With the increasing reliance on digital systems in rolling stock, the need for robust cyber security measures has never been greater. The transportation sector forms the backbone of our society and economy, and a cyber-attack could potentially lead to disastrous consequences.
That’s why regulators across the world are enforcing strict cyber security regulations for all rolling stock vehicles and their components. In this blog post, we will explore the three key regulations that every organisation working with rolling stock must be aware of – BS EN 50129, ENISA, and ISA/IEC 62443.
We will discuss their key provisions, benefits, and implications for businesses and passengers alike. So let’s dive in and gain a better understanding of rolling stock cyber security regulations.
The Importance of Standards in Cyber Security
Standards play a crucial role in shaping the security landscape of the rolling stock industry. They provide a unified framework for assessing, implementing, and managing cyber security measures.
Developing and adhering to a standardized approach to security allows organizations to ensure that all aspects of their digital infrastructure are secure and robust, covering everything from operational systems to digital interfaces in passenger carriages.
For instance, standards like BS EN 50129, ENISA, and ISA/IEC 62443 are followed globally. According to a report by the IEC, the use of such standards helps organisations address security risks in a systematic and consistent manner, making it harder for cyber criminals to exploit system vulnerabilities.
Moreover, these standards provide guidelines for both technical and procedural aspects of cyber security, which makes them comprehensive in nature. As per the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), standards foster interoperability, consistency, reliability, and efficiency of services.
In summary, the adherence to standards offers a collaborative approach towards achieving higher levels of cyber security. They bring the global rolling stock community together to fight against potential cyber threats, ensuring a safer and more secure transportation environment for all.
BS EN 50129:
BS EN 50129 is a European standard that sets out safety requirements for software in railway control and protection systems. It covers the entire lifecycle of software development, from design and implementation to testing and maintenance.
As cyber threats evolve rapidly, the BS EN 50129 standard is updated frequently to ensure its relevance. The latest version contains comprehensive guidelines for cyber security risk assessment, security features, and advanced cryptographic techniques.
Embracing BS EN 50129 helps businesses to ensure that their code is secure and that the vehicles and components have a high level of resilience against cyber-attacks. It also increases passenger confidence and trust in the safety of transportation systems.
ENISA:
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) is a regulatory body responsible for supporting EU countries to enhance their resilience to cyber attacks. ENISA has developed a set of guidelines to help businesses in the transportation sector to achieve better cyber security.
These guidelines focus on recognizing cyber risks, implementing appropriate security measures, and managing cyber security incidents. The most significant advantage of adopting ENISA’s recommendations is that it helps businesses to align their security policies with the best practices in the industry.
ENISA’s cybersecurity guidelines are closely aligned with the internationally recognized standard for information security management, ISO 27001. ISO 27001 provides a broad framework for the establishment, maintenance, and continual improvement of an information security management system.
It encompasses risk management processes, policies, and procedures that are vital for protecting sensitive information from various threats. Both documents advocate for a risk-based approach towards cybersecurity.
Both approaches also encourage organisations to identify their information assets, evaluate potential threats and vulnerabilities, assess the potential impact of risk realisation, and implement appropriate security measures.
Moreover, many of the specific controls recommended by ENISA, such as access control, cryptography, and incident management, can be mapped directly to controls in Annex A of ISO 27001. It is likely that a company that has implemented ISO 27001 will find that they are already following many of ENISA’s guidelines.
This mapping between ENISA and ISO 27001 helps businesses to leverage their compliance with one set of regulations to achieve compliance with the other. It also fosters a unified approach to cybersecurity, making it easier for businesses in the transportation sector to achieve their security objectives.
ISA/IEC 62443:
ISA/IEC 62443 is a global standard that sets out cybersecurity requirements for industrial automation and control systems, including those used in rolling stock. The standard covers threat modeling, risk assessment, network security, access control, and incident management.
It provides a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, tailored specifically for the industrial sector. Adopting ISA/IEC 62443 can help businesses to develop a risk-based approach to cyber security and implement controls that align with global best practices.
ISA/IEC 62443 closely interacts with other international standards like ISO 27001 and NIST 800-82. While ISO 27001 provides a general framework for information security, ISA/IEC 62443 specializes it for Industrial Control Systems (ICS). It maps the controls present in ISO 27001 and adds further details pertinent to ICS, making it a companion standard rather than a competing one. It means organizations already compliant with ISO 27001 are likely to find similarities with ISA/IEC 62443 controls, streamlining the transition between the two [^1^].
Furthermore, ISA/IEC 62443 parallels with the NIST 800-82 guide for Industrial Control Systems security. Both documents share a common objective of ensuring the security of industrial automation and control systems. While NIST 800-82 is more descriptive and provides detailed information about threats and vulnerabilities, ISA/IEC 62443 is more prescriptive, outlining the steps necessary to achieve a certain level of security [^2^]. This complementarity allows organizations to leverage both standards for an enhanced security framework.
Benefits of Compliance:
Complying with these regulations brings a range of benefits for businesses working with rolling stock. First and foremost, it helps organisations to protect their assets and safeguard public safety.
Compliance also provides a competitive advantage by demonstrating to customers and stakeholders that the company is committed to security and quality. Furthermore, compliance can help organisations to avoid legal and financial penalties that may arise from non-compliance with regulations.
In addition, implementing these security frameworks allows businesses to identify and mitigate potential cyber risks before they can cause significant damage. This proactive approach helps organisations to reduce the likelihood of cybersecurity incidents, protecting their reputation and financial stability.
Finally, following these regulations can strengthen partnerships with other businesses and regulatory authorities, paving the way for future opportunities and reducing risk in the eventuality of an attack.
Implications for Businesses:
Complying with these regulations can be challenging for businesses. Many organisations face challenges such as lack of understanding, budget constraints, and technical difficulties in implementing the measures. These difficulties are amplified when coupled with the challenges of running a rail service.
It is crucial to work with expert cyber security professionals who can guide companies through the compliance process, evaluate risks, and implement the necessary measures. These professionals will allow organisations to lay down the foundations to continuously monitor, develop and update security systems to keep up with evolving threats and technology.
Businesses must also provide proper training to employees on cybersecurity best practices to prevent human error from becoming a weak point in the security framework. This training should be integrated into the company’s culture to ensure its effectiveness.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the intricate landscape of cybersecurity is evolving rapidly, making it a significant concern for businesses in the transportation sector. The overlay of international standards such as ENISA, ISO 27001, ISA/IEC 62443 offers a comprehensive pathway to ensure robust cybersecurity practices.
While the initial steps towards compliance might seem daunting, the long-term benefits for an organization’s reputation, financial stability, and public safety are immense. Furthermore, collaboration with cybersecurity professionals, coupled with ongoing employee training, can facilitate a smoother journey towards a secure digital environment.
As the threat landscape evolves, so too must our defences, making adherence to, and understanding of, these standards not an option, but a necessity for every organisation in the transportation sector.
For more information about rolling stock cyber security, or to get assistance with your organisations cyber journey, get in touch.
References:
- ISA/IEC 62443 and ISO/IEC 27001: A Comparison. ISA.
- Guide to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security. NIST.
- Cybersecurity in Railways: Threat Landscape and Best Practices. ENISA.
- Cybersecurity in Railways. CEN/CENELEC/ETSI
- European Union Agency for Railways. ERA.