Icomera is a contributing member of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee 9/PT 63452, a multi-organisational team working to draft the rail industry’s next cybersecurity standard.
The transport industry’s continued move towards digitalisation brings many benefits, delivering improved performance and maintainability by facilitating communication between different onboard components and systems.
However, the greater connectivity between previously isolated systems also increases the number of potential entry points than might be targeted in a cyber-attack. Without the right design in place from a cybersecurity standpoint, a single vulnerability in one system might be exploited to put other networked systems at risk. Similarly, the fact that more and more systems can be accessed remotely brings new challenges.
It’s therefore imperative that cybersecurity is considered as a key topic to mitigate against the risks inherent to modern rail systems.
The IEC Technical Committee 9/PT 63452 has been established to focus specifically on cybersecurity as it pertains to railway applications, underscoring the importance of addressing the unique challenges posed by digitalisation for the sector.
Once published, the IEC 63452 standard aims to create a strong, clear, and implementable framework which will enhance the security of rail systems across rolling stock, fixed installations, management systems and additional services. It will build upon existing industrial cybersecurity standards such as IEC 62443 and TS 50701, helping industry stakeholders maintain a consistent and comprehensive cybersecurity posture when it comes to railway systems worldwide. The IEC 63452 standard is being drafted to include various global references, ensuring that it aligns with differing regulations and operational needs around the world.
Martin Johansson, Icomera’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), is Icomera’s representative within the collaborative group of more than 100 industry experts, which also includes delegates from leading rail operators and other supply chain partners. He commented: “As the railway industry develops ever further into digitalisation, a collaborative spirit is key to ensuring that we can design and build the most robust systems possible from a cybersecurity standpoint. By contributing to the IEC 63452 standard, Icomera can help lay the tracks for a secure and resilient tomorrow.”
