Consultants say cyber hackers are mostly looking to enrich themselves from railroads, but leave a path for even more serious attacks
http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/05/28-positive-train-control-may-open-up-railroads-to-new-kinds-of-cyber-attacks-expert-says
Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine
Our hometown daily was recently hit with a ransomware attack. It only shut down production of one issue, but reared its head again a few days later. I believe ransomware is wreaking havoc with the city of Baltimore right now.
Shutting down a region might have significant economic effects - perhaps enough to warrant demanding ransom.
Given that trains ran without PTC before, and that most of the basic infrastructure (voice radio, phones) existed before PTC, it would be no problem for the railroads to go into "dark territory" operating mode. Yes, it would slow things considerably, but trains would still move.
That said, I don't know (and don't want to know) how much encryption is used in PTC communications were it might be vulnerable. And hackers are always looking for a new way into servers, etc.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
tree68Given that trains ran without PTC before, and that most of the basic infrastructure (voice radio, phones) existed before PTC, it would be no problem for the railroads to go into "dark territory" operating mode. Yes, it would slow things considerably, but trains would still move.
I don't know whether removal of intermediate signals, as NS is evidently doing, would allow much flexibility insofar as establishing blocks other than control point to control point; or, for that matter, how conversant many dispatchers would be with manual block operation. So there would be significant delays in getting up-to-speed although it would be practicable, but hardly the great PTC wonder cure-all. Imagine all of these potential cyber high jinks transpiring out on the open road!
PennsyBoomer tree68 Given that trains ran without PTC before, and that most of the basic infrastructure (voice radio, phones) existed before PTC, it would be no problem for the railroads to go into "dark territory" operating mode. Yes, it would slow things considerably, but trains would still move. I don't know whether removal of intermediate signals, as NS is evidently doing, would allow much flexibility insofar as establishing blocks other than control point to control point; or, for that matter, how conversant many dispatchers would be with manual block operation. So there would be significant delays in getting up-to-speed although it would be practicable, but hardly the great PTC wonder cure-all. Imagine all of these potential cyber high jinks transpiring out on the open road!
tree68 Given that trains ran without PTC before, and that most of the basic infrastructure (voice radio, phones) existed before PTC, it would be no problem for the railroads to go into "dark territory" operating mode. Yes, it would slow things considerably, but trains would still move.
Very many Dispatcher's districts include a variety of operating methods. CTC, ABS coupled with Track Warrants, Track Warrant only 'dark' territory. While each Dispatchers desk will have a primary method of operation for most of the territory, in many cases have lesser volume subdivisions attached to the main territory - that may have different methods of operation than the primary territory.
Dispatchers are trained and annually tested on all methods of operation that their company uses. This is a part of the annual Dispatcher Rules Classes.
With all the communications that must take place between 'all the moving parts' of PTC. I envision PTC being a hackers dream.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
BaltACDDispatchers are trained and annually tested on all methods of operation that their company uses. This is a part of the annual Dispatcher Rules Classes.
That's why I used "conversant" rather than "qualified". Some ttys are CTC only, or if combined may have light density TWC - as opposed to a mainline volume of activity under that kind of authority.
We had a temporary situation with computer outage whereby had to resort to use of makeshift dispr. trainsheets for a brief period of time to keep track of crews & etc. That was an adjustment to those not familiar with the old school.
I hope nothing of this magnitude ever happens. Perhaps technology is taking precedence to prudence.
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