Cyber-physical Threats and Vulnerabilities Analysis for Train Control and Monitoring Systems

Cyber-physical security is a major concern for the new generation of trains. In fact, trains are increasingly relying on automation, control and communication technologies in order to improve the efficiency and safety of their services as well as the comfort of passengers. This dependency introduces certainly new vulnerabilities and entry points to the system which exposes the system to new threat scenarios. This paper deals with cyber-physical security aspects of Train Control and Monitoring Systems (TCMSs). We analyse vulnerabilities and characteristics of railway threat landscape including potential threats, threats agents and motivations. We discuss, also, direct impacts and cascading consequences on the whole system as well as the risk generated.