If an attacker breaches a transit agency’s systems, the impact could reach far beyond server downtime or leaked emails. Imagine an attack against a transportation authority that manages train and subway routes. The results could be terrible.
Between June of 2020 and June of 2021, the transportation industry witnessed a 186% increase in weekly ransomware attacks. In one event, attackers breached the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) systems. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but incidents like these are cause for concern. It’s clear that transport organizations require strong security to keep their systems and passengers safe.
Critical Public Infrastructure
According to the recent X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, ransomware was the top attack type globally in 2021 for the third year in a row.
The report states, “Malicious insiders emerged as the top attack type against transportation organizations in 2021, making up 29% of attacks on this industry. Ransomware, [remote access Trojans], data theft, credential harvesting and server access attacks all played a role against transportation in 2021 as well.” We’ll return to the theme of ‘malicious insiders’ later.
As part of critical public infrastructure, transportation is uniquely at risk. Most people and businesses depend on transport, whether it’s getting to work on time, sending goods or receiving medical supplies. If an attack disrupts transportation, entire supply chains could come crashing down. Traffic light or rail transit disruption could cause physical harm. ..
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