Cyber Assurance Services for Rail Operators

We help rail operators and owners understand their cyber exposure and make informed decisions with confidence. Our team evaluates the strength of your current protections, identifies gaps and vulnerabilities, and delivers practical, independent insights, aligned with standards such as IEC 62443, TS 50701, or your own organisational requirements.

Contact Us

Home > Services > Cyber Assurance Services for Rail Operators

Cybersecurity Assurance for Legacy Trains

For decades, trains ran on hardware and analogue controls or isolated onboard systems with no outside connections. That made them “secure by design.”

But times have changed. As fleets are modernised with real-time monitoring, passenger Wi-Fi, and remote diagnostics, those once-isolated systems are now connected to the outside world and that creates new vulnerabilities. The reality is that legacy fleets remain critical to daily operations, yet they were never built for today’s connected environment. As modern upgrades are introduced, their risk profile is transformed, exposing vulnerabilities that must be carefully managed.

At Encompass Engineering, we help operators uncover vulnerabilities in legacy fleets and build resilience into long-term operations.

Our services for legacy fleets include:

  • Risk assessment and analysis
  • Security architecture design
  • Security policy development
  • Vulnerability management
  • Security monitoring and incident response
  • Compliance and regulatory support

Contact Us

  • Security testing and assessment
  • Security awareness training
  • Vendor and supply chain security
  • Incident response planning & exercises
  • Security integration services

Cybersecurity Assurance for New Trains

New trains are equipped with highly connected digital systems. These technologies bring efficiency, insight, and new passenger services, but they also introduce new cyber risks.

Unlike legacy systems, modern trains are designed with security in mind, yet even the most advanced protections must be validated. The reality is that connected systems need to be secure by design, aligned with industry standards, and resilient against evolving threats throughout their operational life.

At Encompass Engineering, we help operators ensure that the built-in protections of new fleets are effective, robust, and future-ready, giving confidence that today’s investments will remain secure tomorrow.

Our services for new trains include:

  • Risk assessment and analysis
  • Security architecture design
  • Security policy development
  • Vulnerability management
  • Security monitoring and incident response
  • Compliance and regulatory support

Contact Us

  • Security testing and assessment
  • Security awareness training
  • Vendor and supply chain security
  • Incident response planning & exercises
  • Security integration services

Case Studies

Strengthening cybersecurity for a new train fleet

Faced with the challenge of balancing strong cyber defenses with operational efficiency, the fleet owner and operator needed expert support.

Encompass Engineering was brought in to assess risks, identify vulnerabilities and develop tailored strategies to strengthen the fleet’s cyber resilience.

Read more

Frequently asked questions

The UK rail industry must comply with the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations, overseen by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). These regulations require operators to manage cyber risks to critical infrastructure. Industry standards such as TS 50701 (railway applications – cybersecurity), IEC 62443 (industrial control systems). Meeting these requirements ensures compliance, protects passenger safety, and supports operational resilience.
Yes. Even when a train operates on what is considered a “closed” network, risks still exist. Maintenance connections, supplier access, and the integration of new digital systems can all create potential entry points for attackers. Experience shows that threats can move across supposedly isolated networks. Operators should regularly review their security and consult cyber assurance experts to ensure that hidden risks are identified and managed, thereby protecting operations from disruption and meeting regulatory obligations.
Not anymore. In rail, cybersecurity directly affects operational technology - the systems that keep trains moving safely and on time. A cyber incident can disrupt services, compromise safety, and damage public trust. It’s an operational risk, not just a technical one.
Start with the basics: are passwords strong and regularly updated? Are software patches applied consistently, even on older systems? Is third-party access properly controlled? If any of these raise doubts, your train may be more exposed than secure and a deeper assessment could be essential.

Related Articles

Read more about Cybersecurity in Rail: Why Assurance Matters for Modern and Legacy Fleets

Cybersecurity in Rail: Why Assurance Matters for Modern and Legacy Fleets

Today’s trains are no longer just mechanical machines; they are sophisticated digital platforms. From onboard control systems and passenger Wi-Fi, to CCTV and remote...

Read more
Read more about Cybersecurity Risks in Legacy Rail Fleets: Why Older Trains Still Matter

Cybersecurity Risks in Legacy Rail Fleets: Why Older Trains Still Matter

As rail operators and train owners invest in new fleets with advanced digital systems, it’s easy for attention to move away from legacy rolling...

Read more
Read more about Rail jargon buster

Rail jargon buster

Navigating the rail industry can often feel like deciphering a complex map full of technical terms and industry-specific jargon. This jargon buster covers a wide...

Read more

Want confidence in your fleet’s cyber resilience?

Find out how our team of specialist assurance engineers can help