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ISSN 2753-3239
CCC: 7
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RAILWAY TECHNOLOGY: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Edited by: J. Pombo
Paper 23.4

CyRail: Enhancing Cybersecurity in Railway Operational Technology Through an Innovative Software Assistant

R. Bolton1, D. Basher1, S. Parkinson2 and H. Parkinson1

1Digital Transit Limited, Lancaster, UK
2Institute of Railway Research, School of Computing and Engineering, University of Huddersfield, UK

Full Bibliographic Reference for this paper
R. Bolton, D. Basher, S. Parkinson, H. Parkinson, "CyRail: Enhancing Cybersecurity in Railway Operational Technology Through an Innovative Software Assistant", in J. Pombo, (Editor), "Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Railway Technology: Research, Development and Maintenance", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, Online volume: CCC 7, Paper 23.4, 2024, doi:10.4203/ccc.7.23.4
Keywords: cyber-security, operational technology, generative artificial intelligence, large language model, cyber-security management system, guideline compliance, retrieval augmented generation.

Abstract
The cybersecurity of operational technology continues to be a dominant challenge. New threats are evolving and there is a widespread skill shortage. This continues to put railway technology at significant risk. In response, the CyRail project is an innovative venture aimed at advancing cybersecurity in railway operational technology by overcoming skill shortages through the use of artificial intelligence. The project aims to create intelligent software that is tailored to the unique cybersecurity needs of the railway sector. This includes providing assistive technology capable of understanding and implementing cybersecurity standards by leveraging advanced natural language processing, particularly large language models. The CyRail methodology involves the application of existing cybersecurity frameworks and standards with the specific demands of railway operational technology, facilitated by a user-friendly interface and expert guidance provided by large language models. This approach has shown significant potential to improve the ease of navigating complex cybersecurity regulations and enhance threat detection and mitigation capabilities. The implications of CyRail for railway operational technology cybersecurity are profound. It represents a shift toward more accessible, proactive, and integrated cybersecurity management within the railway industry. This product could set a new standard in how cybersecurity is managed, promoting a safer and more secure future for railway operations.

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