The rapid advancements of technology and communication networks have transformed almost any industry you can think of. However, the railroad industry seems to be lagging due to a lack of upgrades on their software and hardware networks.
This lack of advanced technology implementation has exposed railroads to various security threats. An Israeli startup known as Cylus is aiming to solve the security issue in this field by providing cybersecurity products tailored to the railroad industry. Read on to learn more about their security innovations!
Vulnerable Security Systems in the Railroad Industry
When you think of modern cybersecurity attacks, you probably don’t think of trains being hacked. However, the railroad industry has recently become a popular target for cyber criminals due to its outdated technology platforms that are seemingly easy to hack.
“Rail travel has undergone a digitization process that may be lagging behind other industries,” said Amir Levintal, the CEO of Cylus. “Train companies also use safety systems meant to last 30 years or more, which means many of these have been put in place long before contemporary hacking tools were available or threats known.”
The recent years have shown just how vulnerable the railroad cybersecurity systems are. Several incidents that took place from 2016 to 2018 have proved that this industry could use some help and improvement in the security field.
For instance, one of the most relevant high-profile cyber-attacks in the transportation industry took place in 2017 when multiple ships were left stranded. This was a ransomware attack that hit Maersk and impacted dozens of companies, including FedEx.
As the frequency of ransomware attacks targeting the transportation industry grew, experts became concerned for the safety of passengers, crews, and cargo shipments. This has prompted Cylus, an Israel-based cybersecurity startup, to look toward creating a solution for these security issues.
Cylus Solving the Issue
After noticing the high demand for tailored rail cybersecurity tools, the CEO of Cylus, Amir Levintal, set on a mission to provide a reliable transportation security solution. The result of his efforts is Cylus, a successful startup that provides security products for signaling systems and monitoring for traffic-control devices located alongside tracks.
“The ability to detect cyberattacks and make accurate assessments is critical. Without the proper information, rail companies cannot respond appropriately and false positives have the potential to cause debilitating delays,” Levintal said.
With that in mind, Levintal focused on creating products that will lead to a positive change in the railroad industry. Cylus also appeared on CNBC’s 2019 list of the world’s most promising startups, thus proving the significance of their security innovations.
The startup predicts that the railroad market will grow from its current worth of $6 billion to over $12 billion in 2027. Thus, there is no doubt that cyber criminals will continue targeting transportation platforms with fast and unpredictable ransomware attacks.
Let’s not forget that ransomware attacks are common among small targets as well, meaning your devices could be in danger if you don’t implement the right security measures in time. To protect your data and devices, refer to the NIST cybersecurity framework and its security procedures.
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