Advanced technologies are improving the safety and productivity of Australia’s railways, but they’re also increasing networks’ vulnerability to cyber-attacks. The NTC is working with industry to grow the skills needed to keep rail systems safe.
The Internet of Things and artificial intelligence’s ability to collect, share and analyse data is helping to streamline rail operations, allowing operators to make better decisions and maximise the benefits of 21st century technologies.
While this high-level connectivity brings benefits, it puts organisations at greater risk of hackers, malware and data theft.
Rail operators, infrastructure managers and organisations across the rail supply chain have made cybersecurity a priority as they introduce digital technologies to improve operations.
Demand for cybersecurity skills is expected to grow faster than the supply of workers as the digitisation of the sector increases at pace.
The National Transport Commission (NTC), through its National Rail Action Plan (NRAP), is working with industry and the education sector to address this skills gap.
NTC Executive Leader, Facilitated Reform, Sandra McKay said cybersecurity will be a key element of NRAP’s future rail skills framework.
“The framework is part of our commitment to ensuring rail has the skills to build, run and maintain $155 billion of investment scheduled over the next 10 to 15 years to expand and modernise Australia’s rail networks,” she said.
“Early consultation in the framework’s development shows that cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand skills areas across all elements of rail.
“There is a global shortage of four million cybersecurity workers, so we’re not going to be able to buy in this talent. We need to grow our own.”
The NTC is working with industry and the education and skills sector on a national approach to building Australia’s cyber abilities. This starts with identifying skills that are common to multiple networks.
“We are focused on creating a pool of workers experienced and trained in cybersecurity whose skills are recognised across Australia, allowing them to move more easily between jurisdictions and projects to meet demand,” McKay said.
Common skills identified during the initial research and consultation process include:
an understanding of cybersecurity principles;
knowledge of encryption techniques to secure data transmissions;
expertise in securing network systems;
familiarity with IT security and data privacy laws and regulations, to ensure technology is implemented according to the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board’s (RISSB) standard and guidelines and relevant privacy laws;
the ability to respond effectively to cybersecurity breaches and to detect unauthorised intrusions or hacking attempts; and
the ability to conduct cyber awareness programs and training for staff to promote the secure use of digital train control technology.
The need for rail-specific training in basic cybersafe practices is also growing as more rail workers use network-connected computers in their day-to-day tasks.
The Future Digital Skills in Rail report developed for the NTC by Deloitte suggests that cybersecurity will form a critical element across all digital competencies in the future.
In the meantime, the NTC’s Digital Rail Champions pilot program is helping to identify the specific digital competencies that rail needs. The program offers courses across five streams of learning, including cybersecurity. It includes free courseware and access to trainers.
Learnings from the pilot will be used to develop foundation level training that is recognised nationally.
Queensland Rail is one of the program’s early adopters, as part of its efforts to enhance training and upskilling to prepare its workforce for the future. Queensland Rail Pillar Lead, Build the Future Workforce, Philippa Johnston explained in greater detail.
“We’re committed to investing in our people, to ensure they are equipped to meet the future needs of our customers and our organisation,” Johnston said.
“This includes a focus on important areas such as digital security, and continuously educating our people about their role in building cyber resilience, at work and at home.
“Through opportunities like this pilot, we aim to empower our people to be ready for the jobs of the future, as we work towards becoming a digital railway.”
For more information about NRAP’s future skills program visit the National Rail Skills Hub.
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