Irvine, CA – June 04, 2007 – Uniloc USA Inc., the technology leader in physical device recognition for protecting intellectual property, networks and personal data, today teamed with leading transportation industry technology provider, Econolite, to address transportation security concerns raised from breaches as a result of unprotected access to internal transportation control systems. Such breaches to today’s next-generation automotive and rail traffic network infrastructures are a greater possibility as technologies move from proprietary to more standardized network platforms. In an effort to strengthen access control, Econolite and Uniloc have co-developed guidelines to address threats that include unauthorized access to both wired and wireless networks.
Last year, the signal control system of a Traffic Center for a major US city, was compromised, affecting four busy intersections. The security breach took the city four days to get the traffic control system back online, and unveiled the possible consequences of such an event if introduced on a larger scale across any number of transportation control systems.
Like corporate enterprises, transportation networks are vulnerable to both internal and external threats and require Network Access Control (NAC) solutions that prevent unauthorized access to these sensitive networks which can result in potentially life-threatening situations. Unlike corporate enterprises, transportation networks have historically been rich with proprietary switching, software, hardware and management systems. In the past, the proprietary nature of transportation networks was enough to ensure security. Today, many of these systems have upgraded traffic control systems which leverage standardized technology platforms, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and system manipulation. With the growing possibility of both external and internal threats resulting from disgruntled employees or organizational infiltration, network security is of the highest priority with those managing the safekeeping of their networks.
Econolite, a leading transportation solution provider of advanced transportation management products, and security pioneer, Uniloc, have combined their experience in the transportation and security industries to release a set guidelines that elevate the state of protection for traffic management environments.
Locking Down the Transportation Network
Access to networks can occur through endpoints or by tapping into known wireless data streams. Therefore, organizations should move toward developing Best Practices which are customized for their environments. To begin this process of locking down the network, start with the following:
• Identify the network security team that will be responsible for the various network zones
• Identify network weaknesses by initiating a security audit
• Prioritize threats identified by the security audit and review IT/physical security solutions to address those threats
• Implement written procedures on managing access to transportation networks
• Select user authentication solutions that address computer-linked password access to prevent password abuse
Traditional security thinking has focused on physical site protection, personnel checks, and incident investigations, with a primary concern on physical asset protection cost containment. A central element to installing progressive security initiatives demands that one views the entire network as the full scope of concern. It is becoming trite to say that an organization is only as strong as its weakest link, but there is not a more accurate statement in the network security discussion.
Successfully securing the entire network entails building consensus within the organization and throughout departments. To maintain continuity, this ought to be a regular process where education, planning and drills become standard practices. Aside from improving security, this will also cultivate an internal mindset with an eye on organizational security. As this become part of company culture, this will be commonly recognized as an important central function of the organization.
About Econolite
In business since 1933, Econolite is a leading transportation solution provider and manufacturer of advanced traffic management products and systems, including advanced traffic controllers (NEMA and ATC/2070), Aries®, icons® and PYRAMIDS™ traffic management systems, Autoscope® video vehicle detection systems, arterial system masters, vehicle and pedestrian signals, traffic control cabinets, Data Collection and Management Services (DCMS), and a full line of transportation maintenance services. Econolite is committed to employing advanced technologies that reduce traveler time, ease congestion, enhance transit operations, provide safer mobility, and improve quality of life. http://www.econolite.com
About Uniloc USA
Uniloc USA is the technology leader in electronic physical device recognition for software copy control, entertainment product theft and network user authentication. Physical Device Fingerprinting is the method of uniquely identifying a user device, such as a PC, game console, smart phone or cell phone, by the naturally occurring, inherent physical imperfections of that device, and then incorporating that physical device fingerprint into licenses or access credentials. Uniloc’s technologies can identify devices with more comparable accuracy than human DNA. Uniloc is the inventor and holder of the seminal physical device locking patent (U.S. 5,490,216) and has 15 related patents pending. Uniloc has applied its physical device recognition technical expertise to several vertical markets, including software publishing, government network access control, online banking and trading, and DVD anti-theft. For more detailed information, please visit www.uniloc.com.
Uniloc, softANCHOR, netANCHOR and Optiloc and the Uniloc logo are trademarks of Uniloc USA Inc. All other brand and product names are, or may be trademarks of their respective owners.
