<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The pervasive nature and state of technology today and its inherent benefits and risks must be understood and properly managed. The Internet of Things (IoT) and related implementation of technology has many benefits to all industries, including rail, while at the same time introducing serious and far reaching risks that must be understood, managed and mitigated. This paper, at a high level, will discuss the use of networked system, IoT, and digital communication systems in rail. Case studies will be presented as part of the discussion, including how selected roads have leveraged technology and systems to keep their cyber security on track. This paper will also discuss the cyber security issues related to the implantation of train control systems such as Positive Train Control (PTC) and Communication Based Train Control (CBTC). This is a key issue as these systems rely on a high level of connectivity and also establish network connections that span the country and join the dispatch and control centers of freight, commuter rail, and intercity passenger rail. &nbsp;These systems also leverage existing networks, including cellular, fiber, and dedicated internet connections, much of which maybe outside of the direct control of connected railroads. This makes understanding and managing these connections even more critical.</p>

Keeping Cyber Security on Track

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/JRC/JRC2021/volume/84775

2021 Joint Rail Conference (JRC2021)

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