D.C. Metro Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks

D.C. Metro Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks

The inspector general believes D.C.'s transportation system is at a higher risk of cybersecurity attacks.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Inspector General Geoff Cherrington said in an interview on Monday that Washington D.C.'s transportation system is at a higher risk of cybersecurity attacks.

"Any transportation system in any city can be vulnerable, but in particular in D.C., as you know, there's a lot of targets," Cherrington told The Hill. "Anytime that any part of a network is attached to anything, particularly a rail car, and can be controlled outside of the WMATA system, it could be potentially a threat."

The state-owned China Railway Rolling Stock Corps (CRRC) involvement in the U.S. train industry has raised concerns over potential cyber attacks from China. 

The Washington Post reported this month that some experts have warned that China could use transit rail cars to carry out cyber espionage, though the newspaper said CRRC called that "ludicrous."

The CRRC has made inroads in the U.S. freight rail industry in recent years by producing rail cars for transit systems in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.

The Metro has vowed to hire additional cybersecurity personnel to ensure that proper procedures and precautions are put in place to deal with cybersecurity.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3