Rail Partners, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) hosted a fleet cyber security conference yesterday in Birmingham. The conference focused on how the rail industry is already responding to increasing cyber security threats including through the relaunch of the Rail Cyber Security Strategy. The event brought together fleet operators and owners and their supply chain to share cyber security best practice and real-world case studies.
During the conference, Nicole Jennings, Chief Delivery Officer, RDG introduced the relaunched Rail Cyber Security Strategy. Following this, James Walker, ORR and Darren Fitzgerald, RSSB provided an update on standards and the regulatory landscape. From a train operator perspective, Northern discussed engineering change and shared examples of how the industry has responded to challenges.
A workshop session explored how to use the procurement process to ensure new rolling stock solutions provided by third party suppliers are secure by design.
Nicole Jennings, Chief Delivery Officer at Rail Delivery Group, said: ‘Since its creation 200 years ago, the railway has thrived on innovation, with rolling stock continuously evolving to meet the needs of passengers. As we embrace new technologies, protecting our network and fleet from cyber threats must remain a top priority. A clear and collaborative approach to cybersecurity is essential to ensuring a safe, resilient, and reliable railway.
‘Events like the Fleet Cyber Security Conference play a crucial role in bringing the industry together to share expertise and best practice, helping us stay ahead of emerging threats. By working together, we can strengthen our resilience, enhance the passenger experience, and prepare the railway for its transition to Great British Railways leading to a safer, more secure future for all.’
Mark Oakley, Professional Head of Rolling Stock at RSSB, said: ‘Railway operational technology is of increasing concern to the industry, and an attractive target for external actors as well as prone to internal threats due to significant skill and knowledge gaps.
‘This conference has helped to showcase RSSB’s commitment to supporting industry in developing their understanding of operational technology, and partnering with RDG and Rail Partners intends to demonstrate our intention to achieve this with a single voice for stakeholders. Ensuring effective cyber resilience on railway assets is key to safety compliance, and supports RSSB’s purpose to help our members keep Britain moving with safer, smarter rail.’
Read more about the event on the Rail Partners’ website: https://railpartners.co.uk/latest/events
Image credit: Rail Partner
