Launching Soon: Operational Technology Cybersecurity in Rail Course
As railway systems grow more connected and digitally complex, the need for robust cybersecurity has never been more urgent. In response to this evolving threat landscape, Digital Transit Limited is proud to launch a new, online, hybrid version of our industry-leading Rail Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security Course — based on the forthcoming IEC63452 standard.
Whether you’re a railway engineer, IT professional, safety manager, or regulator, this self-paced video course gives you the knowledge and tools to protect critical rail systems from cyber threats — on your own schedule.
Why Cybersecurity Matters in Rail Now More Than Ever
From ransomware to remote access exploits, the railway industry has seen an increase in cyber attacks that can compromise not just data, but physical safety. Just one example? The infamous WannaCry malware disrupted NHS systems — and had the potential to do far worse in rail settings. As DTL’s course shows, vulnerabilities like insecure USB ports, legacy systems, or poor zoning can expose networks to catastrophic risk.
A 2020 ENISA report revealed that only 33% of critical infrastructure operators had implemented recommended cyber defences. That’s a figure this course aims to change.
Learn the Standards. Understand the Risks. Build Resilience.
Our newly launched online course is built around the real-world challenges facing rail systems, and is aligned with the latest global standards, including:
IEC63452
CENELEC TS50701
IEC 62443 series
ISO 27001
Delivered through expert-led video content, this course gives you a deep yet accessible dive into the cybersecurity lifecycle — from initial risk assessment through system assurance and legacy system management.
What You’ll Learn
Each module walks you through a critical part of the rail cybersecurity picture, including:
Cybersecurity basics in the railway context
Types of attacks (real-world case studies like WannaCry and the Lodz tram incident)
Standards and compliance frameworks
High-level zone modeling and system architecture planning
Risk assessment and threat identification
Cybersecurity across the system lifecycle
Managing legacy systems, patches, and vulnerabilities
Building your cybersecurity case for system acceptance
And much more — all accessible through on-demand videos that you can watch at your own pace.
A Guided Learning Experience with Live Seminars
While the course is designed to be flexible and self-paced, learners will also benefit from a guided structure over a 6-week period.
Modules are released progressively each week, helping you stay on track and absorb the content more effectively.
You’ll be invited to attend 3 live online seminars during the course — these interactive group calls offer the chance to discuss key topics, ask questions, and explore real-world case studies with peers and instructors.
The course will be offered three times per year, allowing for multiple opportunities to join a cohort and take advantage of the live components.
Why Choose This Format?
- 100% Online & On-Demand – No travel, no time constraints
- Watch Anytime – Learn at your own pace, from anywhere
- Clear, Practical Videos – Led by real rail cybersecurity experts
- Based on Real Standards – Aligns with IEC63452, TS50701 & more
- Industry-Ready Skills – Apply what you learn immediately
Who Is It For?
This course is specifically designed for:
Railway Managers & Decision Makers
Safety and Cybersecurity Professionals
System Integrators and OEMs
IT & OT Engineers
Inspectors and Compliance Officers
No prior cybersecurity experience is needed — we start with the fundamentals and build toward more advanced risk management and compliance strategies.
Your Expert Guide: Dr Howard Parkinson
Led by Dr Howard Parkinson, a chartered engineer and cybersecurity expert in the rail domain, as well as a member of the IEC 63452 standard development committee, the course is grounded in both academic insight and operational realism. Howard’s extensive experience ensures the content isn’t just theoretical — it’s rooted in the practical challenges rail professionals face every day.
💬 What Past Learners Are Saying
“The practical examples helped make the content real and relevant.”
“I now have a better understanding of the standards and their real-world application.”
“Tailoring the course to railway application was very beneficial.”
“Breadth of the cyber standards space was impressive.”
“Each module addressing a stage of the lifecycle made it easy to follow.”
“The experience and examples provided by the trainers in the interactive sessions were invaluable.”
“Everything — from the structure to the case study — was useful.”
Course Launch Coming Soon
We’re excited to bring you this new, fully online, video-based Rail OT Cybersecurity course — designed to make learning accessible, flexible, and relevant for today’s railway professionals.
🗓 Launch Date: To Be Announced Soon
💻 Access: On-Demand, 24/7
📩 Stay Informed: Register your interest at info@digitaltransit.co.uk to be the first to hear when enrolment opens or alternatively subscribe to our newsletter bellow to receive launch date.
This is your opportunity to level up your cybersecurity knowledge, aligned with the latest standards — all on your own schedule.
📢 Also Check Out: Our previous blog on CyRail to learn more about our AI-powered rail cybersecurity platform — launching soon! Combined with this training, it will strengthen your organization’s ability to safeguard critical systems from evolving threats.
