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Overview

ioSENTRIX partnered with a passenger rail provider to assess the security of their Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, which had been operational for several years. A successful cyberattack on the system could result in major downtime, financial losses, and passenger safety risks. Through a comprehensive penetration test, ioSENTRIX identified several vulnerabilities in the segmented network and proprietary software used within the CBTC system. These insights allowed the rail provider to implement critical security controls, enhance their incident response plan, and better protect their infrastructure from potential future cyberattacks.

The Challenges

The rail provider’s CBTC system relied on segmented networks and proprietary software, making penetration testing difficult. Without open standards for proprietary software and Industrial Control Systems (ICS), the company faced the challenge of assessing system vulnerabilities. Simulating a realistic threat in a lab environment and implementing security patches without disrupting ongoing operations required careful coordination and precise timing to ensure the safety of passengers and minimize downtime for the transportation system.

The network’s proprietary software made penetration testing complex and time-consuming.
Replicating the production environment for accurate testing without access to live train systems.
Patching vulnerabilities in real-time without disrupting ongoing rail operations.

The Solution

ioSENTRIX’s penetration testing approach began with an exposed network segment, and through pivoting techniques, they successfully infiltrated several segmented networks. The team compromised nodes controlling train communication systems, simulating outages across different regions to assess the network’s resilience. ioSENTRIX also worked closely with the client to implement security patches and update their incident response plan, improving the CBTC system’s overall security posture and enhancing its protection against future cyberattacks.

Gained access to sensitive train communication nodes using pivoting techniques across segmented networks.
Simulated system outages to evaluate the CBTC system’s resilience to real-world cyberattacks.
Implemented key security controls and updated the client’s incident response plan.

Results

ioSENTRIX’s assessment revealed key vulnerabilities in the CBTC system and enabled the client to address critical security gaps. The penetration testing exercise helped the rail provider enhance its incident response plan, which now includes potential cyberattacks. As a result, the company strengthened its security controls and reduced the likelihood of major system downtime, while improving overall passenger safety. The rail provider expressed satisfaction with the testing results and continues to work with ioSENTRIX.

Critical vulnerabilities in the CBTC system were identified and remediated.
Incident response plans were enhanced to account for new potential cyber threats.
Downtime risk was reduced, ensuring continued safety and operations for passengers .

Benefits

The rail provider benefited from ioSENTRIX’s comprehensive pentest, significantly reducing their exposure to cyberattacks. Immediate security improvements were implemented, minimizing the risk of system compromise and ensuring the safety of passengers. The provider gained a clearer understanding of their security landscape and was able to apply remediation strategies that fortified their infrastructure. This collaboration set a strong foundation for future cybersecurity efforts, ensuring long-term operational stability and continued trust from passengers.

Enhanced cybersecurity readiness, reducing system downtime and protecting passengers.
Improved security controls and incident response capabilities, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Maintained operational stability with minimized disruptions during testing and remediation.

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