Traditionally, legacy devices, detectors, and first-generation sensors operated in silos, or a closed loop network, disconnected from the internet. Today, our infrastructure’s traffic signals and lighting systems are rapidly evolving into connected Operational Technology (OT). As this digital transformation continues, the security of these systems becomes mission-critical. Unlike a consumer-oriented IT breach, a malfunction or hack in a traffic signal system can immediately escalate into a public safety crisis. While our teams don't write the security software or draft high-level policies, we spend a significant amount of time installing and maintaining the controllers, devices, and networking at the "last mile,” of a signalized intersection. One strategy we have found effective is to treat scheduled preventative maintenance visits as opportunities to document and mitigate OT cybersecurity risks. By integrating a simple security checklist into pre-planned visits, technicians can identify critical vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Here are our top five cybersecurity items that can be addressed as part of field maintenance:
