Modern train control systems: what they are and how they are cyber secured.

This presentation by Mark Lodge , Doctoral Researcher, BCRRE, University of Birmingham will introduce the Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS) and the IEC 61375 international standard that specifies its design. We will look in detail at one such implementation – the Ethernet Train Backbone – taken from a train currently in service. We will learn how the TCMS’s adherence to this standard meant it was vulnerable to the injection of spoofed packets, and why these packets were then accepted by the Train Management Computer (TMC). At best, an attack of this type could give rise to confusion and cause the driver to stop the train; at worst, it may lead an operational incident that affects the safety of its passengers.

What will this presentation cover?

• · What are modern train control systems?
• · ⁠How they are designed and secured?
• · ⁠How they can be broken, and how they might change in the future.

Who is this event aimed at?

BCS members, University students, local business people and the general public interested in understanding cyber security, operational technology, IP networking and transportation.

Agenda

• 18:00 - Refreshments and networking.
• 18:30 - Presentation – Mark Lodge.
• 19:30 - Q&A.
• 21:00 - Close.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES:

Mark Lodge CEng CITP FBCS.

Doctoral Researcher, BCRRE, University of Birmingham.

Mark Lodge is a technical cyber security specialist with 25 years' experience in the research and development, engineering, financial services, law enforcement, defence and security sectors. He is currently a doctoral researcher at the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), University of Birmingham. His research interests include cyber security and its application to industrial control systems in the railways, particularly rolling-stock.

Marks skills and interests cover all aspects of cyber security and include network architecture and design, secure systems implementation and information security management. On a technical level, Mark specialises in Linux, FreeBSD, MikroTik, networking and internet engineering.

Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over. Under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.

THIS EVENT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

The British Computer Society (Hereford & Worcester Branch) in collaboration with BIPC Worcestershire and The University of Worcester

Links:

https://www.bcs.org

https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/bipc-service

https://www.worcester.ac.uk/

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/railway

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Hive, The Butts, Worcester, United Kingdom