How Pro-Russian Hackers Sabotaged Polish Trains for $20

In recent months, there have been a number of high-profile cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Poland. In one incident, pro-Russian hackers used a cheap walkie-talkie to activate the emergency brakes on a train, bringing it to a standstill. This attack highlights the need for organizations to take cybersecurity seriously, even if they are not considered to be high-value targets.
How the Attack Worked
The hackers used a device called a "radio stop" to activate the emergency brakes on the train. Radio stop is a publicly available feature of the Polish train signaling system. It allows anyone with a basic walkie-talkie to send a signal that will cause the brakes to be applied. The signal consists of three tones that are transmitted on specific frequencies. The frequencies are publicly known, so anyone can easily find them.
The Impact of the Attack
The attack caused significant disruption to the train network. The train that was brought to a standstill was carrying passengers, and some of them were injured. The attack also caused delays to other trains, and it disrupted the transportation of goods.
The Investigation
The Polish authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the attack. The suspects are both Polish citizens aged 24 and 29. They are accused of being pro-Russian hackers. The authorities are still investigating the attack, and they are working to determine the full extent of the damage.
The Lessons Learned
This attack highlights the need for organizations to take cybersecurity seriously, even if they are not considered to be high-value targets. The hackers in this case were able to carry out a successful attack using a cheap and readily available device. This shows that any organization can be vulnerable to cyberattack.
How to Protect Yourself
There are a number of things that organizations can do to protect themselves from cyberattacks. These include:
The attack on the Polish train network is a reminder that no organization is immune to cyberattack. By taking the necessary precautions, organizations can help to protect themselves from these threats. To learn more about cybersecurity and how to protect your organization, please visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter.