From Signaling to Safety: Protecting Critical Infrastructure and the Modern Railway from Digital Threats | A Conversation with Fahad Mughal | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean Martin
01/31/25 • 52 min
Guest: Fahad Mughal, Senior Cyber Solutions Architect - Security
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahadmughal/
____________________________
Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin
___________________________
Episode Notes
Modern railway systems are increasingly digital, integrating operational technology (OT) to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety. However, as railways adopt automated and interconnected systems, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. In this episode of Redefining Cybersecurity on ITSP Magazine, host Sean Martin speaks with Fahad Ali Mughal, a cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in OT security architecture, about the challenges and priorities of securing railway infrastructure.
The Growing Role of Cybersecurity in Railways
Railway systems have evolved from steam-powered locomotives to autonomous, driverless trains that rely on sophisticated digital controls. OT now plays a crucial role in managing train operations, signaling, interlocking, and trackside equipment. These advancements improve efficiency but also expose railway networks to cyber threats that can disrupt service, compromise safety, and even impact national security.
Unlike traditional IT environments, where the focus is on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), OT in railways prioritizes reliability, availability, and public safety. Ensuring the safe movement of trains requires a cybersecurity strategy tailored to the unique needs of railway infrastructure.
Critical OT Systems in Railways
Mughal highlights key OT components in railways that require cybersecurity protection:
• Signaling Systems: These function like traffic lights for trains, ensuring safe distances between locomotives. Modern communication-based train control (CBTC) and European Rail Traffic Management Systems (ERTMS) are vulnerable to cyber intrusions.
• Interlocking Systems: These systems prevent conflicting train movements, ensuring safe operations. As they become digitized, cyber risks increase.
• Onboard OT Systems: Automatic Train Control (ATC) regulates speed and ensures compliance with signaling instructions. A cyberattack could manipulate these controls.
• SCADA Systems: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems oversee infrastructure operations. Any compromise here can impact an entire railway network.
• Safety-Critical Systems: Fail-safe mechanisms like automatic braking and failover controls are vital in preventing catastrophic accidents.
The increasing digitization and interconnection of these systems expand the attack surface, making cybersecurity a top priority for railway operators.
Real-World Cyber Threats in Railways
Mughal discusses several significant cyber incidents that highlight vulnerabilities in railway cybersecurity:
• 2023 Poland Attack: Nation-state actors exploited vulnerabilities in railway radio communication systems to send unauthorized emergency stop commands, halting trains across the country. The attack exposed weaknesses in authentication and encryption within OT communication protocols.
• 2021 Iran Railway Incident: Hackers breached Iran’s railway scheduling and digital message board systems, displaying fake messages and causing widespread confusion. While safety-critical OT systems remained unaffected, the attack disrupted operations and damaged public trust.
• 2016 San Francisco Muni Ransomware Attack: A ransomware attack crippled the fare and scheduling system, leading to free rides for passengers and operational delays. Though IT systems were the primary target, the impact on OT operations was evident.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for stronger authentication, encryption, and IT-OT segmentation to protect railway infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Standards and Best Practices for Railways (links to resources below)
To build resilient railway cybersecurity, Mughal emphasizes the importance of internatio...
Guest: Fahad Mughal, Senior Cyber Solutions Architect - Security
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahadmughal/
____________________________
Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin
___________________________
Episode Notes
Modern railway systems are increasingly digital, integrating operational technology (OT) to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety. However, as railways adopt automated and interconnected systems, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. In this episode of Redefining Cybersecurity on ITSP Magazine, host Sean Martin speaks with Fahad Ali Mughal, a cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in OT security architecture, about the challenges and priorities of securing railway infrastructure.
The Growing Role of Cybersecurity in Railways
Railway systems have evolved from steam-powered locomotives to autonomous, driverless trains that rely on sophisticated digital controls. OT now plays a crucial role in managing train operations, signaling, interlocking, and trackside equipment. These advancements improve efficiency but also expose railway networks to cyber threats that can disrupt service, compromise safety, and even impact national security.
Unlike traditional IT environments, where the focus is on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), OT in railways prioritizes reliability, availability, and public safety. Ensuring the safe movement of trains requires a cybersecurity strategy tailored to the unique needs of railway infrastructure.
Critical OT Systems in Railways
Mughal highlights key OT components in railways that require cybersecurity protection:
• Signaling Systems: These function like traffic lights for trains, ensuring safe distances between locomotives. Modern communication-based train control (CBTC) and European Rail Traffic Management Systems (ERTMS) are vulnerable to cyber intrusions.
• Interlocking Systems: These systems prevent conflicting train movements, ensuring safe operations. As they become digitized, cyber risks increase.
• Onboard OT Systems: Automatic Train Control (ATC) regulates speed and ensures compliance with signaling instructions. A cyberattack could manipulate these controls.
• SCADA Systems: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems oversee infrastructure operations. Any compromise here can impact an entire railway network.
• Safety-Critical Systems: Fail-safe mechanisms like automatic braking and failover controls are vital in preventing catastrophic accidents.
The increasing digitization and interconnection of these systems expand the attack surface, making cybersecurity a top priority for railway operators.
Real-World Cyber Threats in Railways
Mughal discusses several significant cyber incidents that highlight vulnerabilities in railway cybersecurity:
• 2023 Poland Attack: Nation-state actors exploited vulnerabilities in railway radio communication systems to send unauthorized emergency stop commands, halting trains across the country. The attack exposed weaknesses in authentication and encryption within OT communication protocols.
• 2021 Iran Railway Incident: Hackers breached Iran’s railway scheduling and digital message board systems, displaying fake messages and causing widespread confusion. While safety-critical OT systems remained unaffected, the attack disrupted operations and damaged public trust.
• 2016 San Francisco Muni Ransomware Attack: A ransomware attack crippled the fare and scheduling system, leading to free rides for passengers and operational delays. Though IT systems were the primary target, the impact on OT operations was evident.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for stronger authentication, encryption, and IT-OT segmentation to protect railway infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Standards and Best Practices for Railways (links to resources below)
To build resilient railway cybersecurity, Mughal emphasizes the importance of internatio...
Previous Episode
Establishing a New Standard for Cybersecurity Professionals Worldwide: Addressing Trust, Standards, and Risk for the CISO Role | CISO Circuit Series with Heather Hinton | Michael Piacente and Sean Martin | Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast
About the CISO Circuit Series
Sean Martin and Michael Piacente join forces roughly once per month (or so, depending on schedules) to discuss everything from looking for a new job, entering the field, finding the right work/life balance, examining the risks and rewards in the role, building and supporting your team, the value of the community, relevant newsworthy items, and so much more. Join us to help us understand the role of the CISO so that we can collectively find a path to Redefining CyberSecurity for business and society. If you have a topic idea or a comment on an episode, feel free to contact Sean Martin.
____________________________
Guests:
Heather Hinton, CISO-in-Residence, Professional Association of CISOs
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-hinton-9731911/
____________________________
Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/sean-martin
Michael Piacente, Managing Partner and Cofounder of Hitch Partners
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/michael-piacente
____________________________
This Episode’s Sponsors
Imperva | https://itspm.ag/imperva277117988
LevelBlue | https://itspm.ag/levelblue266f6c
ThreatLocker | https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974
___________________________
Episode Notes
In this episode of the CISO Circuit Series, part of the Redefining Cybersecurity Podcast on ITSPmagazine, hosts Sean Martin and Michael Piacente welcomed Heather Hinton, seasoned cybersecurity leader, to discuss the evolving responsibilities and recognition of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Their conversation explored the transformative work of the Professional Association of CISOs (PAC), an organization dedicated to establishing standards, accreditation, and support for cybersecurity leaders globally.
This episode addressed three critical questions shaping the modern CISO role:
- How can CISOs build trust within their organizations?
- What is PAC doing to elevate cybersecurity as a recognized profession?
- How can CISOs prepare for increasing scrutiny and legal risks?
Building Trust: A CISO’s Key Responsibility
Heather Hinton, whose career includes leadership roles like VP and CISO for IBM Cloud and PagerDuty, underscores that trust is foundational for a CISO’s success. Beyond technical expertise, a CISO must demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication with boards, executives, and teams. Hinton highlights that cybersecurity should not be perceived as merely a technical function but as a critical enabler of business objectives.
The PAC accreditation process reinforces this perspective by formalizing the skills needed to build trust. From fostering collaboration to aligning security strategies with organizational goals, PAC equips CISOs with tools to establish credibility and demonstrate value from day one.
Elevating Cybersecurity as a Recognized Profession
Michael Piacente, Managing Partner at Hitch Partners and co-host of the CISO Circuit Series, emphasizes PAC’s role in professionalizing cybersecurity. By introducing a Code of Professional Conduct, structured a...
Next Episode
Cyber Threat Research, Hands-On Labs, and a Challenge You Can’t Afford to Miss | A Zero Trust World Conversation with Kieran Human | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli
Zero Trust World 2025, hosted by ThreatLocker, is set to bring together IT professionals, business leaders, and cybersecurity practitioners for three days of hands-on labs, insightful discussions, and expert-led sessions. Taking place in Orlando, Florida, from February 19-21, this year’s event promises an expanded agenda with cutting-edge topics, interactive workshops, and a unique approach to cybersecurity education.
The Growth of Zero Trust World
Now in its fifth year, Zero Trust World continues to grow exponentially, increasing in size by roughly 50% each year. Kieran Human, Special Projects Engineer at ThreatLocker, attributes this rapid expansion to the rising demand for cybersecurity solutions and the company’s own growth. More IT leaders are recognizing the necessity of a Zero Trust approach—not just as a security measure, but as a fundamental philosophy for protecting their organizations.
What to Expect: Hands-On Learning and Key Discussions
One of the biggest draws of Zero Trust World is its focus on hands-on experiences. Attendees can participate in hacking labs designed to teach them how cyber threats operate from an attacker’s perspective. These include interactive exercises using rubber duckies—USB devices that mimic keyboards to inject malicious commands—demonstrating how easily cybercriminals can compromise systems.
For those interested in practical applications of security measures, there will be sessions covering topics such as cookie theft, Metasploit, Windows and server security, and malware development. Whether an attendee is an entry-level IT professional or a seasoned security engineer, there’s something to gain from these hands-on labs.
High-Profile Speakers and Industry Insights
Beyond the labs, Zero Trust World 2025 will feature a lineup of influential speakers, including former Nintendo of America President and CEO Reggie Fils-Aimé, Chase Cunningham (known as Dr. Zero Trust), and ThreatLocker CEO Danny Jenkins. These sessions will provide strategic insights on Zero Trust implementation, industry challenges, and innovative cybersecurity practices.
One of the key sessions to look forward to is “The Dangers of Shadow IT,” led by Ryan Bowman, VP of Solution Engineering at ThreatLocker. Shadow IT remains a major challenge for organizations striving to implement Zero Trust, as unauthorized applications and devices create vulnerabilities that security teams may not even be aware of. Stay tuned for a pre-event chat with Ryan coming your way soon.
Networking, Certification, and More
Zero Trust World isn’t just about education—it’s also a prime networking opportunity. Attendees can connect during daily happy hours, the welcome and closing receptions, and a comic book-themed afterparty. ThreatLocker is even introducing a new cybersecurity comic book, adding a creative twist to the conference experience.
A major highlight is the Cyber Hero Program, which offers attendees a chance to earn certification in Zero Trust principles. By completing the Cyber Hero exam, participants can have the cost of their event ticket fully refunded, making this an invaluable opportunity for those looking to deepen their cybersecurity expertise.
A Unique Capture the Flag Challenge
For those with advanced cybersecurity skills, the Capture the Flag challenge presents an exciting opportunity. The first person to successfully hack a specially designed, custom-painted high-end computer gets to take it home. This competition is expected to draw some of the best security minds in attendance, reinforcing the event’s commitment to real-world application of cybersecurity techniques.
Join the Conversation
With so much to see and do, Zero Trust World 2025 is shaping up to be an essential event for IT professionals, business leaders, and security practitioners. Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli will be covering the event live, hosting interviews with speakers, panelists, and attendees to capture insights and takeaways.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your security knowledge, expand your professional network, or experience hands-on cybersecurity training, Zero Trust World 2025 offers something for everyone. If you’re attending, be sure to stop by the podcast area and join the conversation on the future of Zero Trust security.
Guest: Kieran Human, Special Projects Engineer, ThreatLocker [@ThreatLocker | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-human-5495ab170/
Hosts:
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and ...
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/redefining-cybersecurity-219447/from-signaling-to-safety-protecting-critical-infrastructure-and-the-mo-83384719"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to from signaling to safety: protecting critical infrastructure and the modern railway from digital threats | a conversation with fahad mughal | redefining cybersecurity with sean martin on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy