As cities become more connected and reliant on IoT technologies, protecting traffic light systems from cyber threats is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient urban transportation networks.

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Traffic Light Cyber Attacks: Recent Examples and Research

Real-Life Example: Austin Traffic Light Hack (2020)

In March 2020, "The Watchmen" exposed vulnerabilities in Austin, Texas's traffic light system. By exploiting insecure wireless communications, the bad actor was able to manipulate the traffic lights, potentially causing traffic disruptions. This incident once again underscored the importance of securing traffic infrastructure against cyber threats.

Real-Life Example: Czech Republic Traffic Light Attack (2020)

In January 2020, the city of Olomouc in the Czech Republic experienced a cyber attack on its traffic light system. Hackers gained access to the control systems and altered the light sequences, leading to traffic congestion and increased risk of accidents. This attack demonstrated that even modern European cities are not immune to cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.

Research Study: “Attacking the Internet of Things: Traffic Light System Vulnerabilities” (2021)

A 2021 research study published in the Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy analysed the vulnerabilities of modern traffic light systems connected via the Internet of Things (IoT). The researchers identified several security flaws, including weak encryption and inadequate authentication protocols. They demonstrated how these weaknesses could be exploited to gain control over traffic lights and disrupt urban traffic flow.

Traffic Light Cyber Attack Awareness

These recent incidents in Austin and the Czech Republic highlight the ongoing threat to traffic light systems from cyber attacks, and research continues to reveal significant vulnerabilities in these critical infrastructures, emphasising the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

ANGOKA is dedicated to ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data to enhance operational outcomes.

Our expertise spans the entire transport sector, including ITS infrastructure, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), Connected Automated Mobility, Public Transport, and Logistics.

We have pioneered an innovative cybersecurity approach that secures all devices from attack and guarantees safe data delivery across any network. This method adheres to the Zero Trust principles of "Trust Nothing, Verify Everything" and aligns with NIS2 and Secure by Default standards. Read more about how ANGOKA helps with compliance here.

Through our unique and patented technology, we provide tamper-proof identities for devices including those used in mobility infrastructure, establishing trust within untrusted networks.

The solution

Threat and Risk Analysis (TARA): thoroughly examines use case(s), associated systems, and technologies. <INSERT LINK TO TARA WHEN SITE IS LIVE>

Outputs:

- A clear definition of prevailing threats and potential attack vectors

- An analysis of vulnerabilities exploitable through these attack vectors

- A thorough risk assessment of various cybersecurity threats and their impacts

- A prioritisation matrix of critical, high, and medium cybersecurity risks and threats

- A clearly defined list of recommendations for risk mitigation

- Guidance on cybersecurity and technological countermeasures and controls to mitigate identified risks and threats.

Machine Identity Management: addresses the issue of trust in connected devices and communications. <INSERT LINK TO MIM WHEN SITE IS LIVE>

Machine Identity: creates highly secure identities for devices based on multiple intrinsic characteristics.

Trusted Communications: enables devices to mutually authenticate without the need for a central authority.

Outputs:

- Highly secure machine identities, including a hardware root of trust

- Centralised configuration, management, monitoring, analytics, and reporting

- Full lifecycle management of machine identities

- Flexible deployment options supporting both legacy and modern digital infrastructures.

Conclusion

As urban areas become increasingly reliant on IoT technologies, safeguarding traffic light systems from cyber threats is essential for ensuring safe and efficient transportation. Recent incidents, such as the 2020 cyber attacks in Austin and the Czech Republic, highlight the vulnerabilities in traffic infrastructure. Research has identified flaws like weak encryption and poor authentication, emphasising the need for robust security measures.

ANGOKA brings significant value by addressing these critical vulnerabilities. Specialising in cybersecurity across the connected and autonomous mobility sector, Angoka implements innovative, Zero Trust solutions that secure devices and guarantee safe data transmission. By providing tamper-proof identities for devices and conducting thorough threat and risk analyses, Angoka helps to mitigate risks, protect infrastructure, and establish trust in untrusted networks. Our solutions offer comprehensive management of machine identities and secure communications, ensuring the integrity and resilience of modern urban transportation systems.

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