Poland’s Train Network Disrupted
The Polish intelligence services are investigating a cyber and radio attack on its railways and the police have arrested two men. According to reports, hackers intercepted radio communications frequencies to disrupt traffic in the north-west of the country.
Furthermore, the signals were interspersed with a recording of Russia’s national anthem and a speech by President Vladimir Putin.
It's no coincidence that military locations in Poland are an important channel for NATO weapons being sent to Ukraine to use in the war with Russia.
It is understood that the attack apparently happened when hackers transmitted a signal that triggered an emergency halt of trains near the city of Szczecin. Approximately 20 trains were forced to a standstill, however services were restored within a few hours.
Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) is investigation an unauthorised use of the system involved in rail traffic management. A senior security official provided a statement saying that they have been aware of attempts to destabilise the Polish state for some months now, stating that “Such attempts have been undertaken by the Russian Federation in conjunction with Belarus.”
Police have now arrested two Polish citizens suspected of illegally hacking into the national railway’s communications network, which disrupted traffic in the eastern city of Bialystok. Police also seized radio equipment from the home of the men detained.
In response to this attack, several Western countries have called for increased cybersecurity precautions, as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict unfolds and affects all of Europe.
This development in the conflict in Ukraine casts doubts over the cyber resilience of the entire rail industry. In particular, the prevalence of nation-state-sponsored hackers heightens the vulnerability of rail systems to malicious cyber attackers.
I-His: Industrial Cyber: Reuters: BBC: Security Week: Telegraph: Cyber Security Connect
You Might Also Read:
The Cybersecurity Threat To Railways:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
If you like this website and use the comprehensive 6,500-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.
- Individual £5 per month or £50 per year. Sign Up
- Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request
- Inquiries: Contact Cyber Security Intelligence
Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible
