Train security as critical as planes and automobiles

In recent weeks you’ve heard a lot of discussion around the cyber risks to aircraft and automobiles. After the Black Hat, DefCon and BSides conferences in Las Vegas, Nev., in July, it would seem that a great deal of necessary attention will be paid to the security of design and implementation of these two key critical transportation components. The cybersecurity volunteer organization I Am The Cavalry has created an awareness campaign (which I have signed on to and you should too!) aimed at automakers. Even prime-time television is getting into the act with the premier episode of CBS’ hot new drama, Scorpion, focusing on the security of aircraft. But what of the trains?

America’s railroads account for 40 percent of intercity freight volume. Over three million cars filled with food, two million cars filled with chemicals and more than 70 percent of all the coal we use in America are transported by rail every year.  Without rail, the economy is at risk. And if just one of those two million railcars filled with chemicals was to crash in your neighborhood, you’d have a risk of another nature.