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industry Focus


rail


FutureprooFing railway data inFrastructure


As digital transformation accelerates, more data than ever before is being produced on and


off the track in rail operations. This requires a new approach to data infrastructure to meet demand while protecting cybersecurity and


uptime. Ursula Barr, offer manager for PAC & Software at Schneider Electric, comments


T


he UK’s rail networks have seen rapid modernisation in recent years. Network Rail’s ‘Railway Upgrade Plan’ – that


begun in 2014 and continues into Control Period 7 (2024-2029) – represents the biggest investment programme in the UK railways since Victorian times. In addition, the UK Government recently


announced new rail projects that will increase passenger capacity through train line improvements and new stations. A key part of these projects will be implementing new technologies and systems to enable enhanced automation, real-time condition monitoring and predictive analytics, which will help meet rising demands. This, however, also creates new risks around cybersecurity. Cyberattacks are targeting operational


technology (OT) with increased frequency and sophistication. As more data flows through trackside, onboard, and back office systems, hackers have more opportunity to target it for ransomware, data theft, or DDoS. Cyberattacks


do not have a single-entry point and are impacted by people and processes, however the risks can be minimised by implementing technology which is compliant with the latest cybersecurity standards.


Secure Supply chain OEMs and SIs have great influence when it comes to ensuring the rail cybersecurity as they design and deploy the systems that are installed on site. Devices such as a PLCs must be chosen carefully to ensure secure firmware, with features such as encrypted communication and device authentication. Rail operators are accountable for managing risk throughout the operational lifecycle, but following best practices at the design stage makes this much easier. Each of these distinct roles can work together to build a resilient and secure rail sector.


cyberSecure through the iec 62443 Standard Traditionally, railway-certified equipment’s


largest certification challenge was to meet environmental challenges like withstanding intense vibration as well as fluctuating temperatures. While this is still essential for rail applications, industrial products also need to go a step further to ensure IT resilience within the same product. One important way to achieve resilience is


through the IEC 62443 standard. This global framework is designed to protect automation and control systems. In a railway context, compliance with IEC 62443 means that a product has met rigorous criteria for integrity, confidentiality, authentication, and threat containment. Components that adhere to this standard send a clear message that they can be trusted for secure operation in the digital rail environment. An example is the humble PLC Input/Output


(I/O) module, which sits at the crucial interface between physical processes and digital networks. While it is rarely seen as the star of the show, I/O is a critical enabler. It carries data for systems such as monitoring brake pressure or door status on trains, connecting environmental sensors for HVAC control, transmitting data from trackside signalling equipment, and facilitating real-time monitoring through SCADA systems. Modern I/O systems combine railway-


certified physical robustness with cyber protection simultaneously. In the case of a breach, the in-built security can isolate and contain the breach to prevent it cascading into other systems. This is a new type of feature for I/O systems which will provide futureproofing operators add more connected devices. One example of a future-ready distributed I/O


system is Schneider Electric’s Modicon Edge I/O NTS. It has been certified for the unique challenges of rail and provides high availability,


2 DESIGN SOLUTIONS June 2026 4


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