demand stronger and more robust
railway communications network
security, coupled with new practices
applying both technologies
and process measures.
While high-profi le hacks
by governments or criminal
organizations get a great deal of
attention in the media, the dangers
to infrastructure, such as railways,
are oft en more mundane — as are
the vulnerabilities. Many breaches
result from human error, things
like compliance failures, confi guration
problems or simple lack of
attention. IT organizations can
By putting in the necessary time and eff ort to prepare and
implement a robust cybersecurity strategy, railway operators
can not only avoid potential loss of revenue but also enhance
their reputation as a reliable provider of hassle-free, on-time
service. And, of course, fulfi ll their most important mission
simultaneously: keeping their passengers safe.
By Karsten Oberle
“These
strategies form
a multi-layered,
defense-indepth
approach
that can address
today’s security
threats ...”
/MassTransitmag.com