Cyber attacks on UK railways pose 'real disaster' risk
'State-sponsored hackers' infiltrate rail network on four separate occasions in the last year
The UK rail network has suffered at least four major cyber attacks over the last year, according to an investigation by Sky News.
Sergey Gordeychik, a security researcher at Kaspersky Lab in Moscow, uncovered several weaknesses in the rail infrastructure that he says could cause injury or even death to the public in the future.
"Hackers can get access not only to simple things like online information boards or in-train entertainment, but also to computer systems which manage trains by itself, which manage signals, manage points, and in this case, if they have enough knowledge, then they can create real disaster related to train safety," he told Sky News.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The four attacks, which were discovered by Darktrace, a private security company that guards much of the UK rail network, are thought to be the work of hackers sponsored by nation states.
Although hackers have infiltrated networks including the rail infrastructure itself, these breaches have been exploratory rather than disruptive, says Sky News.
"We see at the moment that state-sponsored attackers are already inside critical infrastructure," Gordeychik said. "So they have access, they monitor, they collect intelligence but they don't try to create a disaster."
However, the hacks could potentially be used as a "cyber weapon against civil infrastructure", he added: "This is scary."
Network Rail, which runs the UK's railway infrastructure, is in the process of rolling out the European Rail Traffic Management (ERTMS) system, which will digitise the current signalling infrastructure across the country.
But this poses a significant danger, says Professor David Stupples, an electronic warfare expert.
"With ERTMS, when it comes in, terrorist organisations will start viewing this as a possible target," he said.
Network Rail said: "Britain has the safest major railway in Europe and cyber security is a key part of our plan for introducing digital train control technology.
"Safety is our top priority, which is why we work closely with government, the security services, our partners and suppliers in the rail industry and security specialists to combat cyber threats."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The influencer court case shaking up social media
Under The Radar TikTok star accuses her rival of stealing her beige 'aesthetic' but are there shades of grey in US copyright law?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
What is Mitch McConnell's legacy?
Talking Point Moving on after a record-setting run as Senate GOP leader
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'A man's sense of himself is often tied to having a traditionally masculine, physical job'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Rail strikes: whose side is the public on?
Talking Point Opinion split over who is to blame for month of train disruptions following failed talks between transport officials and unions
By The Week Staff Published
-
Which lines are affected by this week’s rail strikes?
feature Travel chaos ‘far from over’ as thousands of train staff walk out
By Julia O'Driscoll Last updated
-
Mick Lynch: the veteran trade unionist leading rail walkouts
Why Everyone’s Talking About The RMT has reportedly balloted for strike action 200 times under Lynch’s leadership
By The Week Staff Published
-
Rail strikes: is Britain on track for a ‘summer of discontent’?
Speed Read The ‘biggest rail strike in modern history’ is planned for next week
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
‘See it. Say it. Sorted’: is it the end of the line for train announcements?
Speed Read The transport secretary has pledged a ‘bonfire of the banalities’ on England’s railways
By The Week Staff Published
-
Why did two trains collide in Salisbury?
Today's Big Question Investigation suggests ‘wheel slide’ was key factor in ‘rare’ crash
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
UK to bring in airport Covid tests for arrivals
Speed Read MPs call for stricter border measures as South African variant of coronavirus spreads
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
UK records biggest jump in transport use since pandemic began
Speed Read Monday rush hour sees spike in commuters across country as trains return to 90% of pre-coronavirus services
By Gabriel Power Last updated