Securing transportation systems in the digital age: The imperative for robust network design and cybersecurity measures

In today's interconnected world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, particularly for transportation agencies that are increasingly reliant on sophisticated technologies to manage and operate their networks and the interconnectivity now found in traffic lights.  

As cities become smarter and more integrated, the potential vulnerabilities in transportation systems grow, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. This necessitates a comprehensive approach to securing all network-connected assets and implementing proper network design to ensure the integrity and reliability of transportation services. As such, there remains a critical need for transportation agencies to not only invest in robust cybersecurity measures, but they have an obligation to work with technology vendor partners that understand the importance of shielded network assets and the evolving standards that must guide these efforts. 

The growing cyber threat to transportation systems

Transportation agencies are facing an unprecedented increase in cyber threats. As systems become more digitized and connected, the attack surface expands, providing more entry points for malicious actors. Cyberattacks on transportation systems can have devastating consequences, ranging from service disruptions and financial losses to compromised safety and public trust. To mitigate these risks, transportation agencies must prioritize cybersecurity and adopt proactive measures to protect their networks and assets. 

People often wonder of a fear of triggering a scenario like the one shown in movies like “The Italian Job”, where hackers switch all lights in an intersection to green. When transportation agencies partner with the right technology vendors, the potential for this scenario is next to impossible due to a device called a conflict monitor that is hardwired into the controller. 

Implementing robust network design

A fundamental aspect of securing transportation systems is the implementation of proper network design. A well-designed network can significantly enhance security by isolating critical systems, segmenting networks and minimizing potential points of failure. Transportation agencies should consider the following strategies:

1. Network segmentation: By dividing the network into smaller, manageable segments, transportation agencies can limit the spread of cyberattacks and contain potential breaches. Each segment can be secured individually, reducing the risk of a single point of failure compromising the entire network.
2. Redundancy and resilience: Implementing redundant systems and pathways ensures that transportation services can continue to operate even if one part of the network is compromised. This resilience is crucial for maintaining service continuity and minimizing the impact of cyber incidents.
3. Access controls: Strict access controls should be implemented to ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data, including multi-factor authentication, role-based access and regular audits to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts.  

Shielding network-connected assets 

One of the most effective ways to protect transportation systems from cyber threats is to shield all network-connected assets from external exposure. This involves implementing robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure that all devices are securely configured.  

Deploying firewalls and IDS can help detect and block malicious traffic before it reaches critical systems. These tools provide a first line of defense against cyberattacks and can be customized to meet the specific needs of transportation networks. 

Encrypting data in transportation and at rest ensures that even if it is intercepted, it cannot be easily read or used by unauthorized parties. Strong encryption protocols should be implemented across all network-connected assets to protect sensitive information. 

Conducting regular security assessments and vulnerability scans helps identify and address potential weaknesses in the network. This proactive approach allows transportation agencies to stay ahead of emerging threats and continuously improve their security posture. 

The role of technology vendor partners

Transportation agencies often rely on technology vendors to provide and maintain the systems and devices that make up their networks. It is crucial that these vendors adhere to strict cybersecurity standards and practices to ensure the integrity and security of transportation systems.  

Agencies should vet vendors thoroughly. Before partnering with technology vendors, transportation agencies should conduct thorough due diligence to ensure they have robust cybersecurity measures in place, including reviewing their security policies, past performance and compliance with industry standards.

Agencies should implement their own strong device hardening standards for all network-connected equipment and require vendor partners to also adhere to these standards. This includes disabling default accounts and settings, applying security patches promptly and following best practices for secure configuration. 

Transit and emergency agencies and tech vendors should ensure transportation agencies move any publicly-exposed traffic signal networks to private networks before beginning and engagements. Publicly accessible networks pose a significant security risk and should be isolated or shielded to prevent unauthorized access. 

Evolving standards and the future of smart cities

As transportation systems and cities become more integrated and intelligent, the standards guiding their development and operation must evolve to address new challenges and opportunities. The National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation System standards (NTCIP) is a critical framework that defines how traffic control devices communicate and operate.  

As new technologies and devices are integrated into transportation systems, smart city devices and communication standards such as NTCIP must constantly incorporate robust security features to safeguard against the latest cybersecurity threats, including supporting advanced encryption and secure communication protocols. 

The standards must also ensure devices from different vendors can work together seamlessly for the success of smart city initiatives. NTCIP standards should promote interoperability and provide guidelines for secure integration across diverse systems. Vendors should actively collaborate to implement, improve and promote the adoption of these standards. 

The security of transportation systems in the digital age is a complex and ever-evolving challenge. Transportation agencies must invest in developing robust network design and securing all network-connected assets to protect against cyber threats. By adopting proactive cybersecurity measures, partnering with responsible technology vendors and adhering to evolving standards like NTCIP, transportation agencies can ensure the reliability and safety of their systems. As cities continue to grow and become smarter, the importance of robust cybersecurity in transportation systems will only increase, making it imperative for agencies to stay ahead of the curve and safeguard their networks for the future.