FREIGHT RAIL SECURITY KEY FACTS
- Cybersecurity teams protect systems with NIST-based defenses, 24/7 monitoring, and drills.
- All railroads have their own dedicated police forces.
- Railroads partner with the FBI, DHS, TSA and more.
Freight railroads operate one of the world’s most advanced and interconnected transportation networks. They integrate extensive physical infrastructure with a sophisticated digital system for dispatching, logistics, and performance. To maintain safe and resilient operations, railroads safeguard both their physical and digital assets. They do so by investing in surveillance, intrusion detection, and fortified infrastructure. Additionally, they enhance cybersecurity through threat monitoring, defense frameworks, and public-private partnerships.
Cybersecurity
Freight railroads began coordinating their cybersecurity efforts in 1999, long before many sectors acknowledged the threat. In the aftermath of 9/11, the industry conducted a comprehensive risk assessment across operations, infrastructure, hazardous material shipments, military cargo, and communication systems. This proactive initiative established the foundation. It built a cybersecurity strategy that continues to evolve and adapt to emerging threats.
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The Rail Information Security Committee (RISC)
RISC is the industry’s central forum for cybersecurity leadership. Formed in 1999, RISC consists of chief information security officers and cyber leads from the major freight railroads, as well as Amtrak. It is supported by AAR security staff. RISC coordinates efforts and shares information on threats, effective measures, and actions to mitigate risks.
The Committee consistently communicates and collaborates with federal partners. These include the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), TSA, and the FBI. Working with these agencies, RISC shares threat intelligence, coordinates defense strategies, and responds to emerging cyber risks.
Cybersecurity Framework & Strategy
Freight railroads follow a cybersecurity strategy. It is built on the guidelines and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This flexible, proven framework helps railroads:
- Identify and assess cyber risks;
- Protect digital assets and operational systems; and
- Detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents.
Railroads regularly work with third-party cybersecurity experts. They benchmark their programs against the NIST framework, including a biannual, industry-wide exercise. Internal audits and simulations further strengthen preparedness.
Dedicated Cybersecurity Teams
Each major freight railroad maintains a dedicated cybersecurity team, led by senior leadership in information security, including CISOs and their senior team leads. These teams oversee vulnerability management, threat detection and response, cyber risk assessment, and secure system architecture. They also run tabletop exercises and penetration tests to prepare for potential incidents and refine response plans.
Cyber Awareness & Training
Cybersecurity is embedded in the culture of freight rail. Employees receive regular training on secure data handling, recognizing phishing attempts, and reporting potential cyber threats. Railroads run cybersecurity awareness campaigns year-round, including simulated phishing tests incorporating the latest tactics used by malicious cyber actors. Cybersecurity liaisons within business units ensure cyber resilience is integrated into daily practices.
Physical Security
In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, freight railroads cooperatively developed the Rail Security Management Plan. This comprehensive blueprint of security enhancements and risk mitigation strategies was implemented in 2002. The industry regularly updates the plan. They partner with federal agencies and intelligence experts to stay ahead of evolving threats.
More than 130 North American railroads, including all major freight carriers operating in high-threat urban areas, have integrated the plan into their operations. A unified, intelligence-driven alert system outlines several threat levels. These levels trigger escalating protective measures across both physical and cyber domains.
Safeguarding Against Cargo Theft
Since the COVID pandemic, freight carriers across all sectors have seen an increase in targeted cargo theft. Railroads have responded to these sophisticated criminal operations by bolstering their security efforts across the national rail network.
Railroads take extensive physical measures. They dedicate millions of dollars towards deterrence of rail cargo theft. These comprehensive security efforts include actions like installing cut-resistant fencing, enhancing patrols, and leveraging technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and license plate identification.
Rail police and security personnel also implement operational best practices daily to actively deter & respond to crime targeting railroad operations. Solving the cargo theft issue in the United States is complex. It requires more than enacting best practices in rail environments. Ultimately ending these organized criminal operations demands law enforcement action and prosecution, something the railroads cannot do alone.
Railroad Police
Railroad police go beyond traditional law enforcement. They safeguard critical infrastructure, cargo, employees, and communities while responding to threats ranging from everyday crimes to national security risks. Their expertise and reach make them essential to keeping freight moving safely. Consequently, they help to ensure America’s supply chains remain secure and fluid.
Security Exercises & Emergency Preparedness
Each year, freight railroads participate in the North American Railroad Industry Joint Security Exercise. This collaborative drill is designed to test the Rail Security Management Plan, evaluate preparedness, and implement lessons learned.
Participants include security and operations personnel from U.S. and Canadian freight and passenger railroads, industry IT leaders, and officials from the TSA, DHS, and the FBI. Individual railroads also run internal initiatives. Such actions raise employee awareness and train emergency responders in the communities they serve.
Working Committees & Information Sharing
The Rail Security Working Committee (RSWC) brings together senior executives, police chiefs, and security staff from freight railroads, Amtrak, short lines, and commuter carriers. This group manages annual security reviews, conducts exercises, and collaborates with key government partners.
Employee Vigilance
Security starts with informed, alert personnel. Most rail employees receive security training during onboarding, followed by regular refresher sessions. This training focuses on identifying and reporting suspicious activity. Thanks to their vigilance, employees are responsible for the majority of threat reports in and around rail facilities. This provides critical intelligence that supports coordinated responses with the TSA, FBI, Transport Canada, and other partners.