Following a newly issued cybersecurity warning from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), SMART-TD is alerting all members across both freight and passenger rail operations of what they need to know.
The alert highlights a credible threat from Iranian state-affiliated cyber actors targeting railroad systems by attempting to access internet-connected industrial control devices used throughout rail operations.
What Risk Does Iran Pose to the U.S. Rail System?
According to the FRA, these foreign actors are specifically targeting programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These are the behind-the-scenes computer systems that help control critical railroad infrastructure.
If compromised, these systems could be manipulated or disabled, potentially causing service disruptions, or in the worst case, interfering with the safe movement of our trains.
Federal officials also warn that attackers are scanning for exposed systems across the internet, looking for any vulnerabilities they can exploit. This means they are not just targeting one railroad or one type of equipment. This table, provided by the FRA, lays out some of their largest concerns.
Why This Matters to Railroaders
While much of this technology operates in the background, the impact of a cyber incident would be felt directly by the operating crews.
Railroaders are the last line of defense when something doesn’t look, feel, or operate the way it should out there. Keeping that in mind, we encourage you to read over the table of potential issues the FRA released today. Please include discussions of what this warning means on your territory as part of your crew’s job briefings.
The idea that our signals, crossing gates, drawbridges, ventilation in tunnels, and even our braking systems have been flagged as targets of cybercriminals is not something any of us can afford to blow off.
History has taught us that critical infrastructure like railroads often becomes a high-priority target during times of global unrest. With technology becoming more integrated into daily operations, the importance of our situational awareness only increases.
Stay Alert
This is not about creating alarm or inciting panic. As a union, we want to reach out and reinforce the habits that already make railroaders the safest professionals in the industry.
SMART-TD encourages members to:
- Pay attention to your train and onboard systems
If something PTC/Trip Optimizer/Leader is telling you doesn’t match up with what you’re seeing out the windshield, take the time to verify and ensure safe operation. - Stay aware of your surroundings
Pay attention to anything unusual in yards, crew rooms, or along the right-of-way. - Watch for unfamiliar individuals or activity
Especially anyone attempting to access restricted areas, equipment, or railroad-issued devices. - Protect your equipment
Keep tablets, radios, and other devices secure and within your control. - Report anything suspicious
Whether it’s unusual behavior, unfamiliar devices, or system irregularities, we need to report it through the proper channels. - TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Railroaders are trained to recognize when something isn’t right. That judgment matters. Please don’t ignore or second-guess yourself out there.
The Crew Is Still in Charge
Automation and digital systems play a major role in modern railroading, but they do not replace the judgment and responsibility of the crew.
If systems were to fail or behave erratically, it is the professionalism, training, and awareness of railroaders that keep trains moving safely.
Now is a good time to think through the basics that have always kept us safe.
- What would you need if onboard systems became unavailable?
- Do you have access to critical paperwork, including hazmat information?
- Are you prepared to operate safely using your training and experience alone?
Railroaders have always adapted and overcome challenges. This moment is no different.
Looking Out for Each Other
Railroading has always been about teamwork and accountability.
This alert is a reminder that real safety doesn’t come from technology, no matter what the corporate guys say. As it turns out, Labor contributes to both Rail Safety and Profits. When you boil it down, safety has and will always come from the people who operate and protect this industry every day.
Stay alert. Stay professional. And continue doing what railroaders have always done best.
Looking out for each other and keeping America moving safely.
