Joshua Steinman, a cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur, has highlighted the potential threat posed by cyberattacks on transportation systems to national security. In a Substack piece for RETURN, the tech publication of ALIGN Magazine, Steinman said that ports, railways, and space infrastructure are critical targets that could severely impact the United States during a crisis.
"Securing transportation infrastructure isn't merely economically prudent—it's an urgent national security imperative," said Steinman. "President Trump's second term provides a crucial opportunity to decisively address these vulnerabilities. Ports, railways, and space launch systems are not simply economic assets; they are strategic arteries our adversaries will target to incapacitate America's response capabilities during crises."
Steinman emphasized that foreign adversaries could cripple the U.S. economy by targeting essential infrastructure such as ports, railways, and space launch facilities. He cited past incidents like the 2017 NotPetya attack, which disrupted global shipping and incurred billions in costs, as evidence that these threats are not merely hypothetical.
According to Steinman, the use of Chinese-made cranes, sensors, and automation systems at U.S. ports presents an obvious security risk. He pointed out vulnerabilities in rail infrastructure where key safety systems like Positive Train Control (PTC) operate on wireless frequencies that can be easily exploited. Efforts by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to implement stricter regulations have faced opposition from the rail industry due to concerns over cost and prescriptiveness.
A 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found an increase in cybersecurity threats to rail systems as more operational technologies become internet-connected. Positive Train Control has been identified by cybersecurity experts as vulnerable because it uses the 220 MHz band and proprietary protocols. In 2021, researchers from Cylus and other firms demonstrated how attackers could potentially disrupt train operations by spoofing or intercepting PTC signals.
Steinman is currently serving as the co-founder and CEO of Galvanick, a company focused on securing industrial operations. He previously held positions including Senior Director for Cyber Policy and Deputy Assistant to the President at the National Security Council from 2017 to 2021. His background includes service as a U.S. Navy officer and academic credentials from the University of Chicago and Georgetown University.
