Redefining CyberSecurity

From Signaling to Safety: Protecting Critical Infrastructure and the Modern Railway from Digital Threats | A Conversation with Fahad Mughal | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean MartinGuest: Fahad Mughal, Senior Cyber Solutions Architect - Security On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahadmughal/ ____________________________ Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin View This Show's Sponsors ___________________________ Episode Notes Modern railway systems are increasingly digital, integrating operational technology (OT) to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety. However, as railways adopt automated and interconnected systems, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. In this episode of Redefining Cybersecurity on ITSP Magazine, host Sean Martin speaks with Fahad Ali Mughal, a cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in OT security architecture, about the challenges and priorities of securing railway infrastructure. The Growing Role of Cybersecurity in Railways Railway systems have evolved from steam-powered locomotives to autonomous, driverless trains that rely on sophisticated digital controls. OT now plays a crucial role in managing train operations, signaling, interlocking, and trackside equipment. These advancements improve efficiency but also expose railway networks to cyber threats that can disrupt service, compromise safety, and even impact national security. Unlike traditional IT environments, where the focus is on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), OT in railways prioritizes reliability, availability, and public safety. Ensuring the safe movement of trains requires a cybersecurity strategy tailored to the unique needs of railway infrastructure. Critical OT Systems in Railways Mughal highlights key OT components in railways that require cybersecurity protection: • Signaling Systems: These function like traffic lights for trains, ensuring safe distances between locomotives. Modern communication-based train control (CBTC) and European Rail Traffic Management Systems (ERTMS) are vulnerable to cyber intrusions. • Interlocking Systems: These systems prevent conflicting train movements, ensuring safe operations. As they become digitized, cyber risks increase. • Onboard OT Systems: Automatic Train Control (ATC) regulates speed and ensures compliance with signaling instructions. A cyberattack could manipulate these controls. • SCADA Systems: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems oversee infrastructure operations. Any compromise here can impact an entire railway network. • Safety-Critical Systems: Fail-safe mechanisms like automatic braking and failover controls are vital in preventing catastrophic accidents. The increasing digitization and interconnection of these systems expand the attack surface, making cybersecurity a top priority for railway operators. Real-World Cyber Threats in Railways Mughal discusses several significant cyber incidents that highlight vulnerabilities in railway cybersecurity: • 2023 Poland Attack: Nation-state actors exploited vulnerabilities in railway radio communication systems to send unauthorized emergency stop commands, halting trains across the country. The attack exposed weaknesses in authentication and encryption within OT communication protocols. • 2021 Iran Railway Incident: Hackers breached Iran’s railway scheduling and digital message board systems, displaying fake messages and causing widespread confusion. While safety-critical OT systems remained unaffected, the attack disrupted operations and damaged public trust. • 2016 San Francisco Muni Ransomware Attack: A ransomware attack crippled the fare and scheduling system, leading to free rides for passengers and operational delays. Though IT systems were the primary target, the impact on OT operations was evident. These incidents underscore the urgent need for stronger authentication, encryption, and IT-OT segmentation to protect railway infrastructure. Cybersecurity Standards and Best Practices for Railways (links to resources below) To build resilient railway cybersecurity, Mughal emphasizes the importance of international standards: • IEC 62443: A globally recognized framework for securing industrial control systems, widely applied to OT environments, including railways. It introduces concepts such as network segmentation, risk assessment, and security levels. • TS 50701: A European standard specifically designed for railway cybersecurity, expanding on IEC 62443 with guidance for securing signaling, interlocking, and control systems. • EN 50126 (RAMS Standard): A safety-focused standard that integrates reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS) into railway operations. Adopting these standards helps railway operators establish secure-by-design architectures that mitigate cyber risks. Looking Ahead: Strengthening Railway Cybersecurity As railway systems become more automated and interconnected with smart cities, vehicle transportation, and supply chain networks, cyber threats will continue to grow. Mughal stresses the need for industry collaboration between railway engineers and cybersecurity professionals to ensure that security is integrated into every stage of railway system design. He also emphasizes the importance of real-time OT threat monitoring, anomaly detection, and Security Operations Centers (SOCs) that understand railway-specific cyber risks. The industry must stay ahead of adversaries by adopting proactive security measures before a large-scale cyber incident disrupts critical transportation networks. The conversation makes it clear: cybersecurity is now a fundamental part of railway safety and reliability. As Mughal warns, it’s not a question of if railway cyber incidents will happen, but when. To hear the full discussion, including insights into OT vulnerabilities, real-world case studies, and cybersecurity best practices, listen to this episode of Redefining Cybersecurity on ITSP Magazine. ___________________________ Sponsors Imperva: https://itspm.ag/imperva277117988 LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/attcybersecurity-3jdk3 ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974 ___________________________ Watch this and other videos on ITSPmagazine's YouTube Channel Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast with Sean Martin, CISSP playlist: 📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS9aVGdiakVss9u7xgYDKYq ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine Be sure to share and subscribe! ___________________________ Resources The LinkedIn Post that inspired this conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7264434413965328384/ IEC 62443: https://www.isa.org/standards-and-publications/isa-standards/isa-iec-62443-series-of-standards CENELEC TS 50701: https://www.en-standard.eu/clc/ts-50701-2021-railway-applications-cybersecurity/ EN 50126: https://www.en-standard.eu/bs-en-50126-1-2017-railway-applications-the-specification-and-demonstration-of-reliability-availability-maintainability-and-safety-rams-generic-rams-process/ ___________________________ To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast Are you interested in sponsoring this show with an ad placement in the podcast? Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplc

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Shadow IT: Securing Your Organization in a World of Unapproved Apps | A Zero Trust World Conversation with Ryan Bowman | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco CiappelliZero Trust World 2025, hosted by ThreatLocker, is fast approaching (February 19-21), bringing together security professionals, IT leaders, and business executives to discuss the principles and implementation of Zero Trust. Hosted by ThreatLocker, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore real-world security challenges and solutions. In a special On Location with Sean and Marco episode recorded ahead of the event, Ryan Bowman, VP of Solutions Engineering at ThreatLocker, shares insights into his upcoming session, The Dangers of Shadow IT. Shadow IT—the use of unauthorized applications and systems within an organization—poses a significant risk to security, operations, and compliance. Bowman’s session aims to shed light on this issue and equip attendees with strategies to address it effectively. Understanding Shadow IT and Its Risks Bowman explains that Shadow IT is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a growing challenge for businesses of all sizes. Employees often turn to unauthorized tools and services because they perceive them as more efficient, cost-effective, or user-friendly than the official solutions provided by IT teams. While this may seem harmless, the reality is that these unsanctioned applications create serious security vulnerabilities, increase operational risk, and complicate compliance efforts. One of the most pressing concerns is data security. Employees using unauthorized platforms for communication, file sharing, or project management may unknowingly expose sensitive company data to external risks. When employees leave the organization or access is revoked, data stored in these unofficial systems can remain accessible, increasing the risk of breaches or data loss. Procurement issues also play a role in the Shadow IT problem. Bowman highlights cases where organizations unknowingly pay for redundant software services, such as using both Teams and Slack for communication, leading to unnecessary expenses. A lack of centralized oversight results in wasted resources and fragmented security controls. Zero Trust as a Mindset A recurring theme throughout the discussion is that Zero Trust is not just a technology or a product—it’s a mindset. Bowman emphasizes that implementing Zero Trust requires organizations to reassess their approach to security at every level. Instead of inherently trusting employees or systems, organizations must critically evaluate every access request, application, and data exchange. This mindset shift extends beyond security teams. IT leaders must work closely with employees to understand why Shadow IT is being used and find secure, approved alternatives that still support productivity. By fostering open communication and making security a shared responsibility, organizations can reduce the temptation for employees to bypass official IT policies. Practical Strategies to Combat Shadow IT Bowman’s session will not only highlight the risks associated with Shadow IT but also provide actionable strategies to mitigate them. Attendees can expect insights into: • Identifying and monitoring unauthorized applications within their organization • Implementing policies and security controls that balance security with user needs • Enhancing employee engagement and education to prevent unauthorized technology use • Leveraging solutions like ThreatLocker to enforce security policies while maintaining operational efficiency Bowman also stresses the importance of rethinking traditional IT stereotypes. While security teams often impose strict policies to minimize risk, they must also ensure that these policies do not create unnecessary obstacles for employees. The key is to strike a balance between control and usability. Why This Session Matters With organizations constantly facing new security threats, understanding the implications of Shadow IT is critical. Bowman’s session at Zero Trust World 2025 will provide a practical, real-world perspective on how organizations can protect themselves without stifling innovation and efficiency. Beyond the technical discussions, the conference itself offers a unique chance to engage with industry leaders, network with peers, and gain firsthand experience with security tools in hands-on labs. With high-energy sessions, interactive learning opportunities, and keynotes from industry leaders like ThreatLocker CEO Danny Jenkins and Dr. Zero Trust, Chase Cunningham, Zero Trust World 2025 is shaping up to be an essential event for anyone serious about cybersecurity. For those interested in staying ahead of security challenges, attending Bowman’s session on The Dangers of Shadow IT is a must. Guest: Ryan Bowman, VP of Solutions Engineering, ThreatLocker [@ThreatLocker | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bowman-3358a71b/ Hosts: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli ____________________________ This Episode’s Sponsors ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974 ____________________________ Resources Learn more and catch more stories from ZTW 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/zero-trust-world-2025-cybersecurity-and-zero-trust-event-coverage-orlando-florida Register for Zero Trust World 2025: https://itspm.ag/threat5mu1 ____________________________ Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverage To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast To see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcast Want to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/evtcovbrf Want Sean and Marco to be part of your event or conference? Let Us Know 👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/contact-us

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