Visibility: A Strategic Imperative for Rail Operations

SHAKED KAFZAN
Co-Founder & CTO
Cervello

In today’s rail industry, the complexity of operations and the reliance on interconnected systems demand a heightened focus on visibility. Visibility into assets, networks, and systems is no longer a luxury but a critical necessity to ensure operational efficiency, security, and resilience. For instance, a 2023 study revealed that rail operators with comprehensive visibility solutions reduced network-related downtime by 35 percent, highlighting the tangible benefits of proactive monitoring and management.

Why Visibility Matters in Modern Rail Systems

Rail systems operate with a blend of legacy and modern technologies, creating a challenging environment to manage and secure. Legacy systems often lack modern connectivity and are prone to compatibility issues, while modern technologies may introduce vulnerabilities due to their reliance on interconnected networks. This dynamic increases the complexity of monitoring, securing, and integrating systems effectively. Visibility enables operators to:

• Identify and Manage Assets: Knowing what is on the network, from signaling equipment to communication systems, is the first step toward control.
• Ensure Network Resilience: Monitoring data flows and detecting anomalies allows for timely responses to potential issues.
• Enhance Security: Visibility is foundational for detecting and mitigating cyber threats, ensuring the safety of passengers and operations.

Without comprehensive visibility, operators face increased risks of inefficiencies, downtime, and security breaches. For example, lack of visibility can result in undetected equipment failures causing operational delays, unmonitored network vulnerabilities leading to cyberattacks, or inefficient resource allocation due to incomplete asset data.

Building Blocks of Visibility: Assets, Networks, and Systems

Asset, network, and system visibility enable operators to monitor rail components, detect issues, and streamline operations effectively. By accounting for assets, analyzing network vulnerabilities, and understanding system interdependencies, visibility ensures efficient functionality while mitigating risks and enhancing security.

• Asset Visibility: Cataloging and monitoring all physical and digital assets, including railcars, signaling systems, and cloud-connected devices.
• Network Visibility: Understanding traffic flows, communication paths, and potential vulnerabilities within operational networks.
• System Visibility: Maintaining an overarching view of how different systems interact and depend on each other.

Challenges

• Legacy Systems: Many rail systems still rely on outdated OT (Operational Technology) infrastructure with limited integration and visibility capabilities.
• Visibility Gaps: The lack of standardized tools and practices can lead to blind spots in asset and network monitoring.

Tools and Strategies to Achieve Visibility Excellence

Effective visibility is the critical starting point in rail cybersecurity, offering the foundational understanding of assets, connections, and activities within the network. Without knowing what exists, monitoring, detection, and response efforts cannot succeed. This foundation is built through three key components:

• Comprehensive Asset Inventory: A complete and up-to-date asset inventory is the foundation of visibility, enabling rail operators to identify and monitor every device and system within the OT network.
• Real-Time Traffic Monitoring: Tools such as intrusion detection systems (IDS) and traffic analyzers provide continuous oversight of network communications, ensuring the detection of anomalies or unauthorized activities.
• Centralized Data Correlation: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms or similar solutions consolidate data from multiple sources, enabling the analysis of events across the entire infrastructure.

These elements must be supported by clearly defined processes, such as regular network mapping, integration of threat intelligence, and automated anomaly detection workflows. By combining advanced tools with structured processes, rail operators can achieve the deep visibility necessary to safeguard their OT networks, enhance situational awareness, and respond to threats before they escalate.

Guiding Standards for Rail Visibility Success

Visibility initiatives should align with established standards to ensure consistency and compliance. Standards provide a structured framework that helps rail operators implement best practices, reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure interoperability between systems. Aligning with these guidelines fosters confidence among stakeholders, simplifies regulatory adherence, and enhances the overall security posture of rail operations.

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Provides guidance on identifying and managing assets.
• CIS Controls: Emphasizes inventory and control of hardware and software assets.
• IEC 62443/CENELEC TS 50701: Offers specific recommendations for securing industrial and rail-specific OT environments.

By prioritizing visibility, rail operators can enhance their ability to manage assets, secure networks, and maintain efficient operations in an increasingly interconnected world. Visibility is not just a technical requirement but a strategic enabler for the future of rail transportation.

Shaping the Future of Rail with Comprehensive Visibility

Visibility is the linchpin of secure and efficient rail operations. By addressing visibility gaps, leveraging modern tools, and adhering to global standards, rail operators can build resilient systems capable of withstanding both current and future challenges. As the industry continues to evolve, maintaining comprehensive visibility across assets, networks, and systems will remain paramount to driving innovation and ensuring passenger safety and satisfaction.