Abstract Manager

The transportation sector is at the forefront of a digital revolution, witnessing transformations in both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) domains. Driven by the imperative to enhance safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, initiatives are underway to develop smart highways capable of monitoring traffic conditions and providing real-time information to drivers on weather reports, major events, incidents, speed limits, lane closures, and adaptive highway adjustments for increased capacity.

In Canada, where the implementation of Smart Roads is an emerging area, there is a pressing need to consider the cybersecurity implications associated with this infrastructure. As the development of Smart Roads gains momentum, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Cyber threats are evolving, and cybercriminals are exploiting vulnerabilities, turning cybercrime into a multi-faceted challenge encompassing political motives and financial gains.

Critical infrastructure, particularly in the realm of Smart Roads, has become a strategic target for state-sponsored attackers. Regulatory responses such as the NIS2 Directive and TSA Security Directives from the EU and NATO members underscore the urgency for Operators of Essential Services (OES) in Canada to fortify the resilience of their critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. Failure to implement appropriate cybersecurity measures not only exposes OES to financial penalties and reputational damage but also poses a potential risk to public safety.

OES are witnessing the convergence of IT and OT as a direct countermeasure to the escalating frequency of cyber-attacks. However, the complexity of this integrated ecosystem, exacerbated by inadequate risk mitigation strategies, may contribute to the increasing prevalence of attacks.

As Canada steps into this new frontier of Smart Roads, this presentation will serve as a pivotal platform to explore effective cybersecurity strategies and collaborative solutions. Egis will illuminate the discussion by sharing examples from international projects where cybersecurity mitigation measures have been successfully deployed.  We aim to delve into the challenges posed by an interconnected and dynamic cybersecurity environment, ensuring the secure evolution of Smart Roads in Canada.