IEC 62443 & Co. – OT Security for Railway Systems: Why Safety on Rails Doesn’t End with Ticket Checks

Digitalization in the rail sector? It’s happening — and at full speed. With digital signal boxes, cloud-based predictive maintenance, interconnected power supply systems, remote access solutions for service staff, and automated train operations. But with every new interface, not only does efficiency increase — the attack surface grows too.

Welcome to cyberspace on rails. And welcome to the reality of IT/OT convergence in the rail environment.

While traditional IT has long worked with security tools, patch cycles, and awareness campaigns, many OT systems in the rail industry still live in a security shadow — outdated, unsegmented, and unmonitored. This is exactly where the IEC 62443 series of standards comes into play — an international standard for industrial cybersecurity, specifically developed for Operational Technology (OT). And yes: railway systems absolutely fall under this category.

🔍 Why railways are critical infrastructure — and what that means 

Rail infrastructure falls under KRITIS (critical infrastructure). This means: increased regulatory requirements, especially following the implementation of the NIS2 directive, the planned KRITIS umbrella law, and sector-specific IT security regulations. For operators, this results in a clear obligation: to ensure operational continuity and protection against cyber threats.

Typical vulnerabilities in the rail sector include: 

  • Poorly secured diagnostic access to systems, e.g., level crossings 
  • Systems running outdated software that cannot easily be updated due to approval constraints 
  • Unsegmented OT networks (flat networks) 
  • Protocols not designed for cybersecurity, lacking authentication 

🛡️ IEC 62443 in detail – the backbone of industrial cybersecurity 

IEC 62443 consists of four parts and addresses all levels of OT security:

  1. General: Terms, concepts, models – the theory behind the practice.
  1. Policies & Procedures: Requirements for operators of IACS (Industrial Automation and Control Systems) – including railway companies.
  1. System: Protective measures at the network level – from zone and conduit models to security level definitions (SL) and intrusion detection.
  1. Component: Requirements for manufacturers of OT components – such as HMIs, RTUs, PLCs, and industrial firewalls.

Additional parts are currently in development, including those on protection profiles. 

Sound abstract? Not with us. 

We help translate these requirements into your railway environment: Whether you're securing the control systems of a freight yard, enabling remote maintenance of power systems, or aiming for ISO 27001 compatibility on the OT level — we bridge the gap between standards and systems.

🔧 Security measures that truly belong on the rails 

We support railway companies, manufacturers, integrators, and operators with customized security solutions for rail environments: 

✅ Risk Assessment & Threat Modeling (e.g., STRIDE, Attack Trees)
✅ Zone and Conduit Design for network segmentation according to IEC 62443
✅ Hardening Strategies for Onboard and Trackside Systems
✅ Secure Remote Access and Jump Hosts for Maintenance Providers
✅ Logging, Monitoring, and Anomaly Detection
✅ Development of an ISMS for OT in accordance with ISO 27001 & IEC 62443-2-1
✅ Clear Awareness Training for Employees in, for example, Workshops & Control Centers
✅ Review and Security Assessment of Your Components and Suppliers

📉 What does an attack cost? More than just your reputation. 

A single compromised network port can cripple entire signal control areas. A targeted ransomware attack can quickly lead to delays, safety risks — or millions in damages. Prevention isn’t just mandatory — it makes solid business sense. 

The Asian region in particular shows how seriously cybersecurity must be taken in the rail sector: railway systems there are increasingly targeted by geopolitical APT groups that exploit component vulnerabilities to gain access. Europe has already seen incidents as well — the threat is real. 

🚀 Conclusion: OT security on rails — not an extra, but a standard 

Anyone operating digital rail infrastructure must also defend it digitally. That means: compliance with security standards like IEC 62443 is not optional — it’s a prerequisite for sustainable, secure, and legally compliant rail operations.

Our mission? To secure your OT environment — without disrupting your operations. With technical know-how, normative expertise, and a practical mindset.

📩 Let’s talk — before someone else does. We look forward to hearing from you.

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