Transportation systems fall under critical infrastructure and are therefore targeted by both politically and financially motivated cyber threat actors. Recent innovation in this industry has led to significant advancements across connected, autonomous, shared, and electrified (CASE) technologies. For aviation, this has meant a diverse collection of airport IoT, automated checked baggage systems, electronic passports, and user-friendly websites. For logistics companies, this has included a range of technology to support digitized solutions and services, from devices that monitor driver fatigue to warehouse robotics.  

These innovations have transformed efficiency and made way for business gains and consumer ease. However, with novel innovation comes a widened and complex threat landscape. Airlines, airports, logistics companies, and rail companies have realized the need for sophisticated defense against cyber-criminals who are exploiting increasingly interconnected digital ecosystems. For IoT and smart devices, security is often an afterthought to usability and functionality.

Industries included according to CISA:

• Mass transit/rail
• Pipeline systems
• Freight rail
• Postal and shipping
• Highway and motor carrier
• Aviation

Unlike other industries the potential risks in transportation industries are centered around operational technology (OT) systems that control physical infrastructure, such as cybersecurity rail transportation systems. These attacks can disrupt services, endanger lives, and cause significant economic damage. The sector’s reliance on automated systems, GPS, and real-time data makes it a prime target for attackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities.

Disruptions in transportation can also affect sectors like chemical manufacturing, dams, emergency services, energy production, and food and agriculture. A successful cyber-attack on transportation infrastructure can lead to widespread consequences, affecting the delivery of critical resources and services across the nation.

Securing transportation infrastructure against cyber threats is imperative, not only to protect the sector itself but also to safeguard the numerous other industries that depend on its smooth operation.

As OT and IT converge, attacks that begin on the corporate network and pivot to compromise critical physical environments will only continue to rise. Ransomware strains such as Maze and Ryuk have targeted key transportation networks in recent years, incurring costs in disruption that often dwarf the sum of ransom demands. Some ransomware threat actors have added a new level of extortion, stealing sensitive information from their victims and threatening to publicize or sell the data if ransoms are not paid. In these instances, not only is service disrupted, but the exposure of highly sensitive data brings additional long-term risks.  

As cyber-criminals continue to find new vulnerabilities, exploit supply chains and create more sophisticated email attack campaigns, transportation organizations must go beyond traditional security trained on Threat Intelligence and requiring manual maintenance, towards self-learning security that can detect and respond to novel threats.

Common Cyber Attacks in the Transportation Sector:

Ransomware Attacks

These attacks can cripple operations by encrypting critical data and demanding payment for its release. They often target key operational systems, making it difficult or impossible to continue normal activities until the ransom is paid.

Example: A ransomware attack on a maritime port could severely disrupt the flow of goods, leading to significant economic losses and delays in supply chains.

Malware

Malware can infiltrate transportation systems, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or control over essential operations. This type of attack can lead to operational failures or the compromise of critical infrastructure.

Impact: Malware can be used to steal information, sabotage operations, or create backdoors for future attacks.

Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks

These attacks overwhelm systems with excessive traffic, rendering them inoperable and causing significant delays and outages. DoS attacks can be particularly disruptive in sectors like mass transit or air traffic control, where continuous operation is critical.

Impact: Prolonged downtime, customer dissatisfaction, and potential safety hazards due to system unavailability.

Phishing Attacks‍

Phishing attacks often target employees within transportation organizations, tricking them into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials, or downloading malicious software. Once successful, these attacks can lead to broader system breaches and compromise the entire network.

Impact: Phishing can serve as a gateway for more severe attacks, such as ransomware or data theft, by exploiting human error.  

But who would want to attack this sector, and why?

Cybercriminals, nation-state actors, and hacktivists are among those with motives to exploit transportation systems. Cybercriminals may seek financial gain through extortion or theft, while nation-state actors might aim to disrupt critical infrastructure for geopolitical advantage. Hacktivists could target transportation systems to draw attention to social or political causes.

The transportation sector is a backbone of global commerce and daily life, making the fallout from cyber-attacks particularly severe. A successful cyber-attack in this industry can lead to a cascade of negative effects, ranging from financial losses to significant operational disruptions.

One of the most immediate consequences of a cyber-attack is the disruption of services. For instance, if a transportation network is compromised, it can lead to delays or complete halts in the movement of goods and people. This disruption can have a ripple effect across the economy, causing supply chain delays, increased costs, and a loss of revenue for businesses reliant on timely deliveries. The loss of access to critical systems can also paralyze operations, leading to prolonged downtime and costly recovery efforts.

Beyond financial implications, a cyber-attack on transportation infrastructure can pose serious risks to national security and stability. Transportation systems are integral to the functioning of emergency services, military logistics, and the energy sector. A targeted attack could compromise these essential services, leading to a broader crisis that impacts public safety and national defense.

Identifying a Sophisticated ICS Attack on a Major Airport

Darktrace detected an advanced ICS attack targeting a major international airport. Darktrace detected every stage of this sophisticated threat.  

The attack, which spanned multiple days, began when a new device was introduced to the network, using ARP spoofing to evade detection by traditional security tools.  

Next, the attackers managed to hijack their target device. The criminals targeted the Building Management System (BMS) and the Baggage Reclaim network by utilizing two common ICS protocols (BacNet and S7Comm) and leveraging legitimate tools to evade traditional, signature-based security defenses.  

Darktrace’s AI technology not only caught the attack but also launched an automated investigation into the incident. Cyber AI Analyst identified all the affected devices and produced summary reports for each, showcasing its ability to not only save crucial time for security teams but bridge the skills gap between IT teams and ICS engineers.  

Had the attack been allowed to continue, the attackers – potentially an activist group, terrorist organization, or organized crime group – could have caused significant operational disruption to the airport

The transportation sector maintains unique challenges that the  when it comes to cyber security. Protecting critical infrastructure requires solutions that go beyond the basics and address the specific risks inherent to this industry. Here’s how you can enhance your cyber defenses:

Tailored Employee Training Programs:

• Operational Technology (OT) Security: Ensure that your staff are well-versed in securing OT systems, such as those controlling rail signals or pipeline valves. This training should emphasize the risks of connecting unauthorized devices and the importance of following strict access protocols.

• Incident Response Drills: Regularly conduct drills that simulate scenarios like a ransomware attack on a port's logistics systems. These drills should test your team’s ability to respond quickly, isolate affected systems, and restore operations with minimal disruption.

AI-Driven Cyber Security Solutions:

• AI-Powered Threat Detection: Deploy AI-driven tools to continuously monitor for and respond to unusual activities in real-time, such as unauthorized access attempts on highway toll systems or maritime navigation software. This can significantly reduce response times and mitigate damage.

By implementing these advanced cyber security solutions for transportation, you can better protect your organization from the specific threats that target this sector, ensuring the resilience and security of your critical infrastructure.

Major airports, transportation hubs, and logistics organizations around the globe rely on Darktrace to safeguard their IT and OT environments from the full range of cyber-threats.

See our case studies on major transportation providers here:

Royal Caribbean